There are currently few detailed and educationally focussed texts on the subject of interior architecture. The new Basics Interior Architecture series helps to fill this gap, and will expand students' knowledge of interior design/interior architecture and give an insight into some of the principles and methods of professional interior architects. The second in this series, Context & Environment examines the ways in which elements based both inside and outside of the host building can influence and effect the interior space. The book proposes a method of interpretation, evaluation and utilisation of physical factors, such as light and orientation, the contextual issues of the urban form and the subject of sustainability, and their influences on the design of the interior and the remodolling of existing buildings.

Sally Stone is the director of the College of Continuity in Architecture at the Manchester School of Architecture. Graeme Brooker is the chairman of the UK organisation, Interior Educators (IE).