Many sources dedicated to transformative objects and interior spaces focused solely on the documentation and illustration of an individual project. Little research provided an interpretative perspective on the development of the transformative interior that spans time and cross-cultural boundaries. This thesis is a theoretical study establishing design vocabularies that identif y transformative qualities of interior practices derived from contemporary examples within a historical continuum. Based on the theoretical, methodological, and philosophical approach established by Jan Jennings and George Kubler's premise, Shape of Time, this study contributes to a continuing body of research known as the Intypes (Interior Archetypes) Research and Teaching Project at Cornell University. The framework is based on typology, investigating the reoccurren ce of metamorphic qualities in design practice. The Transformative Interior Intypes will be published both in print and online at intypes.cornell.edu, and will serve as a pedagogical tool for design educators and students in learning contemporary design history. Interior Archetypes, also known as Intypes, were developed by characterizing photographic examples collected from prominent architectural and interior design journals as well as relevant secondary sources. Four In types were identified, each with distinctive transformative quality and a collection of precedent design influences and technological advancements. Transformative Intypes involving manual motions were interpreted by the hardware action i required to cause the transformation, such as Fold and Pivot. For the electrically transformative Intypes, Chameleon and Pulsate, spatial effects and psychological implications were characterized. The analysis and findings were substantiated by detailed graphic analysis on the basis of data gathered through primary and secondary sources. Furthermore, the linear organization of photographic examples of interiors in a timeline format was produced to communicate visual representation of reiterative practices. Illustrations visually represent the evolution and variations within each Intype. In conclusion, the overall interpretation of contemporary Transformative Interiors summarizes concepts developed in this thesis and provides a paradigm for future assessment. ii