Reflection of Thursday's lecture.
The concept of visual literacy has been a major area of interest for me as a designer. Reading symbols and understanding their meanings play a vital role in what our profession is about. I approach design with a reflection of the client's self. This self image usually has a symbol attached to it. I focus in on reading these visual clues and then deconstruct them into the elements necessary to create my design solution. The concepts describe, analyze, interpret, evaluate and act should be natural parts of the design process. Symbols were originally used to speak to the populations when most were unable to read written words. They could however read the images and symbols. These images described things in detail. Can we as designers truly understand the rich histories our world if we deny ourselves the language of visual literacy?
Another topic in today's lecture was the issue of place having meaning. The thought that space not having meaning never occurred to me, but the thought that space had meaning only because someone adds meaning to it also never occurred to me before. Spaces are defined by what occurs within them, and places are defined or are given meaning by the actions or values people put upon them. I wish to do more research on this topic. Hopefully, I will find it enlightening.
One last topic discussed in class today was the concept of evidence based design. Evidence based design uses research to justify the final design solution. This approach is done often in health care facilities, hotels, prisons, etc. Some feel that evidence based design allows for a solid solution to be developed. Others feel that evidence based design takes one possible proven solution and then applies it to similar but different applications. This in turns create 'cookie cutter' designs that then fail to truly meet the end-users specific needs. I feel evidence based design has a place within our profession. It allows us to create specific solutions to specific problems. However, we must never allow one solution to be viewed as the only solution. We must view every design as it is intended, unique and original.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Licensing of Interior Designers
Do interior designers need to be licensed?
Many are arguing on this very issue as i sit here and type this. My question is why not license them? Interior designers are responsible for the life, welfare and safety of many individuals with every design choice he or she makes. Interior designers are to be qualified by education, experience and examination to design interiors that meet fire - life-safety codes, Americans with Disabilities Act regulations for public buildings, understand flame spread, smoke reduction, traffic circulation, along with many other technical skills. Would you want a person not licensed doing this work for you?
One thing to consider in this argument, is that many designers are seen as decorators, and society seems decorators as something cosmetic and not an integral part of the system like design. I have to say I tilt my hat to really good decorators. I commend them for the services that they do provide. I do not view them as a threat only potential allies later down the road.
Decorators are not designers and hopefully they will stop claiming to offer design services. They only need to be educate along with the legislators and other officials that regulate the practice of interior design.
Education is the key for interior design to make its mark on the world. I say this with thought that through education, we can teach the future generations what it is we truly do. Teach the public we are a profession like any other. Let us unite as one voice and educate everyone. This is the only way to see a change develop. We need to show that design is not HGTV, Trading Spaces etc, by speaking out and up for ourselves. Let us print articles, provide public service announcements, etc. We can be a powerful voice and as such we need to make sure to be heard.
As for as the answer to the original question. Yes interior designers need to be licensed because our profession is like any other that offers public services that could have a direct impact on their lives. We have an obligation to the public, and the government has an obligation to ensure we meet that obligation.
Many are arguing on this very issue as i sit here and type this. My question is why not license them? Interior designers are responsible for the life, welfare and safety of many individuals with every design choice he or she makes. Interior designers are to be qualified by education, experience and examination to design interiors that meet fire - life-safety codes, Americans with Disabilities Act regulations for public buildings, understand flame spread, smoke reduction, traffic circulation, along with many other technical skills. Would you want a person not licensed doing this work for you?
One thing to consider in this argument, is that many designers are seen as decorators, and society seems decorators as something cosmetic and not an integral part of the system like design. I have to say I tilt my hat to really good decorators. I commend them for the services that they do provide. I do not view them as a threat only potential allies later down the road.
Decorators are not designers and hopefully they will stop claiming to offer design services. They only need to be educate along with the legislators and other officials that regulate the practice of interior design.
Education is the key for interior design to make its mark on the world. I say this with thought that through education, we can teach the future generations what it is we truly do. Teach the public we are a profession like any other. Let us unite as one voice and educate everyone. This is the only way to see a change develop. We need to show that design is not HGTV, Trading Spaces etc, by speaking out and up for ourselves. Let us print articles, provide public service announcements, etc. We can be a powerful voice and as such we need to make sure to be heard.
As for as the answer to the original question. Yes interior designers need to be licensed because our profession is like any other that offers public services that could have a direct impact on their lives. We have an obligation to the public, and the government has an obligation to ensure we meet that obligation.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
IDEC Southeast Regional Conference.
The IDEC Southeast Regional Conference was an amazing experience. The conference provided me with a clearer understanding as to the need and importance of interior design education. It was amazing to see so many people together in one place with such a common goal as the bettering of the interior design profession through education.
A lot of educators at this conference were discussing ways to evolve the Master's Degree into a Master of Interior Design (MID) degree. Those supporting the degree feel it could clarify the interior design degree and erase the confusion of a MS, MA, or the MFA in interior design. I am not certain I agree with such an offer mainly because it seems we are titling the degree to the profession and that profession is still looking to define itself.
Being a graduate student at this conference was mind blowing. Every school represented at the conference were looking for new hires for the Fall 2008 year. The graduate students getting their MFA or PhD, were the stars of the show. Major universities and schools across the Southeast and other parts of the country like Minnesota.
VA Tech's campus was impressive. The design studios were located in a new facility and were quite impressive. The students remained at one desk and the instructors came to them. This layout allowed for a lot more personalization of space by the students. It look to have a positive effect on the students.
This was a great networking experience and has revitalized my interests in becoming an interior design educator.
A lot of educators at this conference were discussing ways to evolve the Master's Degree into a Master of Interior Design (MID) degree. Those supporting the degree feel it could clarify the interior design degree and erase the confusion of a MS, MA, or the MFA in interior design. I am not certain I agree with such an offer mainly because it seems we are titling the degree to the profession and that profession is still looking to define itself.
Being a graduate student at this conference was mind blowing. Every school represented at the conference were looking for new hires for the Fall 2008 year. The graduate students getting their MFA or PhD, were the stars of the show. Major universities and schools across the Southeast and other parts of the country like Minnesota.
VA Tech's campus was impressive. The design studios were located in a new facility and were quite impressive. The students remained at one desk and the instructors came to them. This layout allowed for a lot more personalization of space by the students. It look to have a positive effect on the students.
This was a great networking experience and has revitalized my interests in becoming an interior design educator.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Newsbrief #4 A New Millennium and feng shui
Feng shui?
Wind and Water according to the author - "can be defined as a melange of art and science which governs design issues of architecture and planning, embracing a wide range of disciplines of human interest."
"The principal concept of feng shui is to create an order in life and the built environment which is in sympathy with the supposed order of the cosmic currents running the universe. the resulting harmony allegedly brings human well-being, besides visibly fulfilling an ancient symbolism."
The Western architectural tradition (Since the Renaissance) involves a system of proportion dedicated to visual harmony while in East Asia the architecture is designed to create harmony by the applications of "symbolically auspicious directions" based off the yin/yang, five elements and eight trigrams.
The new popularity of feng shui could be nothing more than a naive taste for the exotic, which could be from the worlds distrust of science and technology, a development of new spirituality, or profound sense that the Far East with its principles are superior to the Western form of thinking.
The author concludes by stating the study of feng shui should be studied in Western architecture to provide a pragmatic tool to understand Eastern Asian architecture and design. However, if one wishes to truly practice it, then the belief structure for feng shui must be understood to receive its full effect on architecture and design.
Why is this worthy to discuss?
We often view our way (the Western way) of thinking as the best or sometimes only way to approach design. The author here points out that feng shui utilizes more than just design elements and principles, but also incorporates a spirituality and belief system that harmonizes the space with nature. Feng shui's popularity can be noticed within the design community, as more and more individuals are seeking a way of harmonizing their lives with nature, each other and the communities that they are a part of. Many may view this as an alternative to the classic Western form of design which utilizes the Ancient Greek and Roman methods of proportions. Design and architecture must be willing to adapt and grow and explore other cultures if it wished to maintain newness, creativity, and even a piece of spirituality.
Wind and Water according to the author - "can be defined as a melange of art and science which governs design issues of architecture and planning, embracing a wide range of disciplines of human interest."
"The principal concept of feng shui is to create an order in life and the built environment which is in sympathy with the supposed order of the cosmic currents running the universe. the resulting harmony allegedly brings human well-being, besides visibly fulfilling an ancient symbolism."
The Western architectural tradition (Since the Renaissance) involves a system of proportion dedicated to visual harmony while in East Asia the architecture is designed to create harmony by the applications of "symbolically auspicious directions" based off the yin/yang, five elements and eight trigrams.
The new popularity of feng shui could be nothing more than a naive taste for the exotic, which could be from the worlds distrust of science and technology, a development of new spirituality, or profound sense that the Far East with its principles are superior to the Western form of thinking.
The author concludes by stating the study of feng shui should be studied in Western architecture to provide a pragmatic tool to understand Eastern Asian architecture and design. However, if one wishes to truly practice it, then the belief structure for feng shui must be understood to receive its full effect on architecture and design.
Why is this worthy to discuss?
We often view our way (the Western way) of thinking as the best or sometimes only way to approach design. The author here points out that feng shui utilizes more than just design elements and principles, but also incorporates a spirituality and belief system that harmonizes the space with nature. Feng shui's popularity can be noticed within the design community, as more and more individuals are seeking a way of harmonizing their lives with nature, each other and the communities that they are a part of. Many may view this as an alternative to the classic Western form of design which utilizes the Ancient Greek and Roman methods of proportions. Design and architecture must be willing to adapt and grow and explore other cultures if it wished to maintain newness, creativity, and even a piece of spirituality.
Why is this important to me?
This article sparked an interest within me about the new popularity of feng shui within the interio design community, at least about 5 years ago anyway. I remember clients asking me if i knew feng shui, being asked to study it in China for a summer, and reading about it in articles and books. I wanted to know everything I could about this method of design. Once I became a little more knowledgeable about feng shui; it started making more sence as to why this was popular. Having the Western principle of harmony (the golden mean) to go by, I realized that the methods were a little different but the end results were similar. So for me, feng shui is another view and set of principles to filter a design problem through to create an amazing design solution. It really comes back to what is good design. Harmony with nature and the interior environment is just good design. I am not saying I do not value feng shui and its spiritual meaning. Should we as designers not arm ourselves with all the principles, and elements of design that are available to us? Would knowing the principles of feng shui help make us better designers? All I ask is that we think about it and see what we can learn from others even though they are different.
Author: Alfred B. Hwangbo
Journal : The Journal of Architecture 4:2, 191-198 printed 1999
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Newsbrief # 3 Individual differences in employee reactions to open - plan offices
"This study examined the independent and joint influences of stimulus screening, inhibitory ability, perceived privacy and task complexity on the satisfaction and performance of employees working in open-plan offices."
"The goal of this study was to identify the moderating effects of inhibitory ability, stimulus screening, perceived privacy, and task complexity on the satisfaction and performance of employees working in open-plan work environments."
This studies work found inconsistencies in their results of job satisfaction relevance to the inhibitory ability, stimulus screening, perceived privacy and task complexity evaluators. the basic results were as followed (based on my interpretations of the findings, which is like reading advanced statics). Seems that individuals that have a hard time concentrating against outside stimulus, like the distractions occurring in open-plan offices, found their jobs less satisfying. The study showed that sound distractions could be worse than visual ones to these individuals with limited stimulus screening abilities. Basically stating that employees react negatively to open-plan office environments.
"In conclusion, this study has identified the importance of employee perceptions, task characteristics, and the ability to inhibit distractions in enabling an individual to cope with the overstimulation inherit to the open-plan workplace. Inhibitory processes are acknowledged as playing a fundamental role in an individual's ability to effectively function in their environment, and appear to influence employee' affective response to their workplace."
Why is this important?
The open-plan office has been one of many studies since its development and incorporation into the American workplace in the 1970's. It started as a way to fit as many people into one large space as possible, spending as little as possible. Then people noticed that productivity was going down. Well the open-plan "systems furniture manufacturers started spending money on how to improve their products to increase productivity. This research, biased of course, sought ways to provide subtle changes of neutral color palettes, "acoustical" privacy panels, and other added features. Did anyone ever think of finding another alternative? Of course, but then the large furniture manufacturers would push that research side to continue selling their products that increases the number of people in a space, while minimizing costs of operations. We need more research on the true costs these open-plan offices really cost when factoring in human and even ecological factors.
Why is this important to me?
Two of my former jobs were office furniture dealerships (Steelcase, Knoll / Kimball). My job was to layout the systems furniture for the client. I was always butting heads with sales people, and clients due to some issues involving stupid things life life safety codes and ADA (being sarcastic here). I was always having to step forward with questions about the users' choices. It was to the point that I was just another arm of the machine that placed people in these rows and rows of boring, dreaded cubicles. The problem was I had other answers, and could use the systems furniture to produce designs that would work for the users. Yet, the might dollar and the one paying always had final say. Great design for offices will never happen as long as the purse string is carried only by a select few. That is my two cents on the matter.
Spend it wisely.
Author(s): Alena Maher and Courtney von Hippel, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Article Title:Individual Differences in Employee Reactions to Open-Plan Offices
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Publication: Journal of Environmental Psychology
Publication Type: Refereed Journal
Date of Publication: 2005
ISSN: 0272-4944
Volume: 25
Issue: 5
Pages: 219-229
"The goal of this study was to identify the moderating effects of inhibitory ability, stimulus screening, perceived privacy, and task complexity on the satisfaction and performance of employees working in open-plan work environments."
This studies work found inconsistencies in their results of job satisfaction relevance to the inhibitory ability, stimulus screening, perceived privacy and task complexity evaluators. the basic results were as followed (based on my interpretations of the findings, which is like reading advanced statics). Seems that individuals that have a hard time concentrating against outside stimulus, like the distractions occurring in open-plan offices, found their jobs less satisfying. The study showed that sound distractions could be worse than visual ones to these individuals with limited stimulus screening abilities. Basically stating that employees react negatively to open-plan office environments.
"In conclusion, this study has identified the importance of employee perceptions, task characteristics, and the ability to inhibit distractions in enabling an individual to cope with the overstimulation inherit to the open-plan workplace. Inhibitory processes are acknowledged as playing a fundamental role in an individual's ability to effectively function in their environment, and appear to influence employee' affective response to their workplace."
Why is this important?
The open-plan office has been one of many studies since its development and incorporation into the American workplace in the 1970's. It started as a way to fit as many people into one large space as possible, spending as little as possible. Then people noticed that productivity was going down. Well the open-plan "systems furniture manufacturers started spending money on how to improve their products to increase productivity. This research, biased of course, sought ways to provide subtle changes of neutral color palettes, "acoustical" privacy panels, and other added features. Did anyone ever think of finding another alternative? Of course, but then the large furniture manufacturers would push that research side to continue selling their products that increases the number of people in a space, while minimizing costs of operations. We need more research on the true costs these open-plan offices really cost when factoring in human and even ecological factors.
Why is this important to me?
Two of my former jobs were office furniture dealerships (Steelcase, Knoll / Kimball). My job was to layout the systems furniture for the client. I was always butting heads with sales people, and clients due to some issues involving stupid things life life safety codes and ADA (being sarcastic here). I was always having to step forward with questions about the users' choices. It was to the point that I was just another arm of the machine that placed people in these rows and rows of boring, dreaded cubicles. The problem was I had other answers, and could use the systems furniture to produce designs that would work for the users. Yet, the might dollar and the one paying always had final say. Great design for offices will never happen as long as the purse string is carried only by a select few. That is my two cents on the matter.
Spend it wisely.
Author(s): Alena Maher and Courtney von Hippel, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
Article Title:Individual Differences in Employee Reactions to Open-Plan Offices
Publisher: Elsevier Science
Publication: Journal of Environmental Psychology
Publication Type: Refereed Journal
Date of Publication: 2005
ISSN: 0272-4944
Volume: 25
Issue: 5
Pages: 219-229
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Newsbrief # 2: Age-Related Changes in the Social, Psychological, and Temporal Influences on Food Intake in Free-Living, Healty, Adult Humans
"There does not appear to be a decline with age in the ability of non physiological factors to influence the nutrient intakes of the elderly, but they may not have as great an influence due to lower absolute levels. This suggests that the deficient intakes in the elderly might be corrected or ameliorated by manipulation of non psychological factors, such as the number of other people present at meals, the palatability of meals, and the time of day and the location of meals."
This article discussed how the elderly community compared to younger adults in regards to food intake. There was prove given that elderly have a more suppressed appetite than the younger adults. This suppression causes many elderly to become malnutritioned and developed health issues. The author studied how non psychological factors could be used to increase the intake of food amount the elderly group. His study compared 762 broken down into four age groups for 7 days of dietary eating habits. The results showed that the elderly were as responsive to social facilitation, palatability, cognitive restraint, time of day, day of week, and location. The author discussed how hunger could be a psychological as well as a physiological feeling. He then discussed how environmental stimuli could increase the intake among the elderly. He claims that the elderly could be more enticed to frequent restaurants with music in the back ground, and will do so earlier in the day than the younger adults.
What is the relevance of this topic:
We as designers will be facing a rise in the population that will be meeting the elderly age group. Their health is vital to us in many ways. Simple one would be basic caring for their livelyhood. Yet other major thoughts would be in terms of prevention of medical problems and stopping malnutrition of the elderly which could cause major medical problems for the elderly. Designers carry a huge responsibility for designing resturants (fine dining or even fast food), community dining facilities, etc, that would stimulate the appitties of the eldely. This author provided clues to what designers need to do to engage and interact the elderly in a dining experience.
We, as designers, can make our dining environment designs promote group dining, good lighting, pleasent conversation with the proper accustical control, comformt, and stimulation of the senses in ways that provide the needed motivation of elderly individuals to want to eat. If we have control over the non psycholoigal parts of the dining experience, then we need to know how to properly design for this aging community.
How I feel about it:
This topic is one that designers will face as the population is aging. If we are to truly provide better quality of life for these individuals, then we must think of preventive measures to health concerns and not wait until problems have developed. Since nutritional issues are concerns with the elderly, can we not take a proactive approach and design dining facilities that encourage and promote food consumption for the elderly and others? I think it sould be viewed as a part of good logical design that is inclusive of all individuals.
Article: Age-Related Changes in the Social, Psychological, and Temporal Influences on Food Intake in Free-Living, Healthy, Adult Humans
Author: John M. de Castro
Publication: The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 57:M368-M377 (2002).
This article discussed how the elderly community compared to younger adults in regards to food intake. There was prove given that elderly have a more suppressed appetite than the younger adults. This suppression causes many elderly to become malnutritioned and developed health issues. The author studied how non psychological factors could be used to increase the intake of food amount the elderly group. His study compared 762 broken down into four age groups for 7 days of dietary eating habits. The results showed that the elderly were as responsive to social facilitation, palatability, cognitive restraint, time of day, day of week, and location. The author discussed how hunger could be a psychological as well as a physiological feeling. He then discussed how environmental stimuli could increase the intake among the elderly. He claims that the elderly could be more enticed to frequent restaurants with music in the back ground, and will do so earlier in the day than the younger adults.
What is the relevance of this topic:
We as designers will be facing a rise in the population that will be meeting the elderly age group. Their health is vital to us in many ways. Simple one would be basic caring for their livelyhood. Yet other major thoughts would be in terms of prevention of medical problems and stopping malnutrition of the elderly which could cause major medical problems for the elderly. Designers carry a huge responsibility for designing resturants (fine dining or even fast food), community dining facilities, etc, that would stimulate the appitties of the eldely. This author provided clues to what designers need to do to engage and interact the elderly in a dining experience.
We, as designers, can make our dining environment designs promote group dining, good lighting, pleasent conversation with the proper accustical control, comformt, and stimulation of the senses in ways that provide the needed motivation of elderly individuals to want to eat. If we have control over the non psycholoigal parts of the dining experience, then we need to know how to properly design for this aging community.
How I feel about it:
This topic is one that designers will face as the population is aging. If we are to truly provide better quality of life for these individuals, then we must think of preventive measures to health concerns and not wait until problems have developed. Since nutritional issues are concerns with the elderly, can we not take a proactive approach and design dining facilities that encourage and promote food consumption for the elderly and others? I think it sould be viewed as a part of good logical design that is inclusive of all individuals.
Article: Age-Related Changes in the Social, Psychological, and Temporal Influences on Food Intake in Free-Living, Healthy, Adult Humans
Author: John M. de Castro
Publication: The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 57:M368-M377 (2002).
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Newbrief #1 Why Design Environmentally Responsible Interior Environments?
"Green design is often used to refer to people's health, safety, and welfare, whereas sustainable design is often used to refer to the health, safety and welfare of the planet." Ultimately both follow the same concepts for what is health for the planet is health for people.
The built environment (consisting of the construction, operating, and equipping) according to the World Watch Institute (US DOE 2003) accounts for 10% of the world's economy and utilizes between 17% to 50% of the world's natural resources and causing major damage to the planet.
Interior designers that design interiors around the world's ecology and the quality of life to users, "by identifying and analyzing the raw materials, manufacturing methods, transportation, use, maintenance, and disposal of all furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) specified for an interior." Significant studies have been generated on sustainable building and construction systems, yet very few have been conducted to define the role interior designers play on the environmental responsible built environment.
Why is this noteworthy:
This article touched on something that I really would like to see happen. The true aspect of researching the FF&E of a job. This should be just basic design sense and not a green or non-green issue. Great design demands that it's designers be knowledgeable of all products and finishes applies to a job. This article's seemed to be describing sustainable design as a speciality within design. Is this what sustainable design will become, then next niche option for designers?
What this means to me:
As many of you know, my thesis topic is the incorporating sustainable design practices into an interior design curriculum. This topic of the interior designer's role in the sustainable built environment is one of great concern for me. A great foundation of strong, powerful concepts and theories on what sustainable or green design means to the built interior is greatly needed. This can be achieved through education. Once a design student, understands all aspects of a material specified , including its ecological impact on the environment, then the student is ready for design today and the many tomorrows to come. Let designers not have to make the choice of doing green design or not, let them be empowered with the knowledge of how to find the best solution for the job. This includes taking into account the ecological impact of the product specified. Is it to much to ask that good design be green without out a lot of added effort on the part of the designer? Can interior design educators provide the guidance and mentoring to the students of design about what sustainable design is and its importance?
Article source:
Author's title: Why Design Environmentally Responsible Interior Environments?
Author's name: Dr. Louise Jones
Year of publication: 2007
Article found in: Implications a newsletter by InformeDesign. Vol 01, issue 06
The built environment (consisting of the construction, operating, and equipping) according to the World Watch Institute (US DOE 2003) accounts for 10% of the world's economy and utilizes between 17% to 50% of the world's natural resources and causing major damage to the planet.
Interior designers that design interiors around the world's ecology and the quality of life to users, "by identifying and analyzing the raw materials, manufacturing methods, transportation, use, maintenance, and disposal of all furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) specified for an interior." Significant studies have been generated on sustainable building and construction systems, yet very few have been conducted to define the role interior designers play on the environmental responsible built environment.
Why is this noteworthy:
This article touched on something that I really would like to see happen. The true aspect of researching the FF&E of a job. This should be just basic design sense and not a green or non-green issue. Great design demands that it's designers be knowledgeable of all products and finishes applies to a job. This article's seemed to be describing sustainable design as a speciality within design. Is this what sustainable design will become, then next niche option for designers?
What this means to me:
As many of you know, my thesis topic is the incorporating sustainable design practices into an interior design curriculum. This topic of the interior designer's role in the sustainable built environment is one of great concern for me. A great foundation of strong, powerful concepts and theories on what sustainable or green design means to the built interior is greatly needed. This can be achieved through education. Once a design student, understands all aspects of a material specified , including its ecological impact on the environment, then the student is ready for design today and the many tomorrows to come. Let designers not have to make the choice of doing green design or not, let them be empowered with the knowledge of how to find the best solution for the job. This includes taking into account the ecological impact of the product specified. Is it to much to ask that good design be green without out a lot of added effort on the part of the designer? Can interior design educators provide the guidance and mentoring to the students of design about what sustainable design is and its importance?
Article source:
Author's title: Why Design Environmentally Responsible Interior Environments?
Author's name: Dr. Louise Jones
Year of publication: 2007
Article found in: Implications a newsletter by InformeDesign. Vol 01, issue 06
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