Interior Architecture Commons^™

Soul Surfers Forced Into A Fragmented Exteriority, Siti Balkish Roslan, Nor Atiah Ismail, Sumarni Ismail

Interiority

This study explores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on soul surfers, individuals for whom surfing transcends mere sport to embody a spiritual, psychological, and physical communion with the sea and ocean. The pandemic’s restrictions, which limited access to the sea, challenged the core of soul surfing practices, prompting surfers to seek alternative means to sustain their connection with the sea and ocean. Through qualitative research, employing phenomenological analysis, theories of affordance, symbolic interactionism, and interpretive interviews, the study examines the transition from a natural exterior to a built interior, adapting their living spaces to maintain their surfing identity, …

The Kitchen As A Social-Spatial Barometer: Deconstructing The Domestic Realm From A Gender Perspective, Serafina Amoroso, Atxu Amann Alcocer

Interiority

Emergent domesticities have generated new forms of urban life that have dissolved the historical duality between the home and the city. Last century's gender revolution in Western societies, together with contemporary technologies, has affected how people organise their daily lives. Everyday time has replaced typological space, blurring the lines between reproductive and productive activities and consequently affecting private and public spaces and how we live together. Pre- modern dwellings consisted of spatial spaces in which a few pieces of furniture were used to carry out everyday activities and were replaced in 18th-century bourgeois culture by spatial devices organised into 'room.' …

Fragments Within Fragments: The Collective Negotiation Of Exquisite Corpse Drawings, Defry Agatha Ardianta, Yandi Andri Yatmo, Paramita Atmodiwirjo

Interiority

This paper argues for the critical role of collective drawings as a form of representation that highlights the open process. The open process of collective drawing involves actions performed by multiple actors and actions that are not limited to producing drawings together but also require the expression of ideas. Collective drawing encourages negotiations among fragments of the drawing, which opens up various possibilities of representations within the interiority discourse. Exquisite corpse drawings made by Surrealist artists occupy an influential position as drawings produced via an open process regulated by the internal mechanism, manifesting as a continuous act of drawing. This …

Decrypting Interiority Of Albert Camus' The Stranger Through Absurdist Architectural Symbolism, Peter Akongfeh Agwu, Angela A. Ajimase, Edward Ugbada Adie, John Ogidi Acha

Interiority

Since its publication in 1942, Camus' The Stranger (L'Étranger in French) has captivated readers and scholars alike, sparking a wealth of critical analysis and interpretation. However, the novel's minimalist descriptions of interior spaces have often been overlooked in academic discourses, making it a perennial subject of further scholarly inquiry. This study seeks to decrypt the interiority of this text by examining the absurdist architectural symbolism and dissecting the spatial elements embedded in its narrative. The aim is to unveil new layers of meaning in the protagonist's internal psyche and existential condition. Through close reading and thematic analysis of relevant passages, …

Geometric Morphological Analysis Of The Edfu Temple, Yara M. Soliman, Ashraf H. Ibrahim, Ahmed M. Awad

Journal of Art, Design and Music

The paper discusses the influence of nature on the design principles utilized by ancient Egyptian civilization, emphasizing how philosophers and artists learned from natural forms. It introduces the concept of Morphology, which examines the structures and forms of living and inanimate objects, categorized into eight types: Geometric, Chaotic, Plant, Animal, Human, Motor, Ecological, and Symbolic. The research focuses on applying the Geometric Morphological system to Edfu Temple, highlighting the need for contemporary designers to consider both form and content, rather than merely aesthetic shapes. The study aims to create an analytical framework using geometric determinants—unity, balance, scale, rhythm, proportion, abstraction, …

Art Teams Grant Report Year 4, Guy Trainin, Kimberley D'Adamo, Hyeonjin Yoon, Azadeh Hassani, Zohreh Tamimdari, Jiabin Lyu, Michael Nti Ababio, Sarah Trainin

Research and Evaluation in Education, Technology, Art, and Design

Year Four of the Art TEAMs grant was designed to continue the professional learning for cohort two while following cohort one to measure implementation sustainability. Our second cohort of educators is excited about the program. It brings great diversity in art forms, including five ceramics teachers, a digital media teacher, and generalists from career and technical education and family and consumer science. This diversity of teaching domains helps illustrate the versatility and impact of the arts across K-12 curricula. We have revamped our professional learning curriculum and the process of learning from the educators who take part in the program. …

Campus Connect, Katie Coates, Bella Wengappuly, Annabelle Brown, Kyie Salerno

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

This paper examines how university campus design can be strategically utilized to support student mental health, drawing on global examples to inspire improvements in the University of Montana’s (UM) campus planning. The University of Montana, like most college campuses worldwide, is currently facing pressing mental health challenges among the student body. College can be a highly stressful experience, where students encounter unique pressures that, without adequate support, can lead to mental health crises. Many universities across the globe have recognized the role of campus design in promoting mental well-being, and they have adopted innovative, student-centered design strategies to foster positive …

Healthy Building Data Collection, Angeli N. Warren, Rania I. Abdullatif, Abigail Rhea Blackmon

SPARK Symposium Presentations

Understanding the cruciality of a Healthy Building

Ultrabaroque Grandeur: Examining The Churrigueresque In Spanish Architecture From The Seventeenth And Eighteenth Centuries, Sarah Staeben

Capstone Showcase

Following the Protestant Reformation, Spain was in a unique position compared to the rest of Europe. The importance of Catholicism was intrinsic to Spanish society by this point, as it was under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, aptly dubbed the Catholic Monarchs, that the Christians reconquered the Iberian peninsula in 1492, after an eight century rule by Arab-Muslims. In the centuries that followed, Spanish architecture reached new levels of grandeur in the wake of reformed Catholic doctrine. Following the motto “docere, delectare, movere”(to teach, to delight, to move), architects were urged to convey the Church’s power and garner new supporters. …

Strata: Layered Support Through Community, Resources, & Design, Jenna M. Sawyer

Theses and Dissertations

Strata reimagines transitional housing as a layered, responsive ecosystem that supports the holistic well-being of individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Inspired by the vertical structure of a forest canopy, the design integrates biophilic principles, trauma-informed strategies, and sustainable practices to create a dignified, inclusive environment. Located in the historic Sauer’s Factory in Richmond, Virginia, the project leverages adaptive reuse to ground the building in local context while addressing systemic gaps in supportive housing. Public amenities, such as a hygiene center, café, learning spaces, and a free store, encourage community integration and reduce stigma, while flexible private units and calming retreat spaces …

Sink Into Serenity: Exploring The Healing Properties Of Bathing Culture, Kristopher P. Mckeever

Theses and Dissertations

In an effort to deconstruct the ideas of privacy as they’re understood in the west, this project’s concept revolves around levels of transparency and how that can eliminate barriers and feelings of shame surrounding the human body, fostering a greater sense of community through shared vulnerability.

An Experimental Investigation Into The Influence Of Colored Lighting On Perceived Spatial Impressions, Heejin Lee, Eunsil Lee

Funded Scholarship

The present study investigates the psychological impact of lighting color on spatial impressions within indoor settings, drawing on Mehrabian and Russell’s PAD model. The purpose of this study is to explore potential variations in spatial impressions, encompassing affectivity, tranquility, and thermality, across six different lighting colors (i.e., red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and purple). A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted with 101 participants, utilizing a color-changing LED lighting fixture to expose participants to actual lighting conditions rather than simulated images. The findings revealed significant differences in spatial impressions among the six lighting colors, indicating that the choice of lighting color …

Art Teams: Teaching With Arts And Emerging Media Year 3 Infographic, Azadeh Hassani, Hyeonjin Yoon, Guy Trainin, Kimberley D'Adamo, Jiabin Lyu

Research and Evaluation in Education, Technology, Art, and Design

Grant annual report, year 3, infographic

Universty of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2025

Art TEAMS, Year 3: Supporting K-12 Teachers through the Integration of Arts-centered Practices and Emerging Media

Enfilade And Variations: Interpreting Salon Music Through Residential Architecture In Eighteenth-Century Paris, Nicole Vilkner

ABO: Interactive Journal for Women in the Arts, 1640–1830

In eighteenth-century Parisian salons, theme and variations on popular melodies proliferated. Elaine Sisman’s seminal study of variation form provides a foundational approach for understanding variations as rhetorical exercises that persuade through differences in syntax and expression. In this vein, scholars have comprehensively affirmed the ways that salon music reflects the dialogic and sociable practices of Enlightenment receptions (Hanning, Sutcliffe, and Zohn). I suggest that theme and variation form is not only connected to the rhetoric of the salon, but that the concept of sequential elaboration is a principle that was also prized in residential architecture.

Drawing from theoretical writings of …

From Concept To Design: Managing The Development Of The Avi Ari Café At Quinta Mazatlán, Jose L. Tabarez Jr.

Honors Theses

The Avi Ari Café project represents a holistic approach to sustainable architecture and civil engineering, focusing on integrating environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and community engagement. Located within Quinta Mazatlán, a wildlife preserves in McAllen, Texas, the café is designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding ecosystem while offering visitors a modern, functional space. This thesis explores the design, construction, and operational strategies employed to minimize the environmental impact of the café, ensuring its sustainability both during construction and throughout its long-term operation.

The project is structured around several key objectives: reducing waste generation, conserving energy, utilizing sustainable materials, and promoting …

Optimizing Indoor Environment Quality, Anjum B. Ahmmed, Christopher Gabriel Lopez, Jennifer Garcia, Marti Tapia, Nick Antoine, Alexander Aptekar

Publications and Research

This research investigates an integrative approach to health in building design by focusing on material selection and its impact on indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Specifically, the study examines clay plaster through sensory evaluation methods to compare its effectiveness with conventional finishes in filtering out unpleasant odors from chemicals commonly used in indoor spaces. Key parameters such as material texture, and visual satisfaction will also be assessed. Randomly selected participants from across campus will evaluate the odor of clay plaster and paint applied to the laser-cut composite boards, reporting on each finish's ability to mask the burnt smell of charred edges …

A Fresh Breath: Study Abroad Sustainable Housing Expectations In Higher Education, Mary-Porcher S. Warner, Beth L. Mcgee

Honors College Theses

In 2017, Georgia Southern purchased the Convent of Perpetual Adoration for their latest Campus in Wexford, Ireland. This particular Convent is 147 years old and has a rich history in the community. With the purchase of this Convent, the University plans on repurposing the building into a living quarters for students who choose to study abroad. With this decision comes many more considerations, such as students' needs, comfort, and safety. A survey has been conducted where students from Georgia Southern University who had studied abroad in Wexford, Ireland answered a variety of questions about their experiences and preferences. The participants …

Unheard Voices: The Dynamics Of Local Non-Participation In Homestay Tourism In Jammu And Kashmir, Dr Danish Iqbal Raina, Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Dr Basith Nabi Wani

Journal of Tourism Insights

Background: Homestay tourism offers a unique opportunity for tourists to experience local cultures and for communities to gain economic benefits. However, in Jammu and Kashmir, local community participation in homestay tourism remains low. Understanding the factors contributing to this non-participation is crucial for promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring that local communities can benefit from this industry.

Objective: This study aims to explore the reasons behind local community non-participation in homestay tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, identify the barriers and challenges faced by these communities, and suggest strategies for enhancing local participation in homestay tourism.

Methodology: A qualitative research design was …

Three-Dimensionalization Mediates The Subjective Experience Of Fractal Interior Spaces, Joori Suh, William Stalker, Steen Pedersen, Assaf Harel

Psychology Faculty Publications

A fractal, a self-similar organic or geometric pattern that repeats at varying scales, is one of the most compelling characteristics found in nature. Previous studies on fractal patterns have demonstrated consistent trends in potential psychological benefits, such as stress reduction. However, we fall short of understanding one of the essential properties of fractals found in nature, i.e., the three-dimensionality of their appearance. In this study, we aimed at understanding the role of the three-dimensionalization of fractal patterns in spatial structures on human subjective perceptual experience. Two hundred seventy three-dimensional spatial prototype models were created for this study, spanning two dimensions: …

Revisiting Bodies In Interior Design Practice, Paramita Atmodiwirjo, Yandi Andri Yatmo

Interiority

Addressing human bodies is inevitable in interior inquiries and practices. Integrating knowledge about human bodies into design practice can extend beyond the idea of bodies as merely static entities with fixed dimensions. The idea of bodies as the basis for spatial design practice views the human body as a living entity that dwells, occupies, moves, and engages in space. Knowledge about bodies as the basis of practice also needs to view bodies' presence as sociocultural entities. The emergence of the virtual environment provides another context with a shifting materiality of bodies and interior spaces. This issue of Interiority acknowledges the …