Interior Architecture Commons^™

The Modernization Of Islamic Art In The Realm Of Architecture, Rinad Al-Shboul

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the modernization of Islamic art in the realm of architecture through six case studies representing traditional and modern mosques from an architectural and decorative perspective. By examining published materials and research papers pertaining to the artifacts and analyzing their features, this study attempts to answer the following questions: how has Islamic art and architecture evolved with modern times and technologies? What new trends have aided in the evolution of this art? and have culture and religion influenced the evolution of Islamic art and continue to play a major role in its …

Impact Of Sustainable Design Elements On Student Learning, Mary Levengood

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This paper looks at various studies to determine the impact of sustainable design elements on students' learning through researching previous studies and applying positive attributes to a case study of Bush Elementary School located in Essexville, Michigan. The sustainable practices outlined in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) that will be focused on are thermal comfort, lighting, indoor environmental quality, and using the building as a teaching tool. This paper will briefly discuss why sustainable practices are an important issue on a global and local level. Implementing environmentally preferable building elements in schools is not only beneficial to the …

Balancing Design Theories And Individual Needs In Residential Modifications For People Living With Als, Gail J. Weber

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This research and design project examines the philosophies and psychological factors of aging in place and universal design, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), and how they can be realistically applied in interior design for people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a terminal illness with an approximate two- to five-year prognosis. The case study explores the design needs and preferences of one couple living with ALS. Analysis of the case study suggests that a complete universal design or ADAAG-compliant overhaul in the home is ill-advised for these subjects, given their modest budget and limited …

Sustainable Strategies For Green Hotel Design, Jennifer Benson

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Many of today’s commercial industries are realizing the negative impact they have on the environment and taking steps to become more sustainable in hopes of lessening that impact. The hotel industry is one of those industries. Hotel owners and guests are expressing their concern for the environment, and both are playing a role in making the hotel industry more sustainable. With the help of government organizations, better technology, and green education, the idea of environmentally friendly hotels is not just an idea; it is becoming the norm.

Environmental Ethics And Sustainable Design: A Case Study On The Traditional Korean Residential Building Type: Han Oak, Na Han

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Originated in the realm of philosophy, environmental ethics takes into consideration the moral relationship between human and non-human world. In light of the severe impact by human activities on this planet, environmental sustainability has become an extremely important issue that prompts building designers to perform in accordance with sustainable principles to create comfortable, eco-friendly space. Moreover, it is to be our obligation to preserve the environment for the future generations to come. This research studies environmental ethics and sustainability with a focus on sustainable ethics and strategies introduced in traditional Korean building design. It explores how renewable principles and materials …

Interior Design In The Realm Of Social Services: Housing The Homeless, Amanda Kaserman Leininger

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The present study plans to investigate the social issues of homelessness and the strategies for creating positive living environments that aim to enable inhabitants to re-enter society. Supported by statistical evidence, homelessness has been recognized as a growing issue in the United States that deserves serious attention and proper solutions. There are a wide range of reasons why people succumb to the undesirable status of homelessness. By exploring the circumstances, we will be able to gain a better understanding of the issues, which in turn can help formulate supportive programs and inform environmental design solutions to accommodate their needs. Currently …

On The Environmental Factors That Alleviate Relocation Stress Syndrome In Residents Of Long-Term Care Facilities, Amber Lois Williams

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study intends to investigate the stress experienced by the elderly during the relocation process. Relocation stress syndrome occurs when a senior is moved from a familiar environment to an unfamiliar environment. The shock of the transition causes medical conditions to worsen, which can result in serious illness, possibly death. "Moving to a nursing home entails a complete lifestyle change, the trauma of which is compounded when the patient is ill or in pain and the move is unanticipated" (Morse, 2000, p. 24AAA). I have researched reasons why seniors relocate to long-term care facilities in order to better understand the …

On Growth And Development: Housing Environment Impacts On Children's Development And Its Relevance In Interior Design Solutions, Karyn Mckey-Paz

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The role of housing quality and housing location in children’s development are of great importance, as these issues may affect their outcomes later in life. Housing and neighborhood conditions include but are not limited to housing costs, residential layout, and neighborhood surroundings. These characteristics could determine whether or not the physical condition of the house is healthy and safe, and if the neighborhood in which the house is located is free from danger, all of which have an effect on their development.

This research paper goes into a detailed examination of how the characteristics of children’s home and neighborhood conditions …

How Graduate Interior Design Programs Prepare Emerging Educators To Teach, Anne Wilkinson-Burke

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Comparative Study Of Environmentally Responsible Design Adoption By Architects, Facility Managers, And Interior Designers, Amanda Gale

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The design and building industry has a tremendous impact on the environment that is often negative when environmentally responsible design (ERD) strategies are not adopted. The purpose of this exploratory, descriptive study was to determine the firm and practitioner characteristics that impact the adoption of ERD strategies, to ascertain practitioners’ knowledge of ERD strategies and certified products, and to document the adoption of ERD strategies using Rogers’ model of the innovation adoption process.

The web-based, national survey utilized a purposive sample of 146 architects, facility managers, and interior designers who belonged to professional organizations (AIA, IFMA, ASID, and IIDA) that …

Meeting The Challenges Of Educational Reform Through Spatial Design In The Twenty-First Century, Alwaleed Alshaibi

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This paper looks into the issue of Saudi Arabia becoming an active player within globalization. The context of entering into globalization for Saudi Arabia is harnessing the tenets of higher education. In its history Saudi Arabia traditionally practiced gendersegregated education. Saudi Arabia has made a bold attempt in its education practice to allow coeducation to take place at one of their universities. This university seeks to become a global leader in the area of science and technology, thereby providing Saudi Arabia with the beginnings of a global city. Designing a global city out of a society with a gender-segregated lifestyle …

Shop Like A Designer: How The Mass Media Perpetuates Non-Sustainable Design, B. Marie Minnich

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study investigated the perception that mass media perpetuate critique of interior design projects using non-environmentally responsible design (non-ERD) assessment models, based on traditional ideological considerations, as opposed to models based on environmentally responsible design (ERD) philosophies. Using the Delphi technique, thirty keywords were selected, based on educators’ and practitioners’ content knowledge, then categorized into seven dimensions representing ERD or non-ERD attributes. These dimensions formed design assessment models, which included a distinction between ethical ERD attributes and aesthetic non-ERD attributes. Using content analysis, keywords were identified in randomly selected feature articles from three design magazines. Quantitative statistical analysis documented an …

Evaluation Of Interior Designers' And Interior Design Students' Perceptions Of Cad (Computer Aided Design), Vaishali A. Patil

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This research project used quantitative research method to evaluate interior designers' and interior design students' perceptions about CAD (computer aided design) in interior design. Survey method was used to collect data about demographics, perceptions regarding CAD use, difficulties with its use, and expectations of CAD in near future. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize data from self-administered questionnaires for students and interior designers.

The outcome ofthe study provided an explanation for co-relation of the use of CAD among interior designers and students of interior design. It also provided understanding of practitioners' and students' expectations regarding the use of CAD in …

A Workplace Design That Reduces Employee Stress And Increases Employee Productivity Using Environmentally Responsible Materials, Limor Gutnick

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

In today’s competitive global environment, employee productivity is an essential element of a company’s success. Employee productivity can be significantly hindered by high levels of stress experienced in the work environment. In addition, poor indoor air quality contributes to deterioration of employee health and well-being, which further reduces productivity.

The object of this study was to explore interior design techniques that may reduce employee stress and enhance productivity while using environmentally responsible materials and furnishings. The design paradigm was qualitative, and the research method used was a case study. Specifically, this was an action-research project consisting of a design proposal …

Perception And Implementation Of Sustainable/Green Design In India, Shalini Nagaraj Magadi

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Profound effects of global warming, species extinction, pollution of air and water, resource depletion, and population growth demand that India, the second most populated country in the world, address the need for ecological responsibility. This phenomenological study explored awareness and perceptions of green/sustainable (G/S) design in India’s design community. Architects in the five geographic regions were interviewed. All were familiar with S/G design and said knowledge was “very important.” However, none felt “well-versed.” They believed lack of client awareness (49%) and materials (28%) were the major problems encountered. Although the vast majority was willing to promote S/G design, none had …

A Conceptual Plan For The Detroit Book And Tower Building: Exploration Of The Conjunction Of Historic Preservation And Sustainable Design Concepts, Chi-Ying Luo

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This conceptual project generated an adaptive reuse proposal for the Book and Tower Building in a registered historic district. Louis Kamper designed the thirteen-story Book Building in 1917, in the Beaux Arts style, to create elite shops and offices. In 1926 the thirty-six-story Tower Building extended the leaseable space. This proposal preserved and rehabilitated the historic features in the lobby area and renovated the retail spaces. An Asian Café was designed to contrast, but blend with, the Beaux Arts style. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation were followed in the lobby area so as to make the renovation …