Interior Architecture Commons^™

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 …

Uncertain Future Dwelling: Emergent Interiors Of The Metaverse, Belinda J. Dunstan, Michael Stonham, Demet Dincer

Interiority

Contemporarily, a flood of digital interior architectural imagery has emerged of spaces developed for the Metaverse, a forthcoming immersive 3D virtual world. These spaces are not bound by the conventions of architectural practice nor the demands of the physical world, providing an opportunity for design exploration and innovation in the future of interiors and positing challenges to core architectural concepts that have accompanied traditional practice. This research offers a visual analysis of aesthetic trends and new typologies present in the interior architectural spaces designed for the Metaverse. The analysis features a curated and collaged collection of works from ten creators …

Assessing Relations Among Visual Variables In Hotel Lobbies Using Deep Learning, Taraneh Saniei, Mansoureh Kianersi, Shervan Fekri-Ershad

Interiority

To understand the relationships between cognitive variables like visual complexity, coherence, and colour contrast in interior spaces, direct numerical analysis is crucial. Conventional approaches are limited due to the brain's struggle to process visual information without cognitive manipulation. However, advancements in artificial intelligence enable direct examinations. This study used a convolutional neural network to assess the intensity of colour contrasts in images of 5-star hotel lobby interiors with high levels of coherence and complexity. The results indicated that visually complex lobby interiors have less warm-cool and dark-light contrast but more pronounced complementary contrast than coherent lobby interiors. Additionally, a negative …

Inheritance And Development Of Chinese Kang In Interior Space, Long Yang, Safial Aqbar Zakaria

Interiority

The Chinese kang is an ancient technology that combines an integrated household system for cooking, sleeping, and heating. Most of the existing research focuses on the energy performance of Chinese kang and its impact on the interior environment and tries to adapt it to the modern interior space through the improvement of its technology. However, if we only focus on the research and improvement of the technical level of Chinese kang, it is not conducive to the effective inheritance and development of the culture. This paper studies the concept of 'inheritance and development' of Chinese kang culture more comprehensively …

Examining Dwelling Interior Conditions For Informal Settlement Upgrading Along The Mae Kha Canal, Chiang Mai, Patcharaporn Duangputtan, Nobuo Mishima

Interiority

This article delves into the internal features of habitat in slum-like informal settlements, focusing on the challenges faced by the locale in the Mae Kha Canal informal settlements in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The study aims to clarify the dwelling characteristics as well as understand the interplay between housing and the living circumstances of the occupants. A mixed-methods approach was utilised, primarily employing field surveys, house investigation including arrangement and utilisation of space, and in-depth interviews with residents. A total of 80 households were sampled and analysed. The findings reveal that the previous relocation plans made by local authorities, which offered …

Framing And Visualising Nationhood: Istiqlal Mosque And The Interiority Of The Independence Square, Jakarta, Tutin Aryanti, Amanda Achmadi

Interiority

Studies on interiority have profoundly shifted the perspective of looking at urban space as a socially constructed architectural product. This study examines the meanings invested by Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia and the patron of the mosque, in Istiqlal Mosque (1962) and the Independence Square using the lens of interiority. Rather than looking at the mosque as a single monument, this study considers the mosque and its time and spatial contexts as an architectural unity to make Sukarno's vision of nationhood manifest through the interiority of the Independence Square area in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital city. This study employed an …

Exploring The Dutch Bruynzeel Kitchen Through The Negotiations Of Its Two Designers, Limperg And Zwart, Selin Geerinkcx, Els De Vos

Interiority

During the interwar period, numerous endeavours were made to develop a rational kitchen, also called a laboratory kitchen, namely one that prioritised labour-saving efficiency through thoughtful layout and design. Catherine Beecher's work is often credited as its starting point. By synthesising household reformers' experiences and architects’ design expertise, scholars have extensively examined how rational kitchens evolved. This paper discusses the conception of the standardised Dutch Bruynzeel Kitchen (1938) by the collaborative efforts of two designers with distinct yet complementary interior design profiles. Renowned Dutch designer Piet Zwart, widely recognised for his contributions, finalised the technical drawings and promotional materials for …

Ai Integration In Cultural Heritage Conservation – Ethical Considerations And The Human Imperative, Kholoud Ghaith

International Journal of Emerging and Disruptive Innovation in Education : VISIONARIUM

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the conservation of cultural heritage marks a significant transformation in preservation methodologies, heralding both innovative solutions and complex ethical dilemmas. This article undertakes a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role AI plays in the conservation and restoration of cultural artifacts, buildings, and sites, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human skills and ethical judgment in this domain. Through an analysis of current research, case studies, and insights from professionals in the field, the paper elucidates how AI technologies—encompassing machine learning algorithms, digital twinning, and predictive maintenance—can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of conservation efforts. …

Wild Joy: An Exploration In Queer Spatial Dynamics, Kipper Thomas Reinsmith

Masters Theses

What does it mean to feel represented in a space?

What does a trans space look like?

How can we queer our interior spaces?

Our world is crafted by the many designers that have come before us. These systems, products, and spaces are built upon assumptions of the bodies that will use and occupy them—namely cisgender, able-bodied, straight folks.

Designing and creating objects as a trans person is an act of radical nature. To take up space, to design for trans luxury, for the sake of beauty, for joy itself, feels counterintuitive to the narratives we’ve been served: that of …

Emotional Factory, Yukun Cui

Masters Theses

该项目设想将上海一个历史悠久的仓库改造成一个创新的、以情感为主题的联合办公空间，超越传统的办公环境。在工作环境质量深刻影响生产力和幸福感的时代，该项目旨在创造一个协调身体、心理和情绪健康的空间。该设计融合了促进健康的元素，例如健身设施、美食和丰富的绿色植物，确保居住者在整个工作日中保持动力和灵感。该项目涉及个人与其环境之间的动态互动。认识到传统的办公室布局往往会限制移动和空间感知，我们的设计引入了一个固有的动态工作空间。灵活的布局，可调节的家具和可移动的隔板使空间能够适应各种活动和需求。互动元素和视觉刺激全天变化，鼓励探索和互动，而不需要持续的身体运动。使用不同的纹理、颜色和照明方案创造了一种多感官体验，使空间充满活力和不断变化的感觉。通过结合这些元素，该项目旨在重新定义现代工作空间，创造一个不仅能提高生产力，而且能丰富人类工作体验的环境。这种创新方法旨在为全球联合办公空间设定新标准，培养社区意识、创造力和幸福感。最终，该项目旨在创造一个开创性的环境，增强人类的工作体验，展示工作空间设计在广泛影响和改善情绪和心理健康方面的潜力。

Reclaimed By Roots, Dongyang Chen

Masters Theses

Within the context of the symbiotic relationship between architecture and natural plants, as greenery intertwines with manmade spaces over time, creating what I define as a 'Gray Space'.

My thesis seeks to explore the diverse forms this 'Gray Space' can assume at the intersection of architectural forms and natural entities through human intervention. I focus on converting an abandoned factory building, where camphor trees were intentionally transplanted and have since flourished, into a hotel.

I propose a balanced adaptive reuse strategy that combines architectural reinforcement with managed tree growth, preserving the historical significance of the building while integrating the natural …

-Ing: Heritage As A Verb, Eunji Park

Masters Theses

Museums, adept at collecting and documenting tangible artifacts from the past, often struggle to connect the ways these tangible artifacts relate to living culture within contemporary life. There has been a growing recognition of the importance of preserving intangible heritage, as these are the assets which requires ongoing community engagement and interaction for their preservation and development.

However, current attempts to exhibit cultural practices, rituals, and traditions mimic those used for tangible artifacts, limiting the potential for dynamic displays due to the inherently different nature of objects and actions. This raises the question: What should exhibitions for such cultural phenomena …

Making Room, Rachel Strompf

Masters Theses

Massachusetts is the only state in the United States with a right-to-shelter law which guarantees shelter for families with children and pregnant women.¹ As of February 2024, 3,500 homeless families with children are being sheltered in a motel or hotel with an average length of stay of 14 months, because traditional family shelters have reached capacity.^2,3 While these families are provided temporary shelter, these shelters do not allow for the development of a true sense of “home.” While a motel meets the needs of rudimentary shelter, motels were never designed as long-term accommodations and certainly not with a …

A Living Storyscape, Vivian Combariza

Masters Theses

Advocating for a transformative shift, the following proposes a new cultural setting that fosters diverse voices and dialogue, moving away from the singular narratives imposed by traditional curator-visitor dynamics. By drawing inspiration from nature's complexity and mirroring museums with ecosystems, the aim of this thesis is to emulate the adaptability and interconnectedness of natural ecosystems to develop flexible and inclusive environments, encouraging community engagement and shared learning experiences. This new design paradigm fosters a deeper connection with nature and other beings despite the physical separation. Embracing the collaboration and flexibility of nature, cultural institutions can regain relevance as vibrant centers …

Outside_In, Zixuan Zhang

Masters Theses

In the post-COVID era, the importance of maintaining a connection with the external environment has become even more prominent. Outside_in is a series of ongoing installations located at the openings of modern buildings (spaces in between the interior and exterior) that can connect with or receive climatic resources such as wind, rainwater, sunlight, and more. Its purpose is to rethink and challenge how we can enhance the relationship with and awareness of climate and nature in our future indoor spaces through innovative experiential methods. This approach prioritizes the use of natural materials, supplemented by modern materials, and emphasizes the empathic …

Exploring The Versatility Of Clay In Double Curvature Surface Formation, Yicheng Zhang

Masters Theses

This thesis aims to investigate the efficacy of clay in shaping double- curved surfaces. In conventional interior design practices, Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) is commonly employed to craft sculptural elements on surfaces such as ceilings and walls. However, despite its efficiency, GRG is not environmentally sustainable.As an excellent material for creating indoor curved surfaces, GRG, offers the advantages of easy construction and high efficiency. However, during the demolition process, the inclusion of glass fibers makes the recycling process very complicated. It is difficult to separate these materials for recycling, which ultimately leads to a significant amount of construction waste.

Additionally, …

Recomposing Museums: Designing Rhythmic Experiences For Short Attention Spans In The Digital Age, Yujiang Wu

Masters Theses

Learning, being the primary aspiration of museums, “is a byproduct of attention.”¹ A visitor’s ability to focus and sustain attention on the objects, narratives, and messages within the exhibition environment profoundly influences their overall experience and the educational impact of their visit.

In an era of rapid digital evolution, changes in how information is consumed and communicated have led to shorter attention spans. Traditional museums, which are rooted in continuous, linear storytelling, now face a need for adaptation. This thesis advocates for an innovative exhibition design approach tailored to the realities of shorter attention spans, proposing curatorial and design …

Milpa: Cultivating Community Through Grid Remediation In México, Marianna Pasaret Molinar

Masters Theses

In México, the proliferation of monotonous affordable housing developments on the outskirts of urban centers stems from a profit- driven approach that prioritizes rapid construction over livability and community well-being. These housing developments, stark rows of barren husks, reflect a system that depletes both land and human connection. Abandoned units — consequences of a patchwork (or non existent) infrastructure —now stand as silent critiques of this broken system.

Drawing inspiration from the cycical strategies of ancestral agricultural traditions, that recognize the full spectrum from barren stalk to abundance, this project proposes a cyclical model for community growth. Current housing practices, …

Ace Mentor Program - Central Coast Chapter, Brayden Samuel Groshart

Construction Management

For my senior project, I established a chapter of the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program in San Luis Obispo, California. This program provides high school students with hands-on experience and exposure to careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries. The program spanned eight weeks, balancing theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum began with sessions on the fundamentals of architecture, engineering, and construction. In order to expose the students to real world practices, we organized tours of an architecture firm, an engineering firm, and an active construction site. These visits allowed students to engage with professionals, observe …

Beyond Display: Crafting Emotional Journeys For Belonging And Connectivity, Jiamin Yang

Masters Theses

In bustling urban areas like Manhattan, New York, the majority of interactions between individuals occur amidst the whirlwind of daily life. Yet, there is an absence of genuine connections within local communities, particularly among neighbors who are geographically close, creating a sense of detachment, untrusting, and anonymity. This thesis involves exploring innovative interventions with the ultimate goal of uncovering novel possibilities in interactive exhibitions, distinct from traditional displays. All of this is an effort to curate emotional journeys that transcend routine, fostering vibrant community belonging and connectivity. Against the backdrop of the city’s vertical living, where neighbor encounters are often …

Gender Mirror: Giving Women's Perspective To Men Through Exhibition, Jiaxuan Xu

Masters Theses

The awareness of gender inequality in China has begun to awaken, but deep-rooted discrimination against women still exists in society. Under the influence of the thousand-year-old feudal social system, men self-righteously believe that they are superior to women and that women have received more "gender benefits." However, research shows that China’s current gender gap is behind mainstream European and American countries by more than 100 years, indicating that China still has a long way to go before reaching gender equality.

Many exhibitions in China have tried to address the challenges faced by women. However, according to the visitor data, the …

City Sonatas, Duoduo Lin

Masters Theses

Countries like the UK and France, as shown in Statista's 2023 report, benefit from significant national cultural attractions and monuments that boost museum attendance by attracting tourists. The data suggests a positive correlation between museum attendance and the historical significance, as well as the suitability for tourism, of the institutions2. However, faced with rapid societal advancements, most museums' responses to these challenges have been varied and slow. Contemporary museums, as crucial conduits for the dissemination and exchange of artistic culture, continue to face persistent challenges of low engagement and levels of attention in many countries. Furthermore, a series of remarkably …

Witnessing Timelessness: Revitalizing Heritage Tourism In The Ruins Of Saudi Arabia, Reem Habis

Masters Theses

Well-known historic sites in Saudi Arabia, such as Historic Jeddah, are designated as heritage, meaning they are protected from deterioration over time. However, in the Aseer region, there are over 4500 unprotected modest sites that provide an integral sense of identity and authenticity to the culture of not just this region, but the entire Kingdom. The absence of preservation guidelines has left these sites vulnerable to indiscriminate developments attempting revitalization. Undesignated heritage sites must be safeguarded and rehabilitated rather than neglected and left at risk of further decay, especially with the encroachment of tourism.

To preserve the sites’ authenticity and …

Culinary Community: Collaborative Relationship Building Through Improvisational Fine Dining, Victoria Goodisman

Masters Theses

I am redesigning the fine dining experience to create a space for community building and forming new interpersonal bonds. In response to the pandemic, people learned the pressing need for face to face connection. The current landscape of fine dining inadvertently perpetuates isolation by creating a hierarchical dynamic that separates customers from service staff. This project proposes a restaurant where patrons actively participate in creating their dining experience, blurring the lines between customers and staff. By understanding the restaurant experience through the lens of performance and improvisational theater, we can redefine how people engage with this space. Customers collectively assume …