Interior Architecture Commons^™

Umbrales (Thresholds), Maureen Scally

Masters Theses

Umbrales is Spanish for Thresholds.

Thresholds are by nature ambivalent spaces, inviting two distinct realities into play. As an artist, I materialize my experiences as a migrant into an architectural form. A series of textile walls shape a space that is simultaneously interior and exterior so that the audience circulates in the negative space in between. It is in the construction of this threshold condition — a simultaneous placement, neither here nor there — that a complex narrative of place unfolds.

The Dollhouse, Kristina Miesel

Masters Theses

Dollhouses, while rooted in architectural representation, have historically been excluded from architectural discourse, relegated to the devalued realm of the frivolous and feminine. With a complex history, connected to craft, education, and play dollhouses have commonly been perceived as mere reflections of existing social hierarchies. However, this perception tends to overlook the creative agency wielded by people, particularly girls, as they engage with dollhouses, reinterpreting their functions and challenging norms. Crafted traditionally at a scale of 1:12, these miniature homes intricately capture different aspects of our domestic environment. Within the walls of a dollhouse, architectural elements often assume a secondary …

Lifelink, Yuan Yuan

Masters Theses

The primary focus of this research is to investigate the historical evolution of urban planning in California and its current urban landscape. The aim is to propose an alternative transit reality for Californians, envisioning a more significant impact not only on urban planning but also on their lifestyles.

Urban Looms, Recoloring City, Ella Son

Masters Theses

The metropolis has been a dominant and defining aspect of my life. Acutely aware of visual illusions created by the choreographed and unchoreographed movements of people in the streets and the distortions of light and shadow on the glass facades of skyscrapers, I reinterpret the patterns and colors that are in constant interplay into a collection of architectural textiles.

With an emphasis on optical layering, these immersive installations recreate the quality of being spellbound in the city. Scaled to emphasize verticality and activated through transparent overlays and dense color interplay, a rich visual field is activated. In their application, the …

Space Between: Navigating Openness, Torie Stotz

Masters Theses

In a predominantly human-made, constructed world, I am exploring how I can manifest the natural world with a hand made screen divider system, based on form and structure, that replicates that of a work of nature, more specifically simulating dappled light. Questioning sustainability through the limitations of terracotta clay, while introducing a passive, bioclimatic design, I explore how a fragile, rounded, hollow fired system impacts its structural integrity and its ability to embed nature like qualities in modular form. Clay is brittle when thin, dry, or water absorbing material is added; it absorbs water slowly, needs to be a certain …

Revitalizing Decay, Owen Carey

Masters Theses

Revitalizing Decay focuses to reimagine brick design, diverging from the conventional standardized brick, to introduce a crafted brick integrated with flora. Through the exploration of innovative sustainable solutions, this research aims to breathe new life into buildings facing advanced decay by embedding flora within the very structure of the brick. Buildings slotted for demolition typically go through a long process of approvals, signatures, etc. This thesis also aims to address the long process and instead pose an intervention that would streamline a typical demolition plan. With a primary focus on enhancing air quality, ensuring cost efficiency, and offering a temporary …

Echoes Of Heights: Sustaining Tradition For Education And Community In The Tibetan Plateau, Junyue Wen

Masters Theses

In the Tibetan Plateau region, where most children need to leave their homes to attend boarding schools, this thesis research focuses on the development of Community Learning Centers (CLCs) as a transformative solution to bridge the gap between distant homes and schools. The development and design of tradi- tional Tibetan dwellings focuses on history, culture and nature in terms of appro- priateness and cultural heritage. By transforming Tibetan traditional dwellings into community-based learning centers, these centers will become multi-func- tional spaces that enhance mental health by promoting community engagement, supporting cultural preservation, and assisting students in transitioning between boarding school …

Homeward Bound: Moving Homes, Moving Home, Ella Nadeau

Masters Theses

The built environment has a powerful way of showing where our human attention and care is, a magic trick of emphasis and deemphasis. We proudly display our assets, wrapping them in light and gold while we shun the background people and places, choosing ubiquitous skins of plastic or brick in an effort to remove them from our visual language. Since we have had people we have had spaces to place them in but where some spaces relay the message that the person inside is a gift to the world, the majority chant a tired monotony of oppressive apathy: you do …

Bridge Between Calligraphy And Architect, Tianhao Zhong

Masters Theses

The tradition of calligraphy is divided by time, categorized by eras rather than by years, months, or days. As an art, calligraphy is the tangible manifestation of human spiritual ideals, an organic blend of an individual's calligraphic skills and spiritual philosophy. The strokes and lines of calligraphic art imbue Chinese characters, "carved into a single aspect," with a form of movement, enriched with musical rhythm. The structure of the characters symbolizes the laws of universal movement, embodying a beauty that captures the essence of all, hence known as "the sound of silence" and "the form of the formless." It is …

Celestella Resonance, Xuanren Wang

Masters Theses

The Nanjing city wall was initially built during the 14th century, shortly after the foundation of the Ming empire of China. Its unique city layout and meticulous planning, modeled after the constellation of the Northern and Southern Dippers, was exceptional in the city planning of China if compared to other typical cities, which were all modeled after the idea city illustrated in Zhou Li (The Rites of Zhou), a book served as a social hierarchy guide to build an ideal kingly, or autocratic city ruled by the emperor. Hence, the city wall of Nanjing, though its shape may be far …

Examining Elevation Opening Ratio And Space Proportions In Lebanese Schools, Chirine Traboulsi, Mary Felix

BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development

The academic performance and outcomes of students are significantly impacted by the architecture of educational institutions. When designing learning spaces, two important considerations are the size of the room and the elevation opening percentage that describe how much daylight enters the space through windows. Previous studies showed that these factors have an important effect on student learning performance. This study explores the link between elevation opening percentage and space proportions in educational institutions. In order to assess daylight dispersal in a classroom in Lebanon that faced north—the direction required for the nation's best solar exposure—a quantitative approach utilizing modelling software …

Daylighting In Buildings: Investigating The Relationship Between Daylight Levels And Building Compactness In Various Contemporary Architectural Types. [Efficient Typology Classification], Andrew Welch, Ermal Shpuza Phd

Symposium of Student Scholars

One of the key ways of improving the energy efficiency of a building is to enhance the daylight levels and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Good daylight levels are also associated with increased productivity and the well-being of a building's occupants. Daylight levels are often a direct function of the floorplate depth, where locations near the windows receive more daylight, and those deep inside the buildings receive less. As a result, shallow floorplates and elongated buildings are usually related to higher daylight levels. However, shallow buildings that have more natural light are also associated with greater construction costs due …

Interprofessional Education Through Home Modification, Cathey P. Norton, Kelly R. Gore

Faculty Scholarship Symposium

Creating safe and accessible environments for all people, including physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities is an important part of training students in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and interior design. Approximately 125 students from these disciplines worked together during a unique interprofessional experience, to perform everyday tasks with a simulated disability, then collaborated as interprofessional teams to make recommendations for home environment modifications to improve safety and accessibility for individuals with physical challenges. This was a unique opportunity for all the students to learn about other disciplines and the expertise that each brings to the table to help our clients.

Nomad Unit, Thiago Degrossi

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis explores the transformative potential of van conversions into sustainable living spaces through the integration of spatial operations, efficient design, and renewable technologies. By examining various case studies and employing design experiments, the research investigates how space optimization, energy efficiency, and minimalist design can contribute to a lifestyle that is both eco-conscious and adaptable. The study focuses on the design and build process of converting a Ford Transit into a full-time, livable space of 100 square feet that incorporates advanced movement mechanisms, such as telescopic furniture and pivot-rotation elements, to maximize the utility of every inch. The van conversion …

Urban Mixed Income, Mixed Use Transit Orientated Design A Precast Prefabricated Modular Design Solution To Atlanta's Housing Affordability Crisis, Taharka Askia Muhammad

Bachelor of Architecture Theses - 5th Year

This thesis will focus on urban housing affordability with an emphasis on quality mixed income, mixed use, transit orientated housing development (TOD). The primary goal is to provide an adequate number of affordable housing units to allow diversity and inclusion for residents of lower income in nearby communities or otherwise provide greater housing affordability overall. This research aims to propose new construction and creative innovations with precast, prefabricated modular architecture which will take advantage of cost offset strategies, lower cost of construction, efficiency, and speed of construction. The design phase of this thesis will develop a design proposal for the …

Lgbtq+ Spaces In Rural Arkansas That Accommodate And Advocate For Queer Existence, Lacey Oxford

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

Queer communities located in rural Arkansas are often scarce and elusive to the public eye as a justified reaction to mass negative interpretations and understandings of these LGBTQ+ individuals from a predominantly conservative population. The few who have a more broadcasted identity are subject to potential public scrutiny, but offer queer individuals needed refuge and areas of unfiltered self-expression. This paper explores two LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other identifying individuals) communities and their concomitant establishments: Santuario Arco Iris, an esteemed communal settlement designed specifically for BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color), queer individuals in Boxley, …

Edra 55: Bibliography, Tamara Karr

Bibliographies

edra 55: Human-Centric Environments

Analyzing Rural Public Libraries In Northwest Arkansas, Eden Isbell

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

The role of architecture in rural public libraries is integral in their success. The use of design in these spaces acts as a catalyst for fostering community engagement and facilitating a deeper understanding of information presented through both physical and digital media. This study investigates how thoughtful architectural interventions can create context, enhance accessibility, and encourage community participation within these spaces. Rural public libraries serve as vital hubs for information dissemination, education, and community interaction, yet they often face unique challenges due to their geographical isolation and limited resources. By addressing the specific needs and challenges of rural areas, architects …

Influence Of Narrative On Interior Architectural Film Visualizations: A Case Study Of Dune, Tatem Criner

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

The following investigation is a case study of the popular classic novel DUNE, written by Frank Herbert in 1965, and its successive cinematic iterations about the nature of the translation of architectural visualizations through communicative mediums, literature and film. The investigation sought to answer the following questions: “To what extent do descriptions of interior architecture influence a film adaptation’s interpretation of built visualizations?” and “Can written narratives of interior environments be an effective tool to generate physical interior architecture?” The methodology process began by selecting three scenes from the novel and their successive cinematic interpretations. The cinematic interpretations included …

Exposing The Conflicting Cultural Narratives Of Downtown Springdale, Jennifer Sandoval-Salinas

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

This capstone project examines the relationship between seen and unseen acts of gentrification, displacement, and cultural preservation during the revitalization of the downtown area of Springdale, Arkansas. Gentrification and displacement are social issues of concern in the Northwest Arkansas region as it is experiencing economic growth and population increase. By means of a creative and artistic inquiry the study uncovers the traditions and identities that continue to shape Springdale’s unique cultural heritage through a multifaceted approach. The study includes a demographic analysis, historical examination, community engagement, and case studies which all collectively inform a comprehensive graphic analysis that interprets current …

Reimagining The Grocery Shopping Experience, Isabel Provisor Lemery

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research investigates the design and implementation of a Smart Shopping Cart system aimed at enhancing the shopping experience and providing nutritional education to consumers. The study begins with a comprehensive store observation across various grocery stores, including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Harps, and Aldi, to gather information on current in-store environments. Detailed measurements and assessments are conducted on shopping carts, baskets, circulation paths, and signage, as well as the functionality of mobile apps offered by each store. Based on these observations, design suggestions for the Smart Shopping Cart system are proposed. The Smart Shopping Cart design incorporates two different-sized …

How Design Depicted In Film Contributes To The Evolution Of Cultural Narratives, Catherine Vanhoose

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

Interior Design and its trends have had significant influence on pop culture and the general public through the course of human history. Acting as a universal language, design is a tool often used to help communicate ideas. The different interpretations of these ideas are what help to create cultural narratives. This capstone explores the relationships between film and design as creative arts, how they are affected by the current times and trends throughout the history of women, and as a result how women throughout history are influenced by these relationships. Findings provide insight on how interior design is used to …

Textile-To-Textile Upcycling; A Design Process To Make Hand-Felted Textiles Using Existing Materials By Utilizing The Wet Felting Production Technique, Kristin Rapach

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

This creative, artistic capstone investigates textile-to-textile upcycling in regards to sustainability, circularity, and adaptive reuse. By synthesizing an understanding of the current data, knowledge gaps, and research needs, this inquiry will explore the process of material manipulation and making. This understanding of textile-to-textile upcycling methods may inform innovative and sustainable modern processes, offering an artisan alternative to the limited existing techniques. This process requires hands-on experimentation in pursuit of a sustainable, circular solution to textile-to-textile upcycling.

Coarse-Work: An Investigation Into The Impact Of Materiality In The Interior Educational Setting, Isabel G. Robb

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Education design in modern suburban America curates learning environments that are cold and impersonal, being used more as a place to keep youth during the day than as a place where they can truly learn about and understand the world around them. This learning environment does not suit all students, especially those with learning disabilities, and it leaves little room for flexibility in classroom usage.

Focusing on creating a learning environment where all students feel welcome and are able to effectively learn, this projective design research project aims to provide a comprehensive intervention through the built environment and interior design, …

Storytelling In Interior Design: A Hospitality Case Study Based On Avatar: The Last Airbender, Katelyn Isaacson Bauer

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Storytelling can function as a crucial element in interior design, offering a powerful means to captivate and engage individuals within a space. The allure of storytelling lies in its ability to evoke emotions, convey messages, and create memorable experiences. Humans are naturally drawn to narratives that transport them to different worlds, evoke nostalgia, or inspire. This fascination with storytelling has led to a notable increase in themed spaces across various industries, from amusement parks and hotels to restaurants and retail spaces. The integration of storytelling into interior design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of a space but also serves …

The Kruger Collection Reimagined: A Case Study In 3d Scanning And Interactive Exhibit Design, Annissa Davis

Department of Anthropology: Theses and Student Research

This thesis examines the use of 3D modeling in museum exhibition to create exploratory exhibits that facilitate unique relationships between the visitors and the collection beyond what is provided by the collection’s in person counterparts. Typical use of 3D modeling in museums is currently often representative rather than exploratory. By employing a Digital Humanities lens to approach the development of a digital exhibition utilizing 3D technology and interactive elements created in a video game engine (Unity), this thesis project evaluates these potential new relationships. Using the Eloise Kruger Collection of Miniatures as a case study, the following text details the …

Asylum Architecture: The Brick-By-Brick Development Of Patient Treatment, Kris D. Sass

The Purdue Historian

The following research and analysis will investigate the intersection of architecture and treatment in asylums with a specific interest on the time period of the late 19^th century to mid-20^th century in the United States. Not only were specific environmental demands key to some treatment methodologies, such as rural environments to moral therapy, but the architecture of mental hospitals were integral parts of patient’s experiences. Here three specific hospital designs will be analyzed: the Kirkbride Plan, the Cottage Plan, and Kiyoshi Izumi’s Socio-Petal. The following analysis will be built on a series of blueprints, building notes, secondary histories, …

The Effect Of Natural Light On Mental Health, Gianna Arquilla

Honors Projects

All students have experienced low motivation at one point in their academic career, but what are the factors that can affect this? Is it solely based on their personality and work ethic, or can the environment have an effect? This study discusses the effects on mental health through architecture. Can the amount of natural light in a building affect the motivation of students? Natural light is something that is often overlooked, mostly considered as a perk rather than a necessity. How can students truly feel passionate about their work sitting in a dark place? To evaluate this data, this study …

Education And Advocacy For Universal Design And Accessibility In Housing, Apisara Vairojanakich, Amy Lyons-Brown, Molly Wuebker

Spring 2024 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

In the United States, there is a lack of adequate numbers of universally designed and accessible houses in the housing market for the older population and people with disabilities. Many barriers, such as financial support and lack of knowledge for housing-related professionals, can prevent this population from participating in home occupations. The project developed educational products, including the universal design housing experience booklet, universal design housing checklist, and universal design blueprints. These products were delivered through the blog post on Uncurbed LinkedIn website. The needs assessment was conducted to provide the guidelines for the chapters in the booklet and checklist. …

Social Justice In Design, Baylee Paskett

Student Research Symposium

Access to Healthy Food:

Ensuring that this grocery market offers affordable and high-quality fresh produce will make nutritious food accessible to all residents regardless of income levels. Implementing programs or partnerships that provide subsidies, discounts, or vouchers for low-income individuals or families will provide the locals with healthy food options that are more affordable.