Interior Design Commons^™

Genius Loci: Capturing The Distinctive Roman Spirit Through Pochoir, Carlee Mcguire

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

This capstone explores the concept of genius loci through photographic and artistic exploration and does so through a lens of study set on Rome, Italy. The first major goal of the process has been to discover the elements, moments, physical textures, and other design elements that comprise the genius loci of a city or space. The second goal has been to partake in a process that can be used by myself and other designers in efforts to make more conscious design decisions — gaining a better understanding of ‘sense of place’ can assist designers in straying from globalized, placeless design.

Achakali Chickasha Holbachi Italatalit Ithana: Continuation Of Chickasaw Design Practices, Lily Shore

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

The project aims to create an accessible tool to document, preserve, and honor Chickasaw design techniques by creating interactive 3D models replicating ancestral structures available through an online gallery. A virtual exhibition focuses on structures commonly found in a traditional Chickasaw village. The constructions represented include a traditional council house, summer house, winter house, and corn crib. Each is accompanied by contextual information, including a collection of historical photographs, information concerning use, and conventional architectural drawings such as plans, sections, and isometric views. In fruition, the project aims to function as a resource to commemorate the history of traditional Chickasaw …

It's All Fun And—: A Rhetorical Analysis Of Space In The Pandemic., Erica Von Proctor Lewis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This exhibition and document explore spatial rhetoric during the pandemic, utilizing materiality and relational aesthetics to reflect on the different ways in which the public and private are made distinct from one another. In doing so, Lewis addresses new cultural navigations of shared spaces, both digital and corporeal, public and private. In addition, the artist also examines the faulty social and institutional systems that the pandemic brought to light, such as socioeconomic dynamics and voter suppression, while utilizing Kenneth Burke’s concept of the terministic screen. Games are a central theme throughout the exhibition, as they are often coded as “home” …

Culture In Disney Films: A Comparative Analysis Of Color, Composition And Rhythm, Megan Paul

Interior Design Undergraduate Honors Theses

As a student of design, I take inspiration from everything around me. The media I consume, the places I visit, and the people I meet.By choice or not, I and my generation are subject to the various forms of pop culture, film is one of them. Film is one of few art forms which combines several methods and elements of design to produce a cohesive result, as opposed to a singular medium. This forms the connection to design thinking and is the foundation for the study.

Another critical component to pop culture is the ability to reach the masses. Due …

Expanding Our Understanding Of Biophilic Design And Implications For Wellbeing In The Built Environment, Emma Franceschina

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

The Biophilic Interior Design Matrix (BID-M) was created to assist designers with identifying biophilic interior design features for optimizing nature integration for evidence-based design. The BID-M was developed and tested with interior design practitioners in the United States. There was a need to further develop the BID-M for other cultures along with understanding the designers’ perceptions of biophilia. This was translated into Mandarin and tested in China with designers. This resulted in the above publication and now we are working on a new analysis of the US and comparing it to the China results

Biophilic Design In Higher Education: Exploring Nature-Based Design Inclusion In Classrooms, Danielle Burton

Honors College Theses

This study investigated how biophilic design (nature-based design) optimizes one's well-being within a classroom learning environment. It is necessary to understand how a student’s performance in higher education depends on the environment. Research supports that when students have access to daylight, feel a sense of belonging and well-being in their classrooms they are able to perform at higher levels. Using a semi-experimental method, a classroom was assessed. Classes using this classroom were surveyed at the beginning of class and at the end of the same class time. The concurrent mixed method sequential design included both quantitative and qualitative data and …

Rachel Stover: Senior Art Exhibition, Rachel Stover

Senior Art Portfolios

Here is my design installation created for my Senior Art Exhibition.

The Cuyahoga Valley Resource And Development Center, Lindsay Shook, Suzanne Kroll, Donald Alexander, Emily Booth

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Sustainable design is a growing movement in the industry. As interior designers, it is our obligation to be knowledgeable of how our designs, and therefore the construction, impact the environment around us. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is underdeveloped for a reason, and this section of nature should be preserved. The proposed Cuyahoga Valley Resource and Development Center will be located just outside of the national park boundaries and utilize sustainable design practices and principles. It will serve as a museum and educational resource for the surrounding community to learn more about The Valley.

Flourish: Exploring Healing Environments In A Residential Treatment Setting, Emily D. Kalafian

Theses and Dissertations

The following project explores the ways in which our environments promote healing and support recovery through the design of a residential center for eating disorder recovery. The center will serve 8-10 young women as they seek recovery from restrictive forms of eating disorders. The center will accommodate the necessary staff personnel as well as spaces for supporting activities and wraparound services. The project intends to create a place for healing that feels safe, warm, and considers patients’ needs for autonomy, dignity, and a sense of control amidst disorder. This is a place to create meaningful relationships and to participate in …

Connections Exposed | A Library For The People, Stephanie Wilburn

Theses and Dissertations

MOTIVATION

The U.S. economy, democracy, and the health and happiness of citizens depends on maintaining social capital, the networks of bonds between community members. Social capital creates the trust that facilitates action and cooperation for mutual benefit. Since the 1960s, there has been a decline in-person socialization and social bonds both within and between demographic groups in the US resulting in reduced social capital (Putnam, 2000).

One measure to combat declining social capital is to create third places where incidental and repeated social interactions build and reinforce bonds between community members (Oldenburg, 1997).

With the reduction of accessible and inclusive …

Connected: Exploring Automation To Activate Aging In Place Success, Hallie W. Gillespie

Theses and Dissertations

MOTIVATION: There’s no place like home. Technological advances are now allowing us to live and work from anywhere. Spatial divides are disappearing through remote connections, creating a dispersion of the nuclear family, traditionally the prevailing caregivers for seniors. Older adults are projected to outnumber children under eighteen by 2034, a first in U.S. history (Census Bureau, 2019). This is not specific to America; “globally the population is aging. Since 1980, the number of people aged over 60 has more than doubled in size and is projected to do so again by 2050 to 2.1 billion” (United Nations, 2017).

ISSUE: There …

Digital Brand Identity Design From A User Experience Perspective, Isaiah Harwood

Undergraduate Honors Theses

As a graphic designer and as a creative in general, my interest has always been in the conceptualization and execution of brand identities. I am most comfortable as a designer when I am working in the realm of art direction, and most of my design heroes and inspirations are legendary art directors and designers like Paula Scher, Paul Rand, and Michael Bierut. Logo and wordmark design in particular are among my favorite aspects of design, and finding ways to creatively apply these foundational aspects of a brand to each stage of the user experience is exciting to me. The stages …

An Exploration Of Home Office Design And Its Effect On Stress Reduction, Happiness, And Productivity For Working Mothers’ Well-Being During Covid-19, Janay Brown

Honors College Theses

This study explores how the home working environment can help reduce stress, increase productivity, and support happiness for remote working mothers within a home office environment aiding in their overall well-being. In response to COVID-19, many workers have transitioned to working from home to maintain safety. This study aims to help examine the impacts of home office design on working mothers with respect to stress reduction, happiness, and productivity. The researcher conducted face-to-face virtual interviews and the results were analyzed by creating categories and themes out of the rich descriptions to understand working mothers’ experiences in their home office environment …

Challenges Of E-Learning For Interior Design And Art Education Students Studying At The College Of Basic Education In Kuwait, Ali Saleh Al Najadah

Journal of Art, Design and Music

The first few months of the spread of the Covid – 19 pandemics forced educational institutions to shut down. New means of educational methods and tools had to be adapted to move forward with education. Although most educational institutions were not ready to adapt and implement "e-Learning"; yet they strived to do their best to pick up where they left.

Interior Design and Art Education (ID&AE) at the College of Basic Education (CBE) in the State of Kuwait were two areas of specialization in that e-learning was new to them. The objectives of this study were to address the factors …

Mélange De Motifs: Custom Pattern Designs Inspired By The Interiors, Architecture, And Gardens Of Vaux-Le-Vicomte, Jill Christine Harmon

All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023

How can a historic precedent be successfully employed to inform modern design? History will always provide a degree of influence in contemporary design. In design, a historic precedent can be the backbone of a creative concept and stands as a relevant and informative aspect throughout the project. The precedent acts as a basis in developing designs with substance and meaning and is a fundamental practice in architecture, landscape architecture, and interior design. Delving into the history of Vaux-le-Vicomte, often referred to as Vaux, provided three relevant aspects which compose the historic precedent for this MFA project. First, the creative initiative …

The Art Of The Climbing Wall, Gavin P. Day

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The aim of my thesis is to share the intricacies of climbing wall design, and the building blocks of art, science, and philosophy that go into the work. I will also be detailing my journey of learning through mentorship, trial and error, and my own experience with climbing. All of this culminates in a redesign of the current climbing wall at ETSU’s Basler Center for Physical Activity. While there is limited information on climbing wall design theory, insight is given through industry standards, competition regulations, and interdisciplinary design philosophies

Space-Praxis: Towards A Feminist Politics Of Design, Mary C. Overholt

Masters of Environmental Design Theses

Outside of the academy and professionalized practice, design has long been central to the production of feminist, political projects. Taking what I have termed space-praxis as its central analytic, this project explores a suite of feminist interventions into the built environment—ranging from the late 1960s to present day.

Formulated in response to Michel de Certeau’s theory of spatial practices, space-praxis collapses formerly bifurcated definitions of ‘tactic’/‘strategy’ and ‘theory’/‘practice.’ It gestures towards those unruly, situated undertakings that are embedded in an ever-evolving, liberative politics. In turning outwards, away from the so-called masters of architecture, this thesis orients itself toward everyday practitioners …

Lgbtq Youth Homeless Shelter Challenging Perceptions And Interactions With The Built Environment, Mary Oliver

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Researching Current Data Trends And Amenities To Improve The Community And Wellbeing In Higher Education, Michaela Gensler, Shayla Gardner, Brooke Ward

Undergraduate Research Conference

The interior design students goal was to design a new residence hall and dining facility for the SFASU campus. The design intention was to create functional spaces that allow student collaboration and motivate social interactions, while providing features that enhance student academic success and personal development.

Quantitative and qualitative data was collected by conducting surveys regarding the current housing and dining facilities on campus. Results from the current student’s surveys and from interviews of student/staff members on campus allowed the team to create the most functional plan. Researching current trends and amenities offered at campuses across the country assisted in …

Pediatric Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic: Design Focus On Invisible Disabilities With Sensory Sensitivity, Shelbi Boehme

Student Research Symposium

The focus of this research presentation is to design a Pediatric Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic in Logan, Utah providing diverse therapy spaces for children diagnosed with a range of disabilities. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) implemented some good generic standards for accessibility for persons with physical disabilities, but what about universal design for all disabilities? Designing spaces for a Pediatric Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic involves researching many different types of disabilities that would be treated at the facility. Particularly invisible disabilities such as Autism, Multiple Sclerosis, Asperger Syndrome, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. These types of disabilities are often left out when designing …

Addressing Orphanage Design, Megan Orme

Student Research Symposium

The body of society is the people in its communities. There are girls without parents or a home that lack the development to contribute to such. These girls need refuge. Creating an orphanage that modernizes the care of these girls is dire. This facility will help mend the societal processes for facilitating children without permanent homes and families. By creating rooms and freedom within a secure facility, girls will grow and develop prepared to contribute to society as they feel loved and built up in a difficult position in their lives. The purpose of this study is to address the …

Chest Of Drawers (Cómoda), Cindy Perdomo

Object Analysis Projects

Cindy Perdomo, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Chest of Drawers (Cómoda) for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.

The French and English trade with Cuba influenced Cuban furniture during the eighteenth century. Cuba was influenced by the Spanish plateresque style which was influenced by the French baroque. During the British occupation in 1741 Havana residents had the ability to purchase consumer goods from British merchants. The sacristy room holds the vestments and sacred objects used in the services. In Cuba, the elites would commission cabinet makers from the island to create a smaller sacristy chest …

Chest With Drawers, Tessa Trowbridge

Object Analysis Projects

Tessa Trowbridge, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Chest with Drawers for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project

As people began to accumulate wealth, more storage methods were needed for small objects. Using the chest as the display case was an indicator of wealth. The chest turned into a focal point of the home. Motifs from Tudor style embroidery largely influenced the designs of chests from the Connecticut River Valley. It is possible that makers understood the value of embroidered patterns and wanted to bring this value to their furniture. Similar to the use of embroidery …

Writing Desk (Escritorio), Nadia Mechboukh

Object Analysis Projects

Nadia Mechboukh, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Writing Desk (Escritorio) for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.

The portable desks traveled through space and adapted to new locations. The materiality, design, and techniques of the escritorios are an indication of the location where it was made. The concept of the escritorio was relatively the same through time but told different stories through its designs and ornamentation.

1) It had an administrative function.

2) It was a sign of wealth and social position. (from a cassone to escritorio)

3) The length of the production process using …

Chalice, Madison Goff

Object Analysis Projects

Madison Goff, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Chalice for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.

Native Indian silversmiths were forced by Spain to forfeit their traditional silver practices and are taught by Spanish silversmiths the rules and styles of the Spanish Church. The function of the chalice was to hold the consecrated wine during communion. The chalice was created by pouring the molten silver into a cast that the artist made out of wax. The artist then utilized the technique called ‘repousse’ where he hammered from the inside of the chalice which creates a low …

A Looking Glass, Chelcey Dunham

Object Analysis Projects

Chelcey Dunham, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected A Looking Glass for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.

Around 1720, mahogany was imported to England and began to supersede walnut as the wood of choice for fancy furniture. The North East colonies were a good stopping point along the shipping route from Jamaica, Cuba, and Honduras. Of course, some of the mahogany remained in the North East, and that is most likely how Mr. Elliott got his supply of Mahogany for his many-looking glasses. It was most likely designed to fit on a wall between two windows, …

Coffee Pot, Tawny Chamberlain

Object Analysis Projects

Tawny Chamberlain, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Coffee Pot for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.

Entertaining in the home was also important and high society wished to emulate silver tableware from London in particular. Only the affluent could afford silver coffee pots and their elite status would have been marked by how many pieces they used to serve their guests. Tea and coffee rituals were also associated with elite femininity, as depicted by two Boston women in the painting to the right (Jamieson, 2001). We can imagine their parlor had elegantly framed mirrors and …

Candlestick, Caitlin Mclean

Object Analysis Projects

Caitlin McLean, VCU Interior Design MFA 2023, selected the Candlestick for the 2021 Colonialism And The Americas, Object Analysis Project.

Candlesticks were a physical representation of wealth and status, so it’s very likely these were regularly kept on display during meals or in the bedroom. Candles themselves were expensive - given the prosperity of the Schuylers [owners], it’s probable that these were used fairly regularly, as they could afford to maintain a supply of candles. Because they were originally made in a set of four with a snuffer stand, I believe these were made for display purposes, likely in a …

Megan Stout Design: Design Firm Business Plan, Megan Stout

MA Projects

Megan Stout Design is a full-service interiors firm rooted in delivering artful spaces
/="/">with a sense of easygoing elegance — from its architectural heritage to its modern spirit. We focus on high end residential and commercial hospitality projects coupled with art advisory services. We can assist in all aspects of a project from start to finish, including but not limited to consulting with architects and artists, as well as providing a tailor-made approach to finishes, furnishings, and custom drawings. Working within a clear and transparent time frame, we track everything from costs to schedules. We’re conversant in the languages …

Humanizing Architecture: A Polymorphic Space, Nada Abbara

Theses and Dissertations

The built environments in which our communities thrive constitute an integral part of human experience and evolution. Yet, many places are detached from the way we experience them due to mass-production, which often produces standardized environments, and due to the tendency of modern architecture to delineate spaces as static objects rather than dynamic interactions. Thus, there is an emerging need to humanize architecture through an interdisciplinary approach that engages nature’s behavioral patterns. The project proposes a transformable polyhedral structure that interacts with human emotion through a three-dimensional morphing space that contracts and expands. This spatial interaction is achieved through a …