FINAL THOUGHTS

I have truly enjoyed my Theory and Criticism class this semester. My classmates have been wonderful and I have learned alot from Dr. Chapin. Her insight and knowledge has been a true blessing. The input and dialogue with my classmates has caused me to stretch and think about design from new and different perspectives. I am truly grateful for this experience, the knowledge that has been imparted to me and the people that were a part of it.

Thank You,

Heather

Image:

www.assessor.co.douglas.nv.us

Cultural Approahes to Environmental Design

Haneen and I presented on the Cultural Approaches to Environmental Design. Below is some of the information we presented.

What is Culture?

Culture is a term used by social scientists to describe a people's whole way of life. To social scientists, a people's culture consists of all the ideas, objects, and ways of doing things created by the group.

Culture consists of learned ways of...

• Acting
• Feeling, and
• Thinking, rather than biologically determined ways.

According to British anthropologist Sir Edward Burnett Tylor

There are three important characteristics of culture:

• Culture is acquired by people
• A person acquires culture as a member of society
• Culture is a complex whole

Basic Elements of All Cultures

All cultures have features that result from basic needs shared by all people.

• Every culture has methods of obtaining food and shelter
• Every culture has ways to protect itself against invaders
• Every culture has ways of organizing family relationships, including marriage and systems of kinship
• Every culture has religious beliefs and a set of practices to express them
• Every culture has forms of artistic expression such as carvings, painting and music

In order to consider how much does culture impacts the design of environments we must first look at different types of environments. In residential/housing the role of culture is quite strong. In non-residential/commercial environments culture tends to play less of a role. When talking about cityscapes... they all look the same.

In class we discussed why culture might be disappearing from our cityscape's. First, the modern movement brought buildings and interiors that were simple un-ornamented. Second, as we travel more easily cultures have begun to merge.

When speaking of the similarities among culture in environmental design, Amos suggests that the "idea that culture is not completely variable but has major constancies and moreover, that some apparently variable aspects are expression of underlying contents or universals."

The impact of culture on the environment varies with the...

• Type
• Overtime
• Different Groups
• Different Situations and Contexts
• Interior Design

According to Mustafa Pular in A Structured Approach to Cultural Studies of Architectural Space,

Culture can be broken down into three components:

• Technology

Know-How Knowledge- accumulated body of solutions

Technics- tools, implements, etc.

• Knowledge

Symbols and Cognitive Schemata

Two types: Informational and Theoretical

• Value System- set of value judgements that are central to the solutions of a man's problems

Images:

http://www.photosdirect.com/

Sources:

Rapoprt, Amos Some Further Thoughts on Culture and Environment

Pultar, Mustafa A Structured Approach to Cultural Studies of Architectural Space

Community,Interaction and Gathering Places

Admittedly, before this presentation, I did not know much about "social justice". I had an intrinsic understanding but did not know the term. I found the concept most enlightening.

What is Social Theory?
Social theory is the theoretical framework to look at and study social phenomena and relationships.
What is Social Justice?
Social justice is a movement that focuses on a socially just world. It is based on human rights and equality.

Incorporating social justice into the design process is a matter of changing our perspective to consider the broader scope an impact of the materials and processes we as designers specify. Just as with environmentally friendly design, social justice requires we adjust the way we look at the design decisions we make.
Ways we can incorporate social justice into Interior Design are:

• Getting the opinion of the community on projects
• Choosing the right location for a project
• Considering the form and shape of the building
• Considering landscaping and the natural design
• Specify sustainable and socially just materials
• Building the project using local resources (people, materials, etc.)

In regard to community, the way in which Europeans and Americans approach the concept are very different. The European culture is enmeshed in community, whereas, America is not. All you have to do is look at the "cookie cutter" housing developments in suburban America. We are disconnected and fragmented from our neighbors and community.

Oldenburg offers a solution in that of the "Third Place". A place that people go to all the time that serves and support and provides for social interaction. Hopefully we all have a "third place".

Environments: Masculine and Feminie Perspectives

For class, Kristin and I presented a discussion on Gender Theory and Environments: Masculine and Feminine Perspectives. I have always understood the male dominated system we find ourselves living and operating in... I didn't realize that this system is ingrained in our living spaces as well. I would like to take a moment to present some of the imformation that I found particularly interesting and somewhat disturbing.

When it comes to men and women there tends to be two specific relationship structures, Collective and Individual.

Characteristics of Collectivists Structures are:

• Focus on the group
• Social System based on lineage
• High degree of separation between men and women
• Status achieved through group oriented consumption

Individualistic Structures are:

• Focused on the individual
• Open social groups
• Decline in the degree of separation between men and women
• Status achieved through individual consumption

Among Collective Structures there is a great deal of sexual segregation that translates into living/home life as well. Men are viewed as high status, pure, social nature and public. Whereas, women are viewed as low status, polluted, animal nature and private. Therefore, men are oriented towards public spaces where women are relegated to the private spaces of the house.

In Individualistic societies men move from the public realm into the house (which become less private and a display for others). Women become more public because her private realm is interrupted. This is particularly seen in the 20's with the "Flappers". "She caused as stir not only because she rejected the traditional female role but also because she seemed to appropriate a male one". This is a woman after my own heart.

Work Place Environments

We recently discussed work environments in class. Tiffany and Haneen presented a well organized informative PowerPoint along with a fun tasty exercise.


HISTORY OF THE OFFICE

In the early 1800's there was no difference between office and home. The office was just a room in the house that was designated as a place where business was done. If the business grew more of the house was used as office space. As time went on an entire house could be dedicated to the running and maintenance of the business.

The Industrial Revolution changed the face of offices as they became more production based. This was due in part of the population growth and advances in food production and medical science.

With mass production the bullpen office system was developed. In the 1900's Taylor introduced his management principles based on the concept of a machine running a complex organization. His layout became known as the bullpen layout. This layout established a visual hierarchy where the supervisor could keep a close watch on the employees as they worked.

Over the years the evolution of office spaces reflected changes in attitudes about work. In the 1960's "office landscape" was introduced functional side-by-side undivided work stations for clerks to allow for chatter. In the late 60's Herman Miller created Action Office furniture system with low dividers and flexible work surfaces. This system later became known as the "cubicle". In the 1980's with middle management exploding, the sea of cubicles was born. 1994 brought the virtual office where employees did not have a personal desk. Productivity nose-dived and the concept was quickly aborted. Currently, networking systems have become very popular. They allow for a degree of privacy but not enough to guard against personal calls.


OFFICE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Providing for human needs in the office environment is very important. Some criteria to consider when designing for offices are:

• Physical Needs- Need for territory and personalization
• Need for Privacy- Independent and free from distractions
• Community Needs- Do not feel isolated from co-workers

As designers we should keep these needs in mind when designing for office spaces. Office plans are not just about function.

LAYOUT

"Space planning in office environments is very important. It is concerned with the functional, effective, productive and flexible working areas that optimize the use of space within the constraints of the building and offices." There are several standard space planning scenarios.

• Conventional- traditional plan where there is distinct separation between departments and personnel hierarchy.
• Open Plan- provides flexibility but loses privacy
• Modified Plan- synthesis between the convectional open plans of office space planning

Image:

www.photographersdirect.com

Queer and Feminist Theory

" To reperesent anything out of the norm is to be "queer". " Twiz

I must admit when I saw this topic on the syllabus I wondered "What could that be about?". I must say I am no more clear today than I was then. So what I understand about Queer Theory is that it is undefinable. We really don't know what queer theory is as it defies definition. All I really gathered is that it encompasses and embodies all that is "outside" of the "norm" or ordinary. To me... normal is a very fluid thing. This includes but is not limited to sexual orientation. One might say that it is more about social constructs tat about sexuality and gender.

The second topic discussed during this particular class was Feminist Theory. Well, I am here to say I am a feminist. Yes, I said it. This is not to say I hate men... because in fact I like men... I do however hate the male dominated structure of our society and realize that it is something I have been fighting against for a long time. One thing I learned is that whatever your feminist slant there is a theory for it, just take your pick. I'm going to have to look much deeper into this issue.

Image:

www.twizart.com

Body, Motion and Memory

By looking at the graphic representation above it is clear that you cannot separate who you are from your environment. The lines, if there are any, blur when it comes to the mind, body, environment connection. Dr. Chapin used the example of when a child draws a picture of a house most of the time they draw windows as eyes and the door as a nose.

A theory that ties mind, body and environment is that of Body Image Theory. This is the concept that there is a connection between all experience and that they are dependent on the three dimensional body and our physical environment. It can lead us to a better understanding or our surroundings and how they impact our behavior.

Therefore, as designers, we must be aware and conscious of this connection n ad design spaces that incorporate this connection.

Image:

www.hnhealth.nsw.gov

Design Considerations for the Elderly

With the recent passing of both of my grandfathers, elder care has become very important to me. Fortunately, our family had an excellent experience with the facilities that were charged with taking care of our loved ones, but that is not always the case.

With the aging of the "Baby Boom" generation from "aging-in-place to nursing care elderly issues are on the forefront of designers minds. This is a section of the industry that has great promise and expansion.

Older individuals faced with the prospects of nursing home care often refuse to go. Often they feel as if they are no longer productive and needed or wanted by their families. The spaces tend to be stile industrial places that cause further feelings of alienation of our older generations. How can we as designers solve these problems? It is our responsibility to help make these places "home". We must consider what makes a person feel at home, what makes a home and other such questions. In doing so we can add comfort and belongingness to these places.

We read an article by Dr. Chapin concerning the topic of Hospice care. As I stated earlier, fortunately for our family our experience of such care was a positive one. This article discusses specific issues in reference to hospice care. Individuals who are referred to hospice care environments are typically in late stages of their illnesses and hospice helps the patient and their families maneuver the death and dying experience. The overall process is an emotional, physical, social and spiritual in nature. An effective hospice is flexible and supportive to aid in this process. The space should allow for personalization and personal control. Family member should also be considered in the design of hospice rooms/buildings. Key elements for hospice buildings are:

• Personal Control
• Physical Comfort
• Emotional Support/Comfort
• Privacy
• Sociability
• Accessibly
• Adaptability
• Stimulation
• Homeliness

These elements help the space feel more like the patients home instead of an institutional hospital.

Image:

http://www.fitimalter-dge.de/

Ecological & Restorative Theory

Our class on ecological and restorative theory was fascinating. Kristin and Ashley presented an extremely informative presentation.

Interestingly enough with the increase in public awareness concerning the environment we still continue to behave in ways that are contrary and damaging to our own health and the health of the planet. We are disconnected with our natural world. Just because we behave in ways that are not environmentally conscious does not mean that we are not concerned.

Studying peoples relationship with nature can provide insight into the way they treat the environment. To further understand the connection between peoples behaviour and actions psychologists have examined the flowing...

• Motivations
• Attitudes
• Values
• Beliefs

An interesting concept to me was the "biophilia hypothesis". This hypothesis attempts to explain why people desire to relate and be in the natural environment. Those who study this look to the popularity of outdoor activities and our fondness of natural scenery as evidence of this phenomenon. However, it is noted that there is considerable variability in the extent to which people are drawn to nature. To further emphasize this concept Kristin and Ashley went on to talk about the "ecological self and nature relatedness". These concepts talk to the interconnectedness people feel with the earth and how damage to it really damages ourselves and the appreciation and understanding we have with living things. I must say over the past several years my own connectedness to our earth and environment has been of increasing concern.

Nature and its importance to healing and health dates back centuries and across cultures. Positive health outcomes can be measured by using nature and healing gardens into the health care equation. By reducing stress through natural features can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, lessen pain whereby shortening hospital stays. Ecological Restorative Theory researchers search for quantitative and credible information that proves that gardens are an efficient and cost effective way to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

By incorporating healing gardens into the design of hospitals and other healthcare facilities helps to reduce the uncomfortable and unpleasant association of the expedience. The goals of healing gardens are to:

• Foster Restoration
• Provide therapeutic benefits to users
• Elicit other positive influences

Additionally, characteristics of a healing garden include:

• Contain real nature, such as green vegetation, flowers, water, etc.
• Vary in size depending on facility
• Can be indoor or outdoors
• Often found in hospitals and other healthcare facilities
• Offer various activities to include physical rehabilitation, horticultural therapy, sitting, social interaction and viewing from windows.
• Must be user-centered and supportive
• Must get input from patients and staff in order to develop a well planned, informed garden design, which supports user's needs.

Kristin and Ashley when on to talk about many other topics in reference to these spaces. Some of the additional topics included:

• Providing and Designing for a Sense of Control and Privacy
• Providing and Designing for Social Support
• Providing and Designing for Physical Movement and Exercise
• Providing and Designing for Positive Natural Distractions and Avoiding Negative Ones
• Advantages of the Healing Garden
• Healing Gardens for Alzheimer's
• The Design Principles of healing Gardens

All of which were extremely informative and interesting.

Image:

http://www.asla.org/

Place Attachment and the Value of Things

When I walked into class today I found someone else's stuff in "my" chair. I've been sitting there every class for the last 8 weeks and now someone else was there. I thought to myself... Who's stuff is this? I suppose I must have even looked upset because one of my classmates asked me if I was OK. Of course the answer was "Yes" but it was really "No". I knew that if I sat in one of my classmates spots they would be displaced as well, so I chose a seat one row back right behind "my" spot... I thought to myself... Nobody else sits here. When class started I found out I had been played... the entire class had been played. It was a experiment on one of our class subjects... PLACE ATTACHMENT. Well, I was attached to that place. I had to laugh.
What makes us attached to a place, why do we become attached to places? Some interesting questions to consider. There are several factors that can be attributed to the development of place attachment. These include:

• Time spent with family and friends
• Familiarity of the space leads to a sense of security
• Routines and Rituals help to anchor people to spaces
• Privacy allows people to be themselves
• Territoriality proves freedom of expression
• Personalization combines home with the persons identity
• Possessions represent memories and a sense of belonging

The second topic for today's class had to do with the value of things and how objects become meaningful to people. I have many things that are important to me. I have wooden box that was handcrafted by my brother sitting on my night stand. This "thing" is important to me. What is even more interesting is that I have chosen this box to house some other "things" that are also important to me. I have a silk horse Christmas tree ornament that came from a set that we had as I was growing up. My silver baby rattle. For Christmas one year I got a plaque that said "Heather's Room" it was the first item I received with my name on it (Heather was an uncommon name but my brother, Michael, was always getting things with his name on it). I never put it on my door because I was afraid it would fall off the door and break. The list goes on... but this treasured box of mine contains many of my treasures. Some of these things became meaningful because someone gave them to me others through association. Objects becoming meaningful to us through several different processes. These include:

• Acquiring
• Associating
• Perceiving
• Making
• Self-Presenting

Lastly, everyone in the class brought in a "thing". I was most intrigued with the things that were meaningful to my classmates. I loved hearing the stories of why these items held such importance. It made me smile.

Image: www.kidstvmovies.about.com

Why is Privacy Important?

I like my privacy as I'm sure you do too. But why do we want it so bad?

In our class discussion on Place and Identity we talked at considerable length about privacy. The model of privacy is "Personal Space + Territoriality + Privacy. Personal space is the distance we keep between ourselves and others. It is the invisible boundary, the breathing room between us. Territoriality is the space we are willing to defend against intruders and unwanted visitors. When these two components come together we get privacy.

Privacy can be broken down into four different types:

Solitude, Intimacy, Anonymity and Reserve

And it provides us with five things:

Personal Autonomy, Release of Emotions, Self-Examination and Reflection, Protection of Communications, and Escape or Withdrawal.

Why is privacy important? We find increasingly invasions of our privacy. We see the traffic light camera, surveillance in stores, ID checks... the list goes on and on. Although we accept these invasions as for the greater good and to protect us, there is an unsettled feeling about it. In regards to this type of surveillance we need privacy in order that it does not infringe on our liberties and those in power not to abuse it. Personal privacy is necessary as it gives us a sense of self, control over our environment and freedom from others eyes. I think it important for us to always protect that privacy.

Image:

http://www.smugmug.com/

Our Filed Trip: Marcel Breuer

"I decided on a course of development that would lead me from individual units to increasingly larger projects. For that reason, I first studied smaller objects- for example, chairs and smaller pieces of furniture...

In accordance with my programme of work, I proceeded from design to private homes."

Marcel Breuer to Ise Gropius March 1932

On our class filed trip to the Museum Of Design Atlanta to see the Marcel Breuer exhibit our charge was to experience the Theory of Minimalism through his work. I think that was successful.

In the video interview Breuer said that he "works upwards form the details to the whole". I found this statement quite profound in reference to interior design. That is what we do. The smaller details form the design of the interior. He spoke on the design of his chairs and furniture. When asked the question where he got his inspiration... he responded... a bicycle. As soon as he said that I could see it. The design of his furniture and a bicycle are both visible to us. Nothing about the structure is hidden. Reduced to their bones. He said design is a "question of function... not just size".

The last part of the exhibit included some wonderful scaled models of his architecture. In seeing the design of these buildings I could see another foundation of Breuer's Minimalist Theory... of interior and exterior harmony and that it is all designed to work together.

It was very interesting to see the Theory of Minimalism expressed in such a unified harmonious way.

Image: Taken by Heather Marcet

Does Place = Identity?

I have long held the belief that you can tell alot about a person by looking at their space. For me home is a place I can express myself and my individuality. Home is where I feel I can be myself.

A little over a year ago, I got married and moved my children and I into his home. HIS HOME! The children had their things... their old rooms and furniture and decorated the way they wanted. I, on the other hand, had no space. I attempted to put my mark on the space by painting every wall adding some of my artwork and accessories... but still when my best friend came over she said, "It doesn't feel anything like you!". And it didn't... I felt it. I had to find my space. So I have now "taken over" the upstairs family room with my office. In it is my stuff and I feel very much at home. I do believe that if she came into this space she would say... "Now this is You!". Home is where you can have independence, privacy and control over your surroundings. When you don't you can feel lost and out of place. That was how I felt until I found my "place".

In Elsise de Wolfe's essay entitled Suitability, Simplicity and Proportion she says... "We are sure to judge a woman in whose house we find ourselves for the first time, by her surroundings. We judge her temperament, her habits, her inclinations, by the interior of her home.". I must say, not much has changes. I have been guilty of making those same judgements about people based on their home. Is it orderly, clean, odor free and well appropriated or is it disorganized, dirty, musty and outdated. In fact, I believe a persons physical surroundings is a reflection of their inner space. I'm not talking about whether it is "fashionable", I'm talking about suitability, simpliclity and proportions... that can be learned.

Sources:
deWolfe, E. (1968). Suitability, Simplicity and Proportion. In M.Taylor and J. Preston (eds.) (2006) Intimus: Interior Design Theory Reader. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons

People + Program + Physical Setting = Model of Place

According to Gerald Weisman in his essay "The Program" the people in the place need attention. He asks... how do people fit into the programing of architecture, buildings and space. At one time the people were considered, however, we somehow have gotten away from the people and just build buildings. He suggests it is time to "address human needs and human uses of the environment".

To understand the concept of "The Model of Space", Dr. Chapin drew a wonderful illustration to help us see the connections. I have recreated this illustration as seen above. Looking at the drawing lets go through it.

First, let talk about the people. People could be organizations, groups or individuals. Withing this model this is where the Experiential Program exists. This is what we as designers/architects are wanting the "experience" for the people to be.

Next the program. This arena is where the function of the space resides or Functional Program. In other words, what the intentions and desires are and what we want or need to do in the space.

Finally, the physical setting. Or the Architectural/Design Program. This is where we are concerned about rooms, sizes, adjacencies, etc.

The Hidden Program is the unspoken understanding of who occupies the space, how we are expected to behave and the physical setting itself and it encapsulates all three areas of the Model of Place... the Experiential, Functional and Architectural/Design Programs. The Hidden Program is impacted by culture and our societal context. However, we all have an understanding on what is expected when I say library and baseball stadium. Quite different expected behaviors.

Image: Drawing by Heather Marcet

Do What? Phenomenology!!

As I tried to read the readings in preparation for class I was lost to say the least. I didn't even really try to read the word... I thought "WHAT?"... that's a big word. "Let me break out my dictionary again to read my assignments." The dictionary seems to be my friend these days.

What is "Phenomenology"?...

"a philosophy or method based on the premise that reality consists of objects and events as they are perceived or understood in human consciousness and not of anything independent of human consciousness" www.answers.com/topic/phenomenology

Again, I'm not sure if that really helped.

When we started discussing the topic of phenomenology in class our professor asked what we thought... I piped up... "I 'think' I like the idea... but just not sure why!". By the end of class I had a better understanding of the theory and why I "liked" it ... I think!

So lets break it down...

• Phenomenology is an observable event. It is something that can be perceived of sensed. For example, Dr. Chapin used an interesting example, she laid three markers on the table and asked "Are you experiencing the number three? No, the experience is the markers."
• According to phenomenology we only know things through our own experiences not anyone else's. In other words, it I have not had the experience of climbing a mountain... climbing a mountain does not exist for me. Even if my friend gives me a graphic account of her mountain climbing experience it is not real for me.
• Phenomenology seeks to describe events/experiences rather than explain them. This is somewhat comforting. It allows everybody's individual truths to be true without qualifying them in any way.

So what did I "like"? I liked that in order to study phenomenology you must assume you know nothing and that all your understanding is only what the person tells you abut their experiences. This approach has a term in phenomenology... epoche'. This is quite difficult for us to do... to put aside all of your judgements, opinions, thought desires, etc. in order to hear.

As it relates to interior design, we must always consider the desires, opinions and thoughts of our clients. We can no longer assume that an intimate romantic space means candles and flowers. We must take it another step and ask... "What does intimate and romantic mean to YOU?".

Space... a new frontier! Or is it?

I was intrigued to study what I think I have taken for granted for years... the "Behavioral Aspects of Space". In our reading and class discussion I found it interesting to learn that many design professionals look at design through a very sterile lens. They have the uncanny ability to separate people from the spaces they inhabit. I personally do not feel this is possible. I suppose the years of my practical design experience in dealing with people has required me to synthesize the two... people and place/space. Nevertheless, I enjoyed putting words, concepts and theories to my intrinsic knowledge and understanding.

The behavioral aspects of space are as follows:

Territoriality: This is as it sounds. We "lay claim" to a space. My 17 year old daughter's space is her room. Once I had to take the door off her room when she abused this fact, we've never had that problem again. When we enter a room we scope out "our" seat and put our stuff down. Everybody understands that space is ours.

• Defensible Space: This was an interesting concept to me. It occurs when people lay claim to a community space and defend it as if it were theirs. We see this in particular with a community park or courtyard.
• Proxemics: We all understand this one. Have you ever had someone "get in your space"? Well that is proxemics. It is the study of the distances people maintain in different situations.
• Behavior Mapping: I've never given this much thought but I see its applications. Behavior Mapping is the study of what people "do" in specific settings. For instances, you would never see someone dancing in the isles of the grocery store. If you did you would think it strange. But you do expect them to be pushing a buggy.
• Cultural Differences: I would love to study this in more depth. Different cultures use spaces in different ways. I know these differnces exist... I woudl like to be more educated.
• Environmental: We need to always consider the impact of the built environment has on the earth. This is evident in the emergence of "Green Design".

I excited to learn that design is moving to a more integrated practice of design and understanding the dynamics of people and their built environments.

Image: Robert Sommer Personal Space: The Behavoiral Basics of Design

Affordances!

An affordance is a use for a space or architectural detail that "affords" the inhabitants of that space to use it in a way that was not originally intended in the design. I thought this was an interesting way to look at things. So I started looking around my home to see what I could see.

I was looking for atypical "afforances" but I live in a very typical traditional home. A front foyer with the living and dining rooms to the right and left, the family room and kitchen ahead. I'm sure you can see it without even seeing it. Of course, there is the stair riser I can not only step up on but sit on and the niche that I have my wonderful Christmas village so beautifully displayed. No that's not it... to common.

Then on January 7th we had snow. Which meant the next day was going to be spent entertaining my 8 year old son. "Yeah", I had so many things to get done. Nevertheless, that morning I come downstairs to see him sitting on the center island doing his "projects". And there it was. He sat there for hours using the center island his personal play space. Not exactly what I had in mind... I had food to prepare, homework to do. But no, today this was were he was doing his "projects". For him it was the perfect spot.

The Hidden Program: I Will Never Look At The "Supermarket" The Same Way Again!

The article "Restructuring the Hidden Program: Toward an Architecture of Social Change" by Murray Silverstein and Max Jacobson explores "What is an architectural program?". They go much deeper than to just say it is a listing of spaces denoting size, function and their relationships to each other and to say it is a social-physical form that brings the space to life.

Interestingly enough, there is not sufficient time spent on this programing phase of design. The results are an intrinsic failure of the program most related to the "Hidden Program". The hidden program is the "system of relationships, usually taken for granted, that give the building its basic social-physical form and connect it to the rest of society". This hidden program does not take into account that the form of the building might be the problem. No matter how much we try to fix it, it still feels wrong. It is much easier to just accept the issues intrinsic in the building and try to improve the project. Ultimately, that perspective does not produce an environment that solves the problem but rather just glosses over it.

In their example "From Supermarket to Community Market" they discover the core destructive pattern in the design of our commonplace Supermarket. From the factory farm to the self-service artificial environment of the Supermarket they restructure the hidden program into the local farms, independent sellers and support system of the Community Market. Our current Supermarket society keeps us disassociated from people and produces mass-produced, bland food. "People begin to forget what a real tomato is like." In contrast, the shift to a Community Market connects people to people and the market as an important part of society. We begin to rediscover what "real" food is with all of its flavor, texture and uniqueness.

I am guilty of making my list, picking a time that I won't run into too many people and just getting my shopping DONE. It is as if I am on automatic pilot. Buying the same things in the same spot, checking it off and going home. Just to do the same monotonous chore next week. I resolve today to be more conscious of my surroundings and I WILL NEVER LOOK AT THE SUPERMARKET THE SAME AGAIN.

Theory and Criticism... What are they anyway?

When asked the question... What is Theory? My mind goes blank. I thought I knew. But in just the first few minutes of class I realize I only have a vague understanding. I can come up with some specific geometric theories like the Pythagorean Theory and The Golden Mean and others like Gravity and Relativity... but what is theory? So, I go to the dictionary. Merriam-Webster defines theory as "a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle offered to explain observed facts". Well that really helped.

In class we discussed the two types of theory, positive and normative. A positive theory describes behavior as it really. Positive theories are logical, testable and descriptive. On the other hand, normative theories describes a norm or standard of behavior. They are more about ways of doing things or convention then they are about absolutes. Additionally, theories can be categorized into Big "T" and little "t" theories. Big "T" theories are scientific and global in nature such as Color Theory where mixing two colors will always give you the same outcome. However, Color Theory can also be a little "t" theory as well. It is personal in nature when we talk about how a color makes us feel. This is subjective and can vary from person to person, across cultures and genders. Interior Design theories fall somewhere in between.So, what are the roles of theories in Interior Design? I believe, that theory helps the Interior Design practice to have generally accepted practices and ways of doing things that guide and aid the industry.

Going back to the dictionary, Merriam-Webster defines criticisms as " a judgement or review". I quickly learned what criticism was about in one of my Residential Design courses during my first design degree. While others cried over the harsh "critical" words my professor would use, I learned to not take it personal. I understood that design is very subjective and although there are design principles that aid in good design... criticism is an entirely different thing. Criticism should be an evaluation of the work that is delivered in a subjective and non-judgemental manner. It does not any personal or value judgements. This process is useful to the Interior Design industry in order to challenge us to think about other options and look at things we did not consider.

Lastly, what is environment? You would think this one would be easy; however, it encompasses many different things. In relation to Interior Design it refers to the surroundings and things within a space. It is about function of the space and how it is experienced by a person. It is about scale and proportions.

The Journey Begins Here

As I begin the process of obtaining my Master's of Arts Degree in Interior Design, I find myself both excited and scared. I look forward to looking at my profession in new and innovative ways and to challenge my assumptions, beliefs and ideas as never before. Additionally, I wonder if I am up to the task. I believe I am.

In "Interior Design Theory and Criticism" my professor, Dr. Meldrena Chapin, is having us write about our thoughts, questions, realizations and observations regarding our readings, lectures and field trips in a blog format. Something very new to me. In titling this blog I spent a considerable amount of time trying to find something creative and relevant... I hope the connection is apparent.

Walter Benjamin, a philosopher-sociologist, literary critic and essayist noted in his writings on interiors that "to live is to leave traces". Interior Design borrows theories from many different disciplines such as politics, technology and economics. In order to explore the ideas of theory and criticism as they apply to the practice of Interior Design, we must look across these disciplines and uncover how their theories and findings have left their "traces" on the area of Interior Design .

So, the journey begins here!