This course explored the spatial relationship humans have with their environment in two and three dimensional applications through the use of applied research.
Theory in Action
Group Project 1
The main objective for this project was to create a sculpture that demonstrated one of Gestalt’s principles of design, as well as being capable of movement. As this was a group project, it took many ideas before the team was able to find a design that worked, in which movement portrayed. We finally had the idea to work with the shapes of flowers that could move like pinwheels.
We were able to incorporate Gestalt's principle of closure, continuation, and proximity.
Law of Proximity
The bouquet of flowers as a whole represented proximity as people group the flowers together.
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Law of Continuation
The law of continuation is demonstrated of the two flowers that have a line going through each petal. As they spin it is almost like they are connected by the continuous line.
Law of Closure
The law of closure might not be evident at first glance with this design, but it is shown in the details. On the orange flower there is a purple line that goes around the edges that we see as a full circle even though there are spaces between the lines.
The Planning Process
Gestalt Theory
Law of Closure
The law of closure is defined as
- the ability to fill in the missing parts
- our minds fill in the incomplete figure
Law of Continuation
The law of continuation is defined as
- how we see things as continuation or connection rather than separate entries
- the way our minds see segments of a line as a continuous line
Law of Similarity
The law of similarity is defined by when we group similar things together to create continuity.
Law of Figure Ground
The law of figure ground is defined as
- typically perceiving only one aspect of an image when the image can be viewed in both positive-negative and foreground-background perspectives.
Law of Proximity
The law of proximity is defined as
- Items close to each other, they are seen as belonging together regardless of actual connection.
My original image on the left doesn't correctly reflect proximity, so I re-did it with the picture on the right.
Law of Symmetry
The law of symmetry is defined as
- Grouping dissimilar items together to create symmetry.
- Attempting to create symmetrical balance.
The same goes for this picture on the left. I was aiming for an asymmetrical balance, however that was not what was being looked for. I re-did it with the picture on the right.
The Design Process
Using a coffee shop as an example, we were able to explore the design process using mind maps, an adjacency matrix, and a bubble diagram.
On the right is the mind map we had to make, with the word "coffee shop" in the middle. Mind mapping is a way to get ideas, and is a great start to a new project.
This specific design includes a host table when you walk in, leading into an open seating area with booths and round tables. The kitchen doors are places on the side so no disturbance is made for any customer.
Theory as an Experience:
Meaning of Place
Group Project 2
Meaning of Place Theory: refers to how people incorporate a place into the larger concept of their own identities and creates a sense of self. This could be accomplished by creating cultural or personal attachments to items.
Through the use of meaning of place, our group was able to portray a childhood memory of a treehouse. We brainstormed a couple ideas, and all agreed that this was a design that brought us all back to our childhood backyard days.
We were required to include something than an individual could holistically experience and incorporate a multi-sensory element. We tried to have a visual and touch sensory element as we added little chalk boards on the fence to be written on.
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If I could fix/re-do this project I would. It was a piece that took a lot of time, but our design process might've been rushed as a group. The hard part about it all is that there is only so much time, and it takes effort/practice to work well with different groups. If I did it over, I would make it larger/ change the design to have it intractable. I would also make sure to have clear multi-sensory elements. Regardless, I enjoyed this project, and learned a lot. Plus now I can only improve and learn form my mistakes.
The Planning process
In order to start, our group decided to make a mind map. Once we decided on the treehouse, we sketched out some design ideas. We drew the final design on a paper and wrote the supplies we would need to get in order to start constructing the piece together.
The final drawing is the closest to the final product, but our group did have to tweak it a bit as we start to put it together. We had to work with what we had. Above is some of the supplies we started with.
Seen is group members Bowen and Jaedyn
Theory Applied to Interior Design
Change Theory Model
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This was our last solo project for this class. We had to find an article that incorporated the principles of change theory as it related to interior design. Specifically, it had to be about Covid-19 as this class was in the midst of it in fall 2020. Covid-19 has challenged the world on how we social-distance, and adapt to harsh situations.
I decided to make a restaurant model to create solutions for all the shut down restaurants to open back up. A main focus that the article highlighted was based upon triggering factors such as air, temperature, humidity, airflow and ventilation. I decided to design a solution to increase air flow while also having a filtering system. Covid-19 is a respiratory illness resulting in flu like symptoms, in which air flow should move more, and air should be strongly filtered. My model displays air vents that filter into a greenhouse in the middle of the restaurant. It is a neat design to keep customers engaged, happy, and safe. Each table has its own vent, and if it is a large table, it has two or more. More booths are in this restaurant to keep tables not out in the open, so that they would be close to a vent for everyone’s safety. To keep the workers safe, there is a separate door to the office for the boss, and a door for the kitchen staff, and the waiters/waitresses. Along with air flow, this restaurant will make sure to keep all surfaces clean and sanitized for the safety of everyone.
In these pictures you can see how there are vents on the walls and one per booth. If it were to come down to more technical procedures, I would show how the vents are connected to the garden in the middle in which the air is filtered.
The most challenging thing about this project was the fact that we did not have access to the lab, and because I ironically had Covid myself. After thanksgiving break most schools didn't take students back until spring semester, so we had to finish on Microsoft teams. Overall I liked the idea of the project and what we were supposed to do, but the circumstances were not in my favor aha.