Interior Solutions

Sketch by Me Ergonomics: the study of the human body's abilities and limitations and how they determine how we interact with our environment and daily lives. Ergonomics determines how we work, leisure, and our safety while doing so. Without applying ergonomics to design, bodily injuries would be even more prevalent. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, works within the Department of Labor to ensure that employees everywhere are subject to safe working conditions. They have devised a list of regulations that employers must follow to insure the health and well-being of their employees is put first. This includes training, implementing solutions, and continuously evaluating working conditions. So how is ergonomics implemented in real life?   Source A good example of ergonomic design can be seen in the desk above. The desk is made so that it can move up so that the worker can stand and type or sit. These desks are meant to ease back pain that comes w...

Sketch by Me Anthropometrics, a big word you've heard, but do you know what it really means? In short, it's the measurement of our bodies and how those measurements determine what we do and how we move. These measurements are imperative to architects because they determine how buildings are made before the concrete is even poured. In general, these measurements are averages based on the population, but they are subject to change over time. These measurements include the obvious, height and width, but what about the distance an arm can reach when it's stretched up high? Or the distance from the back of the knee to the heel? These types of measurements take into consideration our daily lives and how we move within spaces we use everyday. Have you ever had to walk down a flight of stairs, and when you get to the bottom you have to duck your head because the ceiling is too low? Yea poor planning. You know what that architect didn't take into consideration? Anthrop...

Sketch by me "We are invited to savor danger from a haven of safety" -Grant Hildebrand  Grant Hildebrand studied the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright's "Falling Water" was particularly an interest for Hildebrand. Based on the Prospect and Refuge theory, humans, like other animals all have an affinity for a space where we can see but not be seen. Wright's architecture always focused on this idea as well as biomimicry, the concept of mimicking nature's spatial and visual qualities. Prospect and Refuge offers us a bright, open space and a perched view as well as sanctuary, and a safe resting spot for us to recharge.  Ideal spaces that are trying to imitate the theory of prospect and refuge tend to include: visual privacy, quiet space, and often personalization of that space. Prospect and Refuge can be seen not only in homes, but on beach boardwalks, campsites, malls, and in hospitals. Below is a picture of me on the boardwalk at Tyb...

sketch by me Even if you have no idea what the word 'proxemics' means, I'm sure you know what it feels like to have you personal space invaded. This is what proxemics studies; the differences between intimate space, personal space, social space and public space. For the sake of the design blog however, we're only going to focus on the last three.  Your personal space is any space within 18"- 48" from your body. Often referred to as "your bubble". The only people you want in this space would probably be a significant other, so long as they aren't on your nerves. Am I right? When it comes to design, there are multiple ways to define a personal space, like a spot to study, (Is there anything quite like studying on your own and having some random come up and  purposefully  sit way too close to you and try to spark up conversation? Not exactly how you wanted your day to go was it.) or publicly nap, like in an airport. Having defined...

There are many things we control in our lives, even though sometimes it feels as if we can’t control anything. There are many things that can give us a sense of control: our morning routines, going where we want when we want to, and  the ability to get ourselves there. But even if we  can’t physically control   all  these things because life gets in the way, there are other factors affecting our sense of control that we generally aren’t aware of. The studies of James  Averill  teach  us that there are three types of control we can have over our environment;  behavioral, cognitive, and decisional control.  These explain our ability  to change our environment, to change the way we  conceive  it to be, and to choose a response.  From  an architectural perspective, the design of a space can  have  either positive or negative effects on how we  perceive  the environment around us. When you’re in...

My design philosophy stems from the idea that as society changes, so should design. Design should be fluid and function for the end user, not just the architect. Of course everyone wants their space to be a reflection of their personal style, but as time goes on, I think it is important to think about how we can make that beautiful space more functional and sustainable. What inspires me most as a designer is how we can look at designs throughout the ages and adopt them and have them influence the designs we create today.                              Source Though I feel like I could create an ultra modern space, or a cozy homey space, I like the idea of blending the two styles. Living in the southern US there are tons of old, traditional style houses. The idea that a traditional style house could be modernized and made more sustainable really appeals to me and my taste. Since I was young, I can remember...