Interior Design has always been about how people interact in a space, what helps one relax, be motivated, be more productive, heal faster, and much more. However, when you look at the Shelter magazines, it's all about how the space looks, the aesthetics seemingly the end result instead of what problems were solved or what living conditions were improved. We as a profession wonder why everyone seems to think that we are decorators, and yet that is all that the magazines show the world: pretty pictures that are enjoyable to look at but may or may not be functional at all. Should we not try and do something about this?
I just heard a talk given by Rosalyn Cama, FASID in which she said that Interior Designers should own the conversations that promote human survival. She believes that in our work we can promote a sense of well being by eliminating stress in the environment. To this end, there is much research that supports incorporating nature into an environment whenever possible. She was talking about Biophilic design, which incorporates elements derived from nature in order to maximize human functioning and health, spaces where people can truly fulfill their potential, spaces that are safe, efficient, effective, flexible, restorative, and beautiful. Wow! This was so motivational to me. What about you? Are you up to the challenge? Interior Designers should definitely own this conversation!
So, the interior design profession needs to start talking to the publishers/editors of the shelter magazines and be sure that what is important about a space is communicated, what problems were solved, why it works for those it was designed for, what functions it allows, etc.. We can do so much to enhance peoples lives. We should be shouting from the rooftops!!
For more about Biophilic design, go to www.dujs.dartmouth.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/.../11s_final-37-39.pdf
I just heard a talk given by Rosalyn Cama, FASID in which she said that Interior Designers should own the conversations that promote human survival. She believes that in our work we can promote a sense of well being by eliminating stress in the environment. To this end, there is much research that supports incorporating nature into an environment whenever possible. She was talking about Biophilic design, which incorporates elements derived from nature in order to maximize human functioning and health, spaces where people can truly fulfill their potential, spaces that are safe, efficient, effective, flexible, restorative, and beautiful. Wow! This was so motivational to me. What about you? Are you up to the challenge? Interior Designers should definitely own this conversation!
So, the interior design profession needs to start talking to the publishers/editors of the shelter magazines and be sure that what is important about a space is communicated, what problems were solved, why it works for those it was designed for, what functions it allows, etc.. We can do so much to enhance peoples lives. We should be shouting from the rooftops!!
For more about Biophilic design, go to www.dujs.dartmouth.edu/wp-content/uploads/2011/.../11s_final-37-39.pdf
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