The Design Process

Functional Considerations

Every project must begin with some consideration of the function of the space to be designed.

Even those spaces with a seemingly simple, straightforward function can present the designer with a complex set of problems. An ordinary residential living-room, for example, must accommodate a wide range of activities from entertaining and visiting with friends and family members to reading, relaxing, listening to music, and watching television each of which has its own requirements. In most cases the designer faces both the practical problem of tailoring the space to fit its function within an allowable budget and the more subtle problem of making the atmosphere and character of the space “feel right” to its users. Whether a space should seem active or calm, formal or casual, cozy or spacious, simple or grand, depends on the different geographical, economic, and social contexts within which it functions.

Aesthetic Elements

Once having ascertained the function that an interior must serve, the designer turns to the vocabulary of expressive elements with which to work. The basic size and shape of a space generates certain reactions: a low space can be snug, a high space impressive, a wide and low space oppressive. These relationships, or proportions, are basic to making a space feel right to its users and to defining its aesthetic qualities. A more subtle corollary to the idea of proportion is the concept of scale, or the relationship between the psychologically perceived size of spaces or objects and their real dimensions. Whereas, for example, big and bulky furniture will seem to overpower a small room, tiny furniture will seem lost in a vast hall.

Color and light, taken together, influence very powerfully the aesthetic impact of an interior space. The suitability and attractiveness of bright, fresh colors is obvious in many situations, but dark, heavy colors can also be effective when a solemn or dramatic interior is called for. Bright lighting can be cheerful and active; dim lighting, dignified and calming. The textures of materials slick and shiny, soft and rough, and so on also suggest different feelings; surface patterns can be small and busy, large and dramatic, or smooth and uncluttered.

The Design Process

The planning of an interior design usually begins with the designer’s developing a written statement about the intended uses of the space and its specific requirements. This so-called programming stage is followed by the execution of sketches or preliminary plans showing proposed floor-plan layouts and rough perspective views. More-formal perspective drawings, called renderings, and scale models may also be used. Next come color charts displaying actual samples of materials and catalog illustrations depicting the furniture, light fixtures, and other appointments selected. Once all the design decisions have been made and approved, the designer develops working drawings to delineate the exact construction and placement of all elements. Lighting may require a special drawing, as may the plumbing and mechanical systems. The preparation of budgets, selection of contractors, placement of purchase orders, and supervision of all work follows. Selection and purchase of small accessories or even works of art may be part of the complete project.

1. What must every project begin with?
2. What reactions does the basic size and shape of a space generate?
3. When can heavy colors be effective?
4. What does the planning of an interior design usually begin with?
5. What is this so-called programming stage followed by?

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16