The Fundamentals of Interior Design, Contents:
The design process
The design process
in action
Professional practice
Understanding the project
The client
The briefing
Design analysis
Building and site research
Understanding the space
Understanding spatial relationships
A typology of technical drawing
Understanding building structures
Building construction principles
Materials for construction
Mechanical and electrical systems
Organising the space
Design development
Human dimensions and scale
Proportioning systems
Ordering systems
Inclusive design
The human interface
Materials and finishes
The decorative scheme
Acoustics
Furniture
Colour
Light
Sustainable design
Climate change
Energy-saving strategies and services
Sustainability and material use
Communicating design
Telling the story
Presentation drawings
Presentation boards
Multimedia presentations
Sources
What is interior design?
To be creative is part of the human psyche. It is one of those traits that set us apart from other animal species, and we have practised it for millennia. Even when our prime need was to fi nd food and shelter, we felt a desire to leave our mark on the environments that we inhabited. Whether this was to satisfy some deep spiritual calling or a method of passing on vital knowledge to fellow group members, or whether it was simply a way for an individual to satisfy an urge to leave his mark for future generations, we will never know. For just as long, people have turned inquisitive minds to ways of solving problems and dealing with the issues that have faced them in the struggle to survive: problems such as how to work more effi ciently, how to live more comfortably and how to be safe from danger.
Good interior design adds a new dimension to a space. It can increase our effi ciency in the way we go about our daily lives and it adds depth, understanding and meaning to the built environment. Th oughtf ul and well-crafted design makes a space easier to understand and experiencing such a space lift s the spirit, too. It is, therefore, not just about the aesthetic; it is a practical and philosophical discipline. Beautiful spaces betray a logical and rational questioning of the status quo and can be an honest att empt to fi nd new and exciting ways to lead our lives.
