Elements & Principles of Design

The principles and elements of design are the basic information one needs to know in order to design a successful space. Without certain factors, a room will just not work; that is something many people do no understand. This is why interior designers must have a basic background knowledge and understanding of the elements and principles. Each one adds its own feeling and appearance to the space.

This picture of the pool facility has great use of line movement and simplicity. The lines in this picture are very powerful and actually move the eye. The lines and movement of the ceiling create a look that opens up that space and also resembles the movement of water. The lines also make the space appear larger in size. I believe that the architecture of this building works amazing with what the space will be used for. Since it is a swimming pool, where people and teams come to practice the space is simple and powerful; this creates an encouraging work zone. With the reflection of the ceiling onto the pool really makes the space come together and look as if it is continuous not only on the ceiling but onto the ground surface. The emphasis used in this piece is in the big white ceiling and then in the center you have a large pool, there is nothing else so you are able to focus on the pool and swimming. The bright blue pool set in a white surrounding area makes the main point of the room stand out from everything else.

 With balanced windows and swimming lanes, the space has balance which is critical when designing a space. One factor that is hard to accomplish when creating a space is harmony. Harmony includes the use of two completely different elements, unity and variety, when a room has both that work, you have accomplished harmony. This pool space achieves it because of the simple use of color, lines, texture and the mix of both variety and unity. These two elements can make or break a room. This design space is a great accomplishment because of how the designer used the elements and principles of design.

Unusual material

In a world that is covered in trash without enough space and time to decompose it, many people have started to recycle and reuse. Not only does this help out the earth but it can also help out your bank account. Recycling and reusing material that can last a long time has great benefits. With a material like glass, that doesn’t decay very well, it can come in handy in other areas.

         Glass material has been used to build walls, houses, artwork and many other everyday objects.  For the most part, bottles are used because they are free and easy to work with. Not only are they cheap but also bottles can be bigger than brick. Bottles can also replace the use of brick or another building material. The use of glass bottles can also bring attention to your building because they are not an everyday material used in buildings. Despite most of their creators' limited experience in construction, and exposure to desert heat, winter snow and neglect, houses have stood up pretty well. Many of the builders speak of a spiritual atmosphere of the buildings' interiors. When the sun hits the bottles, there are said to be kaleidoscopic rays and a stained glass effect.

Because the bottles are made out of glass, they are sustainable and will last longer than if you were to use another material such as paper. You do have to keep in mind though, glass can break and if not properly taken care of the space the bottle was used in can become a disaster.

         Using recycled material to create something new draws others attention and lets them know that they too can do this. When the word is spread, many more people find out and think of other ways to reuse and recycle which turns back around and helps out the earth. So no go out, start collecting, recycling and create something new. You never know you could be the next great artist to use recycled material. 

DESIGN EXPO

        Every year the Design Expo is held in the Merket Alumni Center, this is a great opportunity for interior design students to put their name out there, as well as be aware of the new and upcoming interior trends. Being a second year design major, this was my second year to attend. I have always enjoyed going to this event because it is such an informing event in so many ways. I have been able to gain information mostly about commercial design, which I have found to be interesting. This is also a great opportunity for all of us who are majoring in interior design to gather outside of the studio, get dressed up and spend some time together surrounded by things we love and can appreciate.

            There were many booths at the expo ranging from furniture, flooring, wall coverings and furniture. Personally the Daltile booth interested me the most this year because in our studio class with Collier we are working on a project and submitting it into a competition for Daltile. Getting a chance to see all the new tiles that are being created, how they are being used and the top sellers were helpful with this project.

            Tiles are not a new product, but they are creating new ways to use them. They have become more of a huge art form in houses and commercial spaces. In bathrooms I believe that you are really able to create freely with tiles and they can become a great asset in a bathroom. Tiles are easily cleaned and can upgrade a space.

The Design Expo as a success this year and those who were not able to attend, missed out on getting some great information and great goodies!

Fabric Applications On Campus

Fabric is one thing that is hardly ever used just simply as fabric. There are six main fabric applications that are used today, seating, windows, walls, panel systems, floors and fabric art. When using fabric though, there is not really a correct of incorrect way to use it as long as there is a flow to the room you are using it in, it will work out. Flooring and seating are two fabric applications that are used at a high volume everyday, especially in a corporate public area.

When using fabric as a flooring application it must be very durable because many people will be passing through the space many times a day. In the College of Human Sciences, there is a very durable flooring. This carpet that is placed in the El Centro room, a room that is used for students to hang out in before and after class, meet up with friends and catch up on some homework is a high traffic area. Since this space is used so often the material used for the flooring had to be durable. When an application isn’t durable and cannot stand up to the usage, the material will start to fall apart, fade and look used very quickly. This is not what a client will want when spending money to design a room, you want to be able to use a material that is long lasting and fitting for the space.

The flooring used in Human Sciences was very successful for how long it has been there. With all the traffic going through El Centro and the meetings and gatherings with food and drinks that have been spilled onto the carpet, this material has held up pretty well. El Centro was remodeled a few years ago and the carpeting has lasted so far,  but in years to come it will be interesting to see how it will wear and tear.