Evidence-based design for interior designers

Research has become an important component throughout the design process. It provides evidence for better design solutions. Its application improves client, staff, and patient satisfaction. Knowledge and application of evidence-based research are required for healthcare designers to become certified and for students in accredited programs to apply to their projects. At the beginning of twenty-first-century, interior designers are faced with increasing challenges and opportunities that range from cultural diversity and globalization to sustainability and technology. Developing the best possible methods of research is vital to addressing these and other emerging design concerns.

This book provides a basis for research and investigation prior to sketching or developing drawings. Its focus is research, which will take place in library o through the internet, books, scholarly journals (hardcopy and online), and trade magazines and other periodicals will also be important resources. An important component of any book is a case study. In this book, case studies demonstrated the application of EBD to an office, hospitality, healthcare, and end of the book.

Part one is about foundations of evidence-based design. The use of theory to analyze design projects improves and strengthens design solutions. The theory chosen may depend upon the type of design project. For example, Gestalt theory can be applied for all projects, and particularly related to elements and principles of design. Functionalism is most useful to examine basic function relative to its fit in the environment and to satisfy users’ needs. Interior ecosystem theory has many application particularly in consideration of sustainability with all environments. Person-environment theory is useful in designs for space for groups of peoples who are similar- elderly, mentally challenged, prison inmates, and detention center residents. Symbolic interactionism will help the designer consider what is important to individuals within their personal spaces and what is needed to communicate their images and who they are to clients, customers, and public. Change theory is particularly important in the workplace with constant changes to organizational structures as well as globalization and technology. This are the different types of design theory.

Part two is about data collection. A variety of data collection methods provide facts and evidence for a design project. The Appendices in this book contain examples of both commercial and residential questionnaires. For residential spaces, Appendices N through U maybe used to collect date. Using these forms, data can be collected from all occupants of the space. For commercial spaces, Appendices C through M as well as Q through U maybe used to collect data. Designers collect data from management, other personnel, and typical users through written survey and/or interview. After designers have collected facts and new evidence, they begin the program document by stating the problem, identifying the goals, and determining the objectives of the project. Historic precedents and design precedents that will improve and build knowledge of evidence-based design.

Part three is about environmental considerations. Structural materials and specific needs may be determined based on the building type and location as well as sustainability issues-ways to conserve the environment. Cultural contextual needs related to family history, ethnic background, or a local culture. Such needs are important to lifestyle, religious beliefs, or customs of individuals or group of people. Because contextual needs address both building and space, they must coexist harmoniously to provide a comfortable interior environment. Sustainable design also relates to the preservation of buildings and interiors. Thus, the investigation of a product’s life cycle is the first step toward improving our global environment. Furthermore, and important aspects of human factors is to create space using universal design. With knowledge of human factors, the designer can meet users’ specific means more than differences in ethnicity. It can be divided into six core dimensions and many categories within each dimension.

Part four is about commercial spaces. It including office, hospitality, healthcare, retail and other categories design. Using various methods, data collected from the client and the space will assist in design. Research will provide evidence on specific commercial design to inform and improve the design layout. It will improve productivity and employee satisfaction whether through the design layout, FF & E selected or color choices. Different commercial spaces have different aspects, for example hospitality design should be researched on circulation, privacy, security and acoustical control. Variety of methods to collect data, three methods include content analysis, surveys, observations, and interviews.

Part five is about residential spaces. To design a residence, questions may arise from personal and/or cultural needs for residents. For example, will the housing unit be sufficient for the family as it is presently structured? Knowledge of familial and housing structures, along with evidence gathered through research and data collection, will bring on a new understanding of possible issues that may emerge for a designer and for the world that we all live in together in our many and diverse ways, Data collected from users of residential spaces provide information on special needs and lifestyles. It will improve the outcome of any design project.

Part six is about drawing conclusion. It is about putting to practice evidence-based design. Apply knowledge from the previous chapters into design project, determine areas where evidence will inform and improve the design. A few case studies are shown to prove the EBD in a real-life project.

Overall, a design solution is only as good as the quality of its research. Evidence-based design is an approach in which qualitative and quantitative research inform decisions. This book examines how designer conduct research for commercial and residential spaces using this approach to achieve optimal design solutions.