Unit Summary 7

Ryne Morse

ID 162

24 February 2016

Unit 7 Summary

            Looking back on the last two units in comparison, in my eyes I believe that finishes are the biggest contributor to the experience of a space. Whatever experience you are trying to portray in your space is going to reflect in the finishes that you choose. For example, things such as materials provide a texture to the walls floors and textiles; colors will give a sense of mood to the space and how that plays with the light; and also if any scenes are depicted on the walls through paintings or murals will play a huge role of what the person will perceive of the space. Although these differences may not be so noticeable at first, they affect us in obvious ways everyday. For example, if you were to walk into a room painted mostly white with very colorful stain glass windows, breathtaking and incredibly detailed scenes depicted on the ceiling and pictures on the wall, and a large wooden cross hanging at the focal point of the room, these clues would more than likely force us to be very quiet and respectful. On the other hand, if we enter a space with relatively low lighting, loud music playing, and TV’s everywhere on the wall, one might not feel so inclined to stay silent. Finishing’s of interior environment are often the first clues that we take in about a new space, and will more times than not point immediately point to the function of that space.

Ryne Morse

ID 162

24 February 2016

Unit 7 Summary

            Looking back on the last two units in comparison, in my eyes I believe that finishes are the biggest contributor to the experience of a space. Whatever experience you are trying to portray in your space is going to reflect in the finishes that you choose. For example, things such as materials provide a texture to the walls floors and textiles; colors will give a sense of mood to the space and how that plays with the light; and also if any scenes are depicted on the walls through paintings or murals will play a huge role of what the person will perceive of the space. Although these differences may not be so noticeable at first, they affect us in obvious ways everyday. For example, if you were to walk into a room painted mostly white with very colorful stain glass windows, breathtaking and incredibly detailed scenes depicted on the ceiling and pictures on the wall, and a large wooden cross hanging at the focal point of the room, these clues would more than likely force us to be very quiet and respectful. On the other hand, if we enter a space with relatively low lighting, loud music playing, and TV’s everywhere on the wall, one might not feel so inclined to stay silent. Finishing’s of interior environment are often the first clues that we take in about a new space, and will more times than not point immediately point to the function of that space.

Design vs. Decoration

Ryne Morse

1D 162

19 February 2016

Design vs. Decoration

            While initially considering my response for this assignment, I truthfully thought it was a little silly to have to differentiate between ‘decorate’ and ‘design.’ I tend to think of the two at interchangeable terms, and in most cases I would assume that they are. However, after reading the article on Florence Knoll, I was sensing that she was providing so much more with these spaces, and putting much more thought into the actual layout of the room itself, that her meticulousness is what caused people to see the true hard work that was put into this new profession.

I believe initially, and I am guilty of this as well, people assumed that interior designer merely decided ‘how do we make this room look the best.’ Florence Knoll seemed to me to be the first person to take huge consideration in efficiency and comfort at the same time. For example, once establishing the Planning Unit at her company, Florence began to design office spaces for New York office buildings, essentially planning spaces around efficiency and style. She was noted for placing living room-style furniture in office and workspaces to create a more positive and comfortable experience. Previous office spaces tended to be so simple and repetitive, a ‘decorator’ was assumed to be unnecessary to choose which flooring to use and where to hang art. However, Florence Knoll’s designs began to show much more intelligence than previous spaces, while also incorporating practical business efficiency along with it like never before; hence, the movement for an official practice be established began. Dating all the way to this day, the Knoll legacy is carried on. Watching the video of their showroom, her idea of efficiency seems to be alive and as important than ever with products such as adjustable tables and a many comfortable options regarding the modern office.

Thinking back to many ancient designs of interior spaces, we tend to get lost in the massive depictions on the ceilings and the impressive architecture, and look over the practicality of the design as well. For instance, textiles of the ancient world were not woven in a color of your choice and maybe even a family crest if you were rich, but they were hung upon windows and surrounding their beds to keep them insulated. This is an example that even dating back to the ancient world, people were designing their spaces with as much aesthetics as well as practicality as possible. Difference now is it is not a matter of survival, per se.

Case Study 7

Ryne Morse

ID 162

14 February 2016

Case Study 7

            I chose this picture to represent a motif that I pick up on, that the building as a whole is almost modeled after a UFO. Although there is no evidence that Lautner took the inspiration from a UFO, it is interesting that the kitchen, dining and living rooms all have pan-glass windows facing out towards the city much like the front of a ship would, and the back is the living quarters. Relating to the politics of the time, this was built around the same time that America sent a man into space, and the interest was in that field was rising in this country. It was common to see families drive up the valley in California to see the “flying saucer house.”

Unit Summary 6

Ryne Morse

ID 162-001

2 February 2016

Unit 6 Summary

            With this being my first interior design class, I found it intriguing how simply the way that a space is painted, for example, can change how you interpret it. Various things interior designers take into account when creating a space effect whoever walks through it, whether consciously or subconsciously. For instance, an example I thought of to help better understand this is if you could have two separate bars right next to each other, with one interiorly decorated like a church and the other decorated as a normal sports bar, it is obvious which one would be more appealing. How a space is designed and organized is important to humans, for both aesthetic purposes, and practical purposes.

            I have included a picture of the restaurant ‘Margaritaville’ located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This is a particular space that I have experienced myself, which is why I chose to include it into my response. Not shown in the picture in the exterior, which is an exact replica of an old-time pirate ship; a design that is mirrored in the interior. Upon entering, which nearly simulates being dropped off on an abandoned island’s sandy beach and being led into the untamed rainforest by a 22-year-old college hostess, complete with the sound of monkeys jabbering and frogs croaking, you notice the tables are arranged in three main rows and seem to be on the main deck of ship, as you can see in the picture. The whole idea of this space is to simulate sailing the seas, even including random parrots suspended throughout the room, a treasure map painted on the ceiling, and even a small single-engine biplane hanging from the roof. Owner of restaurant chain Jimmy Buffet and his designing crew really played all of their cards in this attempt to take the customer to a whole other world with this design, or relating back to the unit, an “experience as place” design.