Components of Form

The Whole Interior Environment 1 / Design Basics
2 / The Whole Interior Environment
3 / Application to the Design
4 / Environment Worksheet

Architectural Context

Below you will find a set of questions and answers for the room you see to the right. We've answered them here, and then included a blank Environment Worksheet for you to use on your own space. This information will allow you to draw a more accurate and practical floor plan.

Questions:

Q: What is the shape of the room? (Measure the dimensions including ceiling height)
A: Rectangular, 19'6"l X 15'8"w X 9'5"h

Q: Where are the windows?
A: East wall (3) and South wall (2) flanking fireplace

Q: What are their shapes?
A: Rectangular, 7'l" X 3'6" w

Q: What trim and molding do you see?
A: Crown molding 10" deep, baseboards 8" high, 6" windows and doorframes

Q: What are the prominent architectural features?
A: Fireplace, decorative mantel and rich crown moldings

Interior Elements and Materials

Questions:

Q: What is covering the walls, floors and ceilings? (Is it paint, wall paper, cardboard, stucco, metal, carpet, etc.)
A: Walls and ceiling-eggshell antique white paint; Flooring-Oak, natural matte finish hard wood

Q: What furniture and decorative accessories are in the room?
A: One couch, pair of club chairs, pair of upholstered chairs, one large coffee table, one small circular table, convex mirror, large canvas picture, alabaster lamp, small wood end table with fringed lamp, various votive lights and vases

Q: How is the furniture arranged?
A: Predominantly around south, west and east walls, in a U shape.

Q: What colors are apparent?
A: Chamois yellow, cream, sage green, metallic accents

Q: What types of fabrics and textiles do you find?
A: Sheer organza, silks, velvets and damasks

Q: Is the room formal or casual?
A: Formal

Q: Is there a collection or theme that seems apparent?
A: Italian villa

Intentions, Perception, Use

Questions:

Q: What is the intended activity for the space?
A: Primarily entertaining and greeting guests. Occasional family gatherings

Q: Does it appear to allow that function easily and comfortably?
A: Primarily but could be improved

Q: Is there sufficient light for the activity?
A: No

Q: How may people can the space comfortably hold?
A: 8-10 seated and up to 20 standing

Q: Is that number appropriate for the intended activity?
A: Yes

Q: Is the mood of the room reflective of the activity?
A: Yes

Q: Does the room connect to other spaces that accent the intended activity?
A: Yes, the room is adjacent to the formal foyer and the dining room

Q: Who uses the space?
A: Friends, family and the homeowners

Q: What are the ages and frequency?
A: Primarily adults. We entertain a great deal and use the space 20 times a year.

Q: Is the room designed for the people and activity?
A: Primarily.

This exercise is intended to help you look at how each part effects the outcome of a space. Correctly analyzing the parts allows us to determine which elements to use and how to arrange them into patterns. This process allows us to assign value to specific solutions and clarify issues such as budget, timing and aesthetic choices.

As you look at the parts, visualize how they all relate. "These physical settings satisfy our basic need for shelter and protection; they set the stage for and influence the shape of our activities; they nurture our aspirations and express the ideas which accompany our actions; they affect our outlook, mood, and personality." (Ching, pg. 46, Interior Design Illustrated).

Now that we have looked at all these parts of the interior environment, lets apply this to the Design Process.

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