FACS 200 Interior Design 1
Group Project--Gestalt Theory In Action
The first major project of this semester consisted of a group assignment in which I worked with three other students to create an object that exemplified an aspect of Gestalt Theory. This theory proposes that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." It possesses several sub-tenets, such as the law of closure, law of similarity, law of proximity, law of symmetry, law of continuation, and law of figure-ground.
After collective brainstorming, our group constructed a clock tower. The primary aspects of Gestalt Theory that we sought to address through this project were the laws of symmetry and figure-ground. Indeed, the proportions of the tower present a symmetry that is aesthetically natural. The materials used for sections of the clock tower vary in transparency. Notably, the upper section of the tower where the time piece is positioned is constructed of translucent tissue paper and lighted within, so that an observer is able to perceive another view by looking through this section of the tower.
Additional Gestalt features include positioning the clock tower on a turntable so that the viewer may rotate the project and gain a better appreciation of the law of figure-ground. A functioning bell is placed inside the top of the tower so that observers may more fully interact with and appreciate the laws of Gestalt Theory present in this project.
Group Project--Theory As An Experience
The next project was centered around the concept of theory as an experience, meaning the way that an environment can poignantly affect experience and memories. Presented with a broad subject, my group devoted time to brainstorming various interesting ideas, and as we were close to leaving for the end of the Fall semester, we decided upon a Christmas-themed display. Christmas is widely celebrated as a time of warmth, happiness, and family. To approximate this experience, the group selected various signature Christmas items, from a tree, gifts, and stockings to a constructed fireplace, cozy reupholstered chair, and Christmas-toned rug. For additional reinforcement of this seasonal experience and to reach some of the senses beyond sight, we brought in packaged Christmas cookies for visitors, and placed candy cane, peppermints, and pine scent sticks for wintery smells.
Theory Applied to Interior Design
The final project of this course was an individual assigment completed and presented at home because of COVID. It appropriately centered around considering the effects of COVID-19 on the structure and design of spaces. I began this project researching scholarly articles related to this topic and found a thought-provoking article that reported the ways in which apartment renter preferences had changed because of the pandemic. Some of these features included increased office space, an in-unit washer and dryer, a more generous balcony, and a kitchen with a countertop bar for expanded seating to accommodate the heightened frequency of in-home dining. After summarizing this article (can be referenced by clicking the pdf attachment above), I selected an apartment layout and proceeded to design a revised layout that was constructed using poster board and foam board in a manner that accommodated the space to these COVID-influenced renter preferences.