WEEK 2: HOLISTIC APPROACH

This week’s reading introduced the idea of taking a holistic approach to building design and construction. Instead of only thinking about how a building looks, designers need to think about the building as a whole. This includes the environment, materials, energy use, health and safety, cost, and the people who will use the space. Interior designers also have moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities. They must protect the health, safety, and well-being of people while also considering the impact that their design choices have on the environment.

One of the major ideas from the chapter is Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM creates a three-dimensional computer model that allows different members of a project team to work together and share information. Architects, interior designers, engineers, contractors, and other specialists can all be involved earlier in the design process. This can help find conflicts between building systems before construction begins, which can reduce mistakes, waste, and costs. The PowerPoint also emphasizes using an integrated approach instead of having each professional work separately.

Another important part of the reading was the importance of teamwork. A building project involves many different people, including the client, architect, interior designer, engineer, contractor, and specialists. The chapter explains that involving these people earlier in the process can lead to better decisions and fewer problems during construction. The PowerPoint also discusses LEED, which is a green building rating system that evaluates different parts of a building's sustainability. LEED can look at areas such as energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and other sustainable design strategies.

The chapter also introduces different levels of LEED certification, including Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. There are also different types of product certifications. Third-party certifications are reviewed by an outside organization, while second-party certifications are provided by an industry or organization connected to the product. Examples discussed include FSC, ENERGY STAR, GreenGuard, Green Seal, and Cradle to Cradle.

The reading and PowerPoint also introduced several theories that can help designers create more sustainable buildings. These include the Natural Step, Ecological Design, the Hannover Principles, Biomimicry, Permaculture, Cradle to Cradle, and Biophilic Design.

One idea that stood out to me was biophilic design, which focuses on bringing nature and nature-inspired elements into interior spaces. This can include plants, natural materials, natural light, views of nature, organic shapes, and other connections to the natural world. Biomimicry is similar in the sense that it looks to nature for ideas and solutions to human problems. These theories show that sustainability is not only about using less energy or choosing better materials. It can also be about creating spaces that have a stronger connection to nature and support people's well-being.

Overall, this chapter helped me understand that sustainable interior design is much more than simply choosing environmentally friendly products. A designer needs to think about the entire life of a building, from the materials and construction to how people experience and use the finished space. The chapter also showed how important communication and teamwork are throughout the design process. The PowerPoint reinforced these ideas by focusing on integrated design, sustainable design theories, green rating systems, and the role of the interior designer.

As an interior design student, I think these ideas are important because the choices made during the design process can affect both people and the environment. I especially liked the idea of biophilic design because it shows how sustainability can also improve the experience of an interior space. Instead of seeing sustainability as a limitation, it can be used as a way to create spaces that are healthier, more thoughtful, and more connected to nature.

CAMPUS INTERIOR SPACE EVALUATION

I decided to evaluate Jerry's, the cafe that we have on campus in HAWAC. This space specifically creates different feelings that we experience emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Starting off emotionally, it tends to bring me happiness and joy as I walk into the building, because the space is very open and filled with people that I can socialize with. Besides the community that it builds, the positivity that radiates from the space also comes from the layout of the lobby because it creates opportunities for interaction with others and creates a comfortable environment.

Physically, I also feel comfortable and easy while being at Jerry's. The furniture itself isn't the most comfortable along the bar, but there are couch options that tend to be comfier, but you can still feel productive while working in them. Also, I feel like Jerry's brings a sense of calming and grounding. It is established as a space where you can make it whatever you want, which immediately helps me settle down and focus.

Finally, coming from a spiritual aspect, I feel very connected to the Lord in this space because there are events held here like Gospel Girls where my fellow Christian community gathers to talk about the Word of God and what it has to offer us. Not even just when these groups gather, but even when my friends and I gather around here, it brings me the peace of the Lord knowing that I've been blessed with so many amazing people in my life. It also reminds me that I am so blessed to be a part of this school, where I get to study a major that I love. Overall, I feel very grateful for all the blessings the Lord has given me and reminds me of his love.