Introduction To Designing Environments

The Designing Environments book series addresses questions regarding necessary environmental transformation in the context of the fast-unfolding environmental crisis. This is done from a broad interdisciplinary perspective, examining the negative impact of human transformations of the environment and providing different inroads towards sustainable environmental transformation with net positive impact. Volume one of the Designing Environments book series brings together experts from different disciplines and often inter- and transdisciplinary contexts, who discuss specific approaches to overcoming the negative impact of the transformation of environments by humans. Across the 12 chapters of volume one, specific keywords recur that are indicative of shared insights and concerns. These include Anthropocene, climate change, complexity, critical zone, ecosystem services, and sustainability. Furthermore, interdisciplinary approaches to human–environment interactions, sustainability transitions, and socio-ecological systems take center stage and are discussed in relation to conceptual and methodological as well as societal and technological challenges and opportunities.

***WINNER OF A NAUTILUS 2017 SILVER MEDAL BOOK AWARD*** Adaptive Sensory Environments: An Introduction presents a cutting-edge methodology for adaptive sensory design by fostering an inter-disciplinary approach in which aspects of neuroscience, biophilia, captology, nanotechnology, kinetics, and sensemaking all play critical roles in helping adaptive architecture "tune" to occupants. Furthermore, the book illustrates how adaptive sensory environments transform and uplift quality of life in entirely new ways, by strategically unlocking the potential that technological innovations bring. By teaching scholars, researchers, practitioners, specialists, and consultants how to design architecture that guides what emerging interactive technology can do, it allows them to see deeper into an architectural design, to extend beyond interaction and, ultimately, to build environments that adapt by changing and growing with their occupants’ immediate needs and long-term goals.

Originally published in 1971 The Geometry of Environment is a fusion of art and mathematics introducing stimulating ideas from modern geometry, using illustrations from architecture and design. The revolution in the teaching of mathematics and the advent of the computer in design challenge traditional ways of appreciating the space about us, and expand the ‘structural’ understanding of our surroundings through such concepts as transformations, symmetry groups, sets and graphs. This book aims to show the relevance of ‘new maths’ and encourages exploration of the widening intellectual horizons of environmental design and architecture.

Written and edited by a team of specialists at Max Fordhams, one of the leading UK environmental engineering consultancies, Environmental Design is the result of their extensive experience in designing environmentally friendly buildings. The principles of their approach, which they have taught in numerous schools of architecture and engineering, are clearly presented here. This book is essential reading for architects, engineers, planners and students of these disciplines and for all those who are concerned with our built environment.

This well-illustrated 'think piece' provides a much needed and topical philosophical introduction to the place of environmental design in architecture. The Environments of Architecture sets out a range of considerations necessary to produce appropriate internal environments in the context of a wider discussion on the effect of building decisions on the broader environment. The authors, from architecture and engineering, academia and practice, provide a rounded and well-balanced introduction to this important topic. Starting from a belief that the built environment can contribute more positively to the planet and the pleasure of places as well as answering the practical demands of comfort, they cover site planning, form, materials, construction and operation as well as looking at design on a city level. Presenting a thoughtful and stimulating approach to the built environment, this book forms an excellent guide for practitioners, students and academics concerned with our built environment.

The new edition of the leading textbook remains the gold standard for interior design education. In this twelfth edition of Beginnings of Interior Environments, established interior designer and professor Lynn M. Jones, ASID, IDEC collaborates with innovator Heidi Plumb, IIDA, IDEC, to deliver a practical and balanced overview of commercial and residential interior design. Written to offer coverage of the creative and technical characteristics of the profession, the text also addresses Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) content. Part I opens with a discussion on the scope and value of the profession and includes a pictorial overview of the history of design. Subsequent parts cover design fundamentals, the spatial envelope—including space planning and systems—, products and materiality, and designing for a living. A new chapter addresses the art and science of visual communications. Hundreds of images from actual design projects, supplied by national and international design firms, illustrate quality examples. “Precedent Studies” include in-house production work from these practicing designers. Content, updated throughout, includes additional information on design thinking, inclusivity, WELL building standards, casework, and architectural millwork. New end-of-chapter self-directed projects provide students the opportunity to apply their knowledge. Written by two successful educators and practitioners, both NCIDQ certified with terminal degrees, the text applies a balance between education and practice. It is the ideal textbook for introductory interior design or interior architecture courses, and an invaluable resource for anyone looking to apply a holistic interior design perspective to their own home or business. As in previous editions, the text Introduces interior design with a foundation in its health, safety, and welfare benefits Explores design fundamentals, including visual literacy, and the elements and principles of design, with a special emphasis on color and now visual communications Discusses construction, including building components, codes, regulations, as well as lighting, electrical, and communication systems Offers an in-depth examination of the profession, including career pathways and professional organizations Reviews critical global issues such as sustainability, universal design, and culturally sensitive design Includes a dedicated section on interior materials and finishes—floorings, ceilings, wallcoverings, upholstery—and furnishings such as furniture, art, and accessories Leads students to analyze the needs of clients to design safe and sustainable environments that enhance the quality of life Includes a companion site for instructors featuring PowerPoint slides and an Instructor's manual with discussion points, objectives, lecture outlines, learning activities, and example quizzes with answers

This book takes a sweeping view of the ways we build things, beginning at the scale of products and interiors, to that of regions and global systems. In doing so, it answers questions on how we effect and are affected by our environment and explores how components of what we make—from products, buildings, and cities—are interrelated, and why designers and planners must consider these connections.

A much-needed reference to the latest thinking in universal design Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments offers a comprehensive survey of best practices and innovative solutions in universal design. Written by top thinkers at the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA), it demonstrates the difference between universal design and accessibility and identifies its relationship to sustainable design and active living. Hundreds of examples from all areas of design illustrate the practical application of this growing field. Complete, in-depth coverage includes: • The evolution of universal design, from its roots in the disability rights movement to present-day trends • How universal design can address the needs of an aging population without specialization or adaptation to reduce the need for expensive and hard-to-find specialized products and services • Design practices for human performance, health and wellness, and social participation • Strategies for urban and landscape design, housing, interior design, product design, and transportation Destined to become the standard professional reference on the subject, Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments is an invaluable resource for architects, interior designers, urban planners, landscape architects, product designers, and anyone with an interest in how we access, use, and enjoy the environment.