Reflection Notes

Reflection

Pre-Design Thinking

When reviewing my pre-design work, the precedent analysis, the individual survey I conducted in the fall, and this semester’s spring research survey influenced my design decisions the greatest. The precedent analysis of Kengo Kuma’s Wood/Pile project showed me what depth could look like in a space. Also I kept having to remind myself to keep my materials simple and limited, much like the Wood/Pile structure. I admire buildings that can stick with one material but there were so many other programs in my space, there needed to be some sorts of variety. The “Healthy Habit” survey was the second most influential in deciding my program needs. I found it shocking that most people will not go to a gym because they are “not motivated” nor “have time”. Although this is myself at times, I thought I was one in a small population of those not motivated. When I thought about what does make me motivated to exercise or look after myself, I think of cross country in high school. Its easier to run in a pack than it is alone, which is why I emphasize community so much in my thesis topic. There are triumphs and failures when it comes to your self-growth, but it is easier to stand back up with others holding on to you for support. Although this was during the design process, I will say the research survey, “Healthcare Interior Design and Provider Experience” helped tremendously. My color palette was drab at first because it was hard to decide without a true client. For my final color palette, my clients were the survey takers, clinicians from all around the country. Their answers were rather obvious, but it was relieving to see so many comment on the beige and grey colors as well as carpets on the walls (why??). Some clinicians do not have the chance to eat at a separate space other than their desk. Having a room for detox is the most valuable space a clinician needs, even according to research (clinicians will perform better if they are given breaks/daylight/quietness). That’s a conversation for another book.

Pre-Design Thinking

When reviewing my pre-design work, I wish we focused more on our research surveys. Unfortunately I felt like not a lot of my colleagues got the ideal number of participants they needed (less than 10 some of them). In my opinion, proper research should be advertised to said audience for 3 weeks at least and then analysed for at least 2 weeks. The downfall of the pre-design seminar class was that we had 2 weeks to both advertise our survey and then come up with conclusions/infographics. An insufficient amount of time. Having done research for both semesters, yes. Research SHOULD inform design decisions. Take Karen Freeman, a practice leader for Healthcare in HOK’s Atlanta office, for example. She exclaims the complexities of designing positive environments for pediatric facilities and says, “By leveraging trends realized through big data, another avenue is opened to communicate with patients and effectively plan for their care. Big data can also leverage experiences across multiple health systems for the benefit of the patient.” (Freeman) Although Big Data is another story, grounded theory research or, qualitative data, is what interior designers need most to understand what is it exactly that makes a space better than its precedent.

Infographics from Fall semester

Thank you.