Living in Another’s Shoes by Hailey Innocent | Perkins Eastman
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Living in Another’s Shoes As designers, how are we taking time to empathize with the perception of others who will experience our designs? Inspired by reading The Secret Lives of Color, an insightful look into the historic context of colors written by Kassia St. Clair, I found myself reflecting further on the inverse relationship between architecture and socio-cultural happenings. A talented writer, St. Clair delves into the accounts, chemistry, naming, and even mysterious disappearances of numerous hues and pigments. I was shocked to learn that our pink-girl and boy-blue cultural relationship was actually the opposite in the late 1800s! An interesting and relevant section of this book focuses on the history of whitewash. For many, the term “whitewash” is synonymous with Joanna Gaines’ HGTV renovations; in this case, what might come to mind is the thinly revealed outlines of brick or wood beneath a thick cover of white paint. I was fascinated to learn, in addition to its countless historic roles, that whitewash paint has also played a supporting role during times of epidemics. Due to the disinfectant qualities of its chemistry: a combination of lime, calcium chloride/salt, and water,
whitewash appears throughout history as a prominent player in disease control. As we discuss ways in which our world moves forward from this current pandemic, the history of infectious control, and particularly whitewashing in architecture and design is incredibly apropos. St. Clair ends the section with a thought provoking question, “Is it a coincidence that it was around this time [referencing the late-1800 plague outbreaks in Hong Kong] that white coats were adopted by doctors, and would become a visual
By Hailey Innocent Perkins Eastman
symbol of the medical profession?” As people began to associate the milky white color with cleanliness and disinfection, it took on a larger cultural representation and meaning. Our built environment is peppered with buildings that reflect ideologies, technologies, materiality, and practices of past and present. These stand as markers, time machines of sorts, which help point us to society and cultural shifts. For example, skyscrapers were indicative of technology advances of the Industrial Revolution, such as steel construction and elevators. They also were a direct result of denser populations as people moved to city centers from rural areas. It takes a little more digging, as St. Clair did, to uncover the ways architecture and design impact society and cultural shifts. As a designer in senior living, I’ve often had to challenge what my brain perceives and work contrary to my senses, preferences… biases. My first attempt at a furniture and art package for an assisted living residence was filled with contemplative abstract paintings and attractive cased goods. It was a beautifully curated package, yet I was missing the context and understanding of how people in assisted living would perceive and interact with the pieces. There was no way a differently-abled person could open the unaccommodating knobs of the cabinets. The sharp corners of coffee tables were a hazard to a demographic more prone to bruises and lacerations. Theoretical art pieces could be perceived as disorienting and lonely. I look back now and feel grateful this package never came to fruition. Thankfully, my peers graciously took the time to correct my mistakes. This was the first of many lessons I have learned from champions at Perkins Eastman and those whose experiences are different
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than mine. I am one human, with one view point, and being completely honest… with an incredibly limited volume of information. I’ve discovered that learning from others requires an ability to listen and empathize and can make the difference in a design that works and one that does not meet the needs of a building’s users. After reading The Secret Life of Colors, I found myself thinking about my response to certain colors, shapes, building styles, and environments. What do I consider to be comfortable, suspicious, or even threatening spaces based on my individual experiences? What is the origin of these assumptions? Who shares my same feelings? Who does not? Are they widely accepted or are they specific? The built environment plays a critical role in our society and culture and what we choose to portray. It has the ability to uplift, celebrate, and empower people and ideologies. At
the same time, it can ignore, repress, and whitewash. Sheryl Sandberg retells an incredulous story in her book Lean In of going to an executive meeting and no one knowing where or if there was a women’s restroom. What we have to realize is that the built environment is never neutral, but inherently biased as a reflection of the designer(s). It is imperative that architects and designers consider their own partialities and reflect on how their design affects all users. We need to make sure that we advocate for representation of all in our design groups and put in the hard work to humble ourselves and listen to those who will occupy our built spaces. The idea that the environment we create shapes our society, culture, and perceptions calls for deep consideration and meditation. This needs to start in early design education and resonate throughout all of our careers. We must listen more and challenge what is deemed “good design” simply by
measuring against old precedents and/or what is allowed by code. I challenge us all to find space in our practice to empathize, because you might find that even when your design is not intentional, its impacts could be profound. With a passion for design and the built environment, Hailey Innocent effectively balances aesthetics, functionality, and cost to create a positive user experience. She supports the team’s interior design through innovation, and her diverse project experience informs sensitive and responsive solutions that meet her clients’ goals for their projects. Hailey understands how to work within an organization’s established design guidelines to create cohesive spaces that elevate the physical environment.
About Perkins Eastman Perkins Eastman is a global design firm founded on the belief that design can have a direct and positive impact on people’s lives. The firm’s award-winning practice draws on its 1,000 professionals networked across 19 offices worldwide. By keeping the user’s needs foremost in the design process, the firm enhances the human experience across the spectrum of the built environment. For more information visit www.perkinseastman.com.