What I learned in Interior Materials

Interior Materials is a core class for any interior design major. I think it is important to know exactly what you’re working with so it makes sense to have to take this class. I feel like I learned quite a few things this semester, and I believe this class in beneficial for designers to grow.

            Fabrics have many different attributes. I think in the beginning as freshmen a lot of my peers and me didn’t understand that not all fabrics can be used is all applications. I think the learning about the different fabrics was crucial to our decision making in the future. I didn’t realize that not all fabrics are made with the same weave. I do find that interesting. I also think that knowing which weave is which can be rather important when texture comes in to play. I also didn’t know that some of the fabrics get their named from the looms in which they are made, such as jacquard. Knowing that some of the patterns cannot be achieved without the weave itself is an interesting fact to know. I also enjoyed learning about the different ways to dye fabric, or the fact that you can print patterns on it. I feel like I learned that fabrics themselves are extremely versatile, and even the more fickle ones have uses.

            I also learned that flooring can be just as diverse. Granted, I knew there were many different types of flooring I feel like I have a new outlook on it. It seems like you can use anything for flooring. I knew carpet had a pretty extensive color palette, but I feel like there are so many cool patterns and even textures that I was introduced to during the duration of this class. Not only that, but it can be made out of quite a few fibers. I learned that even leather can be used as flooring, which was something I would have never dreamed of. Wood floors are something of common knowledge, but I was unaware of the way some woods do in certain climates. Take bamboo for example. I was floored when I learned that it couldn’t thrive in a dry climate. It actually cracks and spreads apart. I thought wood was wood, and it didn’t matter what environment you put it in. I learned that tile is not as sturdy as I thought it was. It can crack if you drop too much weight on it.

            One of the most interesting things I learned about was LEED. Even though it doesn’t have much to do with materials themselves, it is a very interesting concept and something that speaks to me personally. In a way I am a minimalist, and I think that conserving the environment is a big deal. I enjoyed learning about the different things you can do to make a space LEED certified. I also am fascinated by the quality of air inside a space and outside. I found it a little disturbing that indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air quality. Learning about LEED makes me want to make a change in myself to help my future and the future of the planet. I was also very intrigued by the green roofs that some corporations are employing to make sure that water from rain does not to go waste, and the fact that they help to insulate the building is a really cool and innovative idea. Sustainability is something that I feel everyone should practice.

            There were plenty of things I learned in Interior Materials, and again I am glad that the class is required for me as a designer. I think that these things will help me be more well rounded in the work that I do outside of college.

Parhill, Smith, & Cooper

Parkhill, Smith, & Cooper is a complete design firm which basically employess everyone from engenieers down to landscape architects. They are willing to give everything you need to have a complete site top to bottom.

We mostly went to learn about the LEED program! They have two buildings, one which is LEED certified, and one which isn't, but not to worry I only took pictures of the one that is.

 

No sneaking through these.

 These are the air ducts. They distribute the air evenly out into the space. I'm sure this building has a good IAQ.

 There is a skylight located centrally in the building. It lets in natural light so they don't have to use a lot of artificial lights. This is energy and cost efficient.

Cool and scary walking up and down this bad boy.

 There are a set of stairs that lead up to the green roof.

 Here is an example of what it takes to make the green roof possible. There are a lot of layers to the green roof.

 Here is the green roof. The employees basically let it grow, but it waters itself and helps to keep the building insulated.

More green roof

I just thought this panel was cool so I took a picture, and of course there is Jessica's little eyes between the gaps in the panels hahaha.

Over on the right are little blips about what they've done to make the building LEED certified.

Overall, I really enjoyed the place. I think it was pretty snazzy, and I'd love to work there.

Wallpaper Guy

Well unfortunately I missed a field trip, which was about stone, which would have been much cooler.

However, we did have a guy come from a wallpaper manufacturer, and unfortunately I'm too slow to even remember his name, or the business...

That being said, it was a pretty neat presentation, and the sales rep. was dressed really snazzy. I was seriously envious of his glasses. They were dope.

He showed us a lot of samples. It was really neat to see all of the ways that wall paper manipulated so they had different textures and color palettes, and it seemed really similar to an actual fabric material.
To be fair, both of them do some sort of screen printing, so they can't be too different, right?

He taught us about the different backings that were available for the wallpapers, which was interesting. I didn't realize you needed different backings to achieve different printing techniques.

I learned that wallpaper comes in a wide array of colors and styles, as well as price ranges. Again, I really liked the presentation, and I wish I could remember the company name. Ah well, Cest la vie.