The 2017 CIDA Summit Report supports the inclusion of empathy-generating educational experiences as a means for deeper learning, and several accreditation standards support this emphasis. The expanded focus on social justice, empathy and needs of humanity is evident across the entire discipline of interior design, all of which can be explored through study of residential spaces at their inception and the notion of home.
Many scholars have studied the concept of home and interior design, however, looking beyond the discipline to the framework provided by Claire Cooper Marcus in House as a Mirror of Self: Exploring the deeper meaning of home, allows for a more meaningful and theoretical exploration. Marcus challenges occupants to connect the soul with place of inhabitance. Her close examination of immersion with residential spaces suggests soul nurturance, engaging in a dialog with the environment and active listening for establishing a connection to space, all of which align with design theory for residential and commercial application.
Perhaps a home-centered design process is the next logical step in the evolution of design practice. Such a model would utilize residential design’s historical basis in user theory as a tool for examining spaces that may not be residential, but demand qualities of home.
As Abercrombie stated, “entering an interior, therefore, is, to some small degree, always going home.” Hence, by reimagining residential spaces as the impetus of user-centered design, perhaps residential design can overcome its less than connotation and once again be regarded as equal to commercial design.
In this regard, the result isn’t about architecture, decorating or real estate, but rather the bonds and feelings people possess with places of dwelling. In a world focused on the deeper influences of space on culture, occupant outlook and overall well-being, it follows that the study of people in their most intimate spaces, their homes, provides an original yet unique model for transformative design.
Stephanie Sickler is an assistant professor in the Department of Interior Architecture and Design at Florida State University and Helen Turner is an assistant professor in the College of Design and the University of Kentucky.
Next Up: Creating Unique Glass Lighting Fixtures | Inside the New Sandy Hook