Designs Your Way

Everyone loves having delicious food, but the way that the restaurant looks is very important. Designers will design restaurants in a way that makes the customers feel comfortable and and make their dining experience better. The designers can change the mood of customers by what the atmosphere of the restaurant is to what kind of linens are used.  Seating is important because there is a maximum capacity that can be held in the restaurant. Designers need to make a space that is comfortable and gives the customers enough space wherever they are seated.  Some restaurants want to focus more on seating then anything else that way they can get more customers in at a time. This is a picture I took at one of my favorite restaurants There are problems that can happen in the way that the restaurant is designed. One big problem is where certain tables are located. The reason this is a problem is because customers don't want to be seated near a restroom or somewhere with...

The term " ergonomics " is derived from two Greek words: "ergon," meaning work, and "nomoi," meaning natural laws. Ergonomists study human capabilities in relationship to work demands meaning it's all based on work settings. There are eight fundamental principles to ergonomics: Maintain Neutral Posture Work in the power / comfort zone Allow for movement and stretching Reduce excessive force Reduce excessive motions Minimize contact stress Reduce excessive vibrations Provide adequate lighting  This is a good picture of how to be at a desk  The first principal is something everyone in a work place should do because with having neutral posture it minimizes the stress on muscles, nerves, and bones. The power and comfort zone is the area where you should be lifting objects without getting hurt which is close to your body between mid - thigh and mid - chest height. Static load will occur to your body if you are in static position for ...

Anthropometrics is defined as "measurements of the size, weight, and proportions of the human body". This plays a very important role in the designing world because all designers have to think about the client and how to design a space comfortably for them. With this designers need to make sure everything is accurate with the clients measurements. Human dimensions There are two main basic areas of anthropometry Static anthropmetry Functional anthropometry Static anthropometry is the measurements of the body when you are resting and when you are using devices like chairs, tables, desks, etc. Functional anthropometry is the measurements of abilities related to the completion of tasks such as reaching, motions, and other aspects of space.  I took this picture when I was at this kitchen showroom and it's a good example because there is a lot of space for people and the cabinets aren't to high for people to reach. Designers need to think about e...

Prospect and refuge have two different meaning. Prospect is an area that is a big open space. For example, a big living room or a coffeehouse. Refuge is an area that is more enclosed shown on the picture below. People seek for spaces that give them a feeling of both prospect and refuge. When people just want to get away, having a place of refuge is the best thing. This is a good example of refuge "Prospect-refuge theory suggests that spaces we find most acceptable to be in present us with great opportunity, yet we must be in a place of safety at the time." The prospect-refuge theory was developed by Jay Appleton. People would desire to have a space that gives them opportunity, but also gives them the feeling of being safe in the space. Prospect and Refuge is important to designers because they are both shown in different ways. Meaning if you are in a house the designer would show refuge, but if you were in a public space the designer would show prospect. This...

I know everybody had their personal spaces disturbed by other people more than once.  Edward T. Hall  was the one who developed the term of proxemics. Hall stated that the social distance while communicating with people associates with the physical distance.  There are 4 different types of spaces that are used when people are communicating with each other and each of them have different distances. Public Space Social Space Personal Space Intimate Space Distance of Spaces Public space distance is about 12 to 25 feet. Public space is mostly used for public speaking. A good example would be listening to a teacher give a lecture.  Social space distance is about 4 to 12 feet. In this space you start getting closer in distance. In this space for example, you are socializing with acquaintances, working with your clients, or talking to a professor.  Personal space is about 1.5 to 4 feet. This is the space where you are at a comfortable dista...

The control theory has to do with the way that people control their environments. Being able to control your environment is important for the clients and us designers have to give the clients what they need to make the space effective. Three different types of control theories to look at: Behavioral Control Cognitive Control Decisional Control Behavioral control is the ability to change the environment event. Designers want to be able to design a space that is appropriate to their client, so they need to see how they react and behavior in certain spaces. People change their behavior based on where they are. The photo below is a good example of behavioral control because in this space people are in an environment where they can relax and do work.  Coffeehouse Cognitive control is the ability to change the way in which we conceive of an environment. One of the jobs of a designer is to change the spaces for their clients. If the client told the designer about thin...

  "Form follows function - that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union." Frank Lloyd Wright Certain spaces are formed to show beauty and by this beauty, the spaces are made based on its intended functions. If the space doesn't function the way it's suppose to, then the form isn't done right. Good design balances form and function together.  Everything in a space serves a particular purpose.  My philosophy is as a designer is creating spaces that both create form and function. This philosophy is important to me as a designer because I have to keep the clients needs, wants, and emotions in mind when designing. I express purpose, beauty, and mind in all of my designs. This photo is a good example of form follows function. This living space is a great place for entertainment, relaxing, having guests over, etc. Having comfy cushions, pillows, an open window, and open space helps show the fun...