20 Years of Interiors
Aug 1, 2010 12:00 PM
We asked design professionals featured in this issue a few questions about how interior design has changed over the past 20 years—and what the future holds.
The Geddis Partnership PC: Barbara L. Geddis, FAIA, President
What are the biggest changes in educational interiors over the past 20 years?
There have been incremental changes from within, as well as forced major changes from without.
Before the global recession, we found clients willing to consider non-formulaic solutions for classrooms, lighting, libraries, dining and recreation spaces. Clients were and continue to be focused on understanding the importance of daylighting, glare control and acoustics, and impacts on learning.
The interest in sustainability has developed in the midst of economic crisis. New green materials are not sufficiently tested to ensure maintainability. In public education, there is a high degree of frustration with the marketplace, as well as performance and pricing. Inventions are needed in nearly every area of school construction: flooring, windows, window shading, lighting, wall protection, paint and ceilings.
What do you see as the future of the interior education space in the next few years?
There will be a long-needed fundamental and comprehensive retooling of traditional learning spaces because of technology, understanding of lighting, acoustics and impact on learning.
Students need supportive settings for learning that address the distraction, as well as the power, of instant texting and media. Designers need to thoroughly rethink what it will take and how to courageously and creatively be pioneers. This creative and entrepreneurial process will re-emerge stronger after manufacturers merge and change and produce a long-awaited next generation of readily available, affordable and striking materials.
How has the emergence of green/sustainability changed the interior space, and how will it continue to affect the way interiors are designed?
The willingness to use these materials is high, but the depth and quality of the offerings are not yet what we architects and interior designers require. We are in a transition phase where a number of green materials will not stand the test of time, and new materials will be created to fill the void.- Return to the 2010 Educational Interiors Showcase 20 Years of Interiors main page to view more responses.
