The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the interior spaces of an end-of-life care facility in order to understand how these spaces affect the patients, the families, and the staff of the facility and then to use this information as a basis for the design portion of this thesis. A review of the existing literature as well as data gathered from original research were coupled in order to create Dogwood Lane, an end-of-life care facility located in Tallahassee, Florida with an environment that is functionally sound, promotes well-being, and facilitates interaction. End-of-life care is a social and medical reform movement that offers its patients "care rather than cure" (Silver, 2004, p. S-202). Its intent is to provide patients comfort, dignity, and respect during the final stages of life, helping to ease the transition from life to death. Although there are three types of end-of-life care including care for AIDS patients, care for children, and care for the elderly, this research study focuses on end-of-life care for the elderly. An end-of-life care facility located in Tallahassee, Florida was chosen as the research site for this study. The methods of observational research, behavioral mapping, staff surveys, and an interview with the Director of Nursing were utilized for this study. The findings provide insight into the design functionality of the facility and how this design directly affects the behaviors and interaction of its user groups: the patients, the families, and the staff. The study focused on certain areas of the facility including the patient room, the seating areas adjacent to the patient rooms, the living room, the kitchen, the outdoor garden area, the sun porch, and the spiritual care space. Narrowing the focus of the study to these seven spaces allowed for the intense exploration of these critical spaces. Research indicated that interaction among patients, families, and staff takes place in each of the aforementioned spaces; however, some spaces are utilized more frequently than others. It was found that the facility provided privacy, facilitated social support, and promoted well-being through its overall space plan, its residential feeling, and its implementation of nature. Design considerations for this thesis project, Dogwood Lane, were developed from the existing literature and the conducted research, creating an evidence-based design for this facility. The final design for this facility is one that promotes well-being, stimulates interaction and gathering, is safe for all users, and eases the transition from life to death for both the patients and families of Dogwood Lane. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2012. / June 22, 2012. / End-of-Life Care, Family, Interaction and gathering, Interior Design, Patient, Staff / Includes bibliographical references. / Jim Dawkins, Professor Directing Thesis; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member.

Mixed-use buildings are a prominent fixture in small towns across the South and were often both the living and working environment for their owners and tenants. The Alcazar Hotel located in Clarksdale, Mississippi, (population 23,267) was selected as the site for this thesis project because of its status as an endangered building by the Mississippi Heritage Trust. The Alcazar Hotel has had many uses over its lifetime including a hotel, office space, and apartments and today the 1915 Colonial Revival building stands vacant and in need of repair. This design thesis is focused on the redevelopment of an original mixed-use building of the 1920s to a modern multi-use building of today. Strong ties to the building's architectural past will be a constant theme throughout the building found in mouldings and flooring patterns and the modern interior will draw influence from both classic patterns of the early twentieth century with modern qualities and a high contrast of color throughout the space. By examining the adaptive reuse process and neighborhood classification and adequately identifying the buildingʼs status in these classifications, one could determine the needed steps to take for successful redevelopment. A brief survey was conducted among business owners in the downtown area of Clarksdale to help determine new viable commercial tenants. Qualitative analysis of the local survey results contributed to the redesign of this historic structure to incorporate commercial growth of the city while maintaining the buildings historic roots. Responses indicated what businesses were stable and growing over the past five years as well as other businesses that would be considered an addition to the area. The proposed redevelopment of The Alcazar Hotel, contained within this thesis, resulted in a 19 room hotel with conference rooms, 8 condominium units, and the design of two new commercial spaces (a restaurant and a bookstore) that fulfill a local need. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Fall Semester, 2011. / November 2, 2011. / Adaptive Reuse, Mixed-Use, Multi-Use, Rehabilitation / Includes bibliographical references. / Eric A. Wiedegreen, Professor Directing Thesis; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member; Jill B. Pable, Committee Member.

In any given night in the United States, an estimated 633,782 people will experience homelessness (US Department of Housing & Urban Development, 2012). The issue of homelessness is becoming so prevalent that many of the homeless who seek shelters are turned away due to over capacity (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009, U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2011). A person experiencing homelessness equates the experience with the loss of his or her place in the world, which affects the individual's sense of self and belonging (Vandermark, 2007). In addition, those shelters that exist rarely provide an environment that promotes a sense of self and belonging. These aspects are important in helping homeless individuals get back on their feet, and become contributing citizens again (Vandermark, 2007). Currently there is a need for the design industry to have a greater presence in addressing socially beneficial design. There is a great potential for the design industry to contribute to environmental solutions for homelessness, and reach out to the 90% of the population that design has neglected to serve (Design for the Other 90%, 2011). For example, new designs for shelter facilities may offer further comfort than current building styles do. According to MacLeod & Shivers, "severe shortage of shelter for the poor and indigent is forcing the profession to confront its obligations to a public beyond that of clients who can pay for their services" (1991, p. 40). While interior designers often undertake pro bono work, they may not fully understand homelessness nor consider the situation applicable to their skills. This master's thesis project proposed a narrative-style traveling exhibition with the goal of heightening interior designers' awareness of homeless peoples' plights. Designed using a narrative approach, the goal of the exhibition was to meet three criteria: inform visitors with accurate information, change their negative perceptions of this issue, and call them to take action. This thesis project was executed in three phases - interviews using narrative inquiry, design of the exhibition, and lastly a post-evaluation of the developed exhibition by the study's constituent groups of homeless persons, interior designers, museum curators, and individuals that work with the homeless. During the first phase, interviews with one individual from each group took place. These interviews framed the content of the narrative-style traveling exhibition, and gathered the various perspectives and stories of homelessness. In the second phase, the development of the exhibition occurred using information gathered from phase one interviews as well as the study's research and programming. The design of the exhibition conveyed the realities, lived experiences of homeless people, and provided examples of design solutions for homelessness. Lastly, in phase three the same individuals from phase one were shown an animated walk-through of the exhibition, developed using a digital model of the space. The post-interviews conducted revealed information regarding the success and failures of the exhibition in providing accurate information, changing visitors' negative perceptions and prompting visitors to take action. At the completion of the post-interviews, the participants found that the exhibition successfully conveyed the stories of homelessness, and presented various realities of homelessness. Although it is inconclusive to determine whether the exhibition changed negative perceptions and called visitors to action, participants found the exhibition to be valuable. They felt that it brought awareness to the issue of homelessness, which can lead to designers to learn more or seek opportunities to get involved with the issue. The study's overall objective was to begin an evolution in the mindset of interior design students and interior design professionals that their actions can make a difference and that they can become advocates of this cause by using their design skills. This thesis design project offers a design for a narrative-style traveling exhibition that may prompt viewers to consider the importance of this issue and by extension, the potential designers can offer for change. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2013. / July 1, 2013. / Exhibition, Homelessness, Homeless Shelters, Humanitarian Design / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member.

This study compared the perceived creativity level of two models, one produced by hand and the other computer generated and produced using rapid prototyping technology, through seven dimensions (Novelty, Aesthetics, Effort, Variation, Deviation, Detail, and Complexity). The study considered potential changes in perceived creativity resulting from the introduction of computer modeling techniques. It further studies those dimensions which saw a significant change, in creativity, as predictors of how rapid prototyping increases creative thinking among students who use it. This study involved 36 students enrolled in The Florida State University Interior Design Department. During a three week period, in the Fall of 2011, these students completed exercises on model building techniques and skills, as well as produced the two models listed above (Hand and Computer). Creativity was assessed using the Creative Product Analysis Matrix (CPAM) created by Bessemer and Treffinger (1980). A table outlining the CPAM is provided in Appendix G. The information obtained from the judging of models was compared individually, that is one students' hand model to that same students' computer model, as well as in whole, all subject's hand models to all subject's computer models. The findings show that nearly three times as many subjects produced a model that was perceived as more creative when using computer software and rapid prototyping machinery. It also found that the dimension of Aesthetics, Effort, Detail, and Complexity all saw a significant increase in models produced through rapid prototyping. Lastly, the data showed that the availability of rapid prototyping technology provides an opportunity for creative growth. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Fall Semester, 2012. / June 26, 2012. / Creativity, Design Education, Model, Rapid Prototyping, RP technology / Includes bibliographical references. / Marlo Ransdell, Professor Directing Thesis; Eric Wiedegreen, Committee Member; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member.

The purpose of this research study was to better understand how the physical environment affects professional caregivers in an outpatient cancer center setting. A review of the existing research on medical environments revealed a great deal of knowledge about how the environment can affect patients, but very little on how the environment affects professional caregivers. Therefore the study sought to increase the body of knowledge in this area. The review of literature and original research findings from this study were used to inform the design project portion of this thesis, which included the design of a cancer center that is pleasant and supportive for all users - patients, their loved ones, and professional caregivers. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Therefore, there is a need for facilities that seek to care for these people. Thankfully, over half of those diagnosed with cancer will beat the disease either through treatment options or surgery, and sometimes a combination of both. But, to get on the road to wellness, a cancer patient must receive some type of treatment and visit the doctor often. Sometimes cancer patients will visit a facility for a few minutes, but visits can also last up to 8 hours if patients are there for longer treatments. This points to the need for spaces that are welcoming and comforting. Additionally, studies show that the physical environment can affect professional caregiver well-being, satisfaction, and productivity. The optimal healing environment model was the cornerstone for the original research component of this study. This framework explores the affect of architecture, light, color, artwork, nature, and water on users' well-being. A cancer center in the southeast region of the United States was chosen as a site for this study. Methodology involved three methods of data collection: observation, interviews, and photographic documentation. Observations were conducted in a number of key patient care areas and were conducted every day of the work week and at varying times of the work day. Interviews with one professional caregiver in each area were also conducted to gain a more thorough understanding of the activities of the cancer center and how the professional caregivers perceive and interact with their environment. Finally, photographs were taken of the exterior and interior of the facility as a means of visual documentation and reference. The research findings suggest that professional caregivers are impacted by the physical environment. This study found that the layout of a building is a vital component of the design that can either enhance their well-being and performance or hinder it. This study also found that professional caregivers appreciate co-workers, supplies, and patient care areas in close proximity to their work-stations. Additionally, professional caregivers noted that they are stressed and would appreciate areas of respite that are conducive to relaxation and privacy from patients. When considering materials, finishes, and accessories, the study showed that professional caregivers appreciate soothing colors, materials with a residential feel, and artwork depicting local places. The literature review and the original research component helped to develop design guidelines for the design of a cancer center project. The resulting design of Hope Harbor Cancer Center provides a solution to the needs expressed in this thesis while creating a welcoming and supportive environment. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2013. / June 18, 2013. / nurse, Optimal Healing Environment, performance, professional caregiver, satisfaction, well-being / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member.

Many historic buildings that were once full of life and activity now stand vacant. The urban fabric is forever changed when those abandoned buildings are demolished, and part of the community's shared cultural and architectural history is lost. As a hypothetical model of historic preservation through adaptive reuse, the former 32nd Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, has served as the site location for this study. Repurposing this historically significant edifice may help to preserve the work of a celebrated architect, Wallace Rayfield, and the narrative of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. This study seeks to respectfully assign a new purpose to this landmark structure while commemorating its past. Three realms of inquiry are brought together for the purposes of this study and their intersections are examined. Firstly, the perceptions of study participants regarding adaptive reuse for ecclesiastical architecture are explored. Secondly, this study seeks to identify the sense of place qualities necessary to promote health and well-being in a temporary communal living environment; and lastly, the intersections of these issues are investigated to reveal possible areas of agreement and tension between adaptive reuse and sense of place goals. The intended use for this repurposed architecture is a hospital-associated hospitality house. This function has been selected because of the similar community outreach mission it shares with the former church, and the proximity of the site location to a regional hospital. The philanthropic purpose of a hospitality house is to provide patients and their families with a residential home base when they experience a medical crisis or must receive medical treatment far away from their primary home. In addition to providing shelter, hospitality houses may also offer food, transportation, counseling, and emotional support to their guests. This study uses a qualitative questionnaire methodology that is guided by a framework developed by Fritz Steele (1981) to inquire about sense of place issues with hospitality house residents and staff. In addition, community stakeholders that are associated with the neighborhood and/or the former church were interviewed to understand their perspectives and priorities regarding the adaptive reuse of the church building. The subsequent findings have provided insights about the relationships that exist between historic preservation and creating a "home-away-from-home" environment for an at-risk population. The results of this study indicate that meaningful historic architecture may contribute to the well-being and "at-home" atmosphere desired by hospital-associated hospitality houses and similar entities, while stipulating that the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are modern, and that interior finishes are sanitary and promote a healthy environment. This study's findings have led the author to conclude that respectfully repurposing historic architecture includes acknowledging the imbued human spirit contributed by past inhabitants, as well as considering the modern needs and desires of the present generation. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2013. / June 26, 2013. / Hospitality Houses, Interior Design, Preservation, Sense of Place / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Karen Myers, Committee Member; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member.

Interior design education is continuously evolving as is the profession of interior design. The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) standards are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that students receive the best interior design education possible and that they leave school as well prepared for professional practice as possible. It is important that college and university interior design programs continue to prepare students so they can lead the profession into the future. This study sought to gather insight into the entry-level design professional's perspective on design education. This study examined recent interior design graduate's perceptions of their ""preparedness to practice"" by finding out ""what they wish they knew"" now that they are working in the design profession. It provides an in-depth look into how well prepared recent interior design graduates are for the workplace and what knowledge areas, qualities and skills they deem valuable to their professional success. This study also reported findings from interior design graduates identifying the knowledge areas and skills they feel should be further emphasized in design education based upon their experience thus far. This information can assist in the modification and enhancement of interior design curricula by identifying areas in education that need improvement, further emphasis or even less emphasis. The survey was sent via email to 764 interior design undergraduate and first professional graduate student alumni who had completed their degrees in the last five years (2008 - 2012). They were chosen from five regionally diverse CIDA accredited interior design programs in the United States. A total of 101 responses to the on-line survey were received. In addition, eight designers, from various regions, were interviewed for ""deeper insight"" into their survey responses. The survey findings reveal that, in most cases, the knowledge areas shown to be the most valuable were also the areas graduates felt most prepared for upon graduation. Similarly, those areas listed as least valuable were also areas students felt less prepared for. Overall, this indicates there is indeed a similarity with skills students are most prepared to handle and those demanded of them in the workplace. Findings show that a majority of recent interior design graduates are in agreement on the "top five" knowledge categories and/or skills they felt most prepared to perform in professional practice after graduation. These include: 1. Formulation of preliminary space plans 2. Formulation of two and three dimensional design concept studies and sketches 3. Creation of space plans and design concepts that are safe, functional and aesthetically appropriate 4. Research and analysis of client goals and requirements (programming) 5. Selection of appropriate colors, materials and finishes Correspondingly, survey findings reveal agreement on the knowledge categories and/or skills that recent graduates felt least prepared to perform. These include: 1. The administration of contract documents, bids and negotiations as the client's agent 2. Preparation of project budgets 3. Contract administration 4. Preparation of project schedules 5. Observing and reporting on the implementation of projects while in progress and upon completion Study data also showed that there are knowledge areas where large variances were found between the rated level of importance and perceived preparedness. For example, the knowledge area with the greatest variance between value and preparedness is the coordination and collaboration with other allied design professionals (I.e. architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, and various specialty consultants). Survey results indicated that a majority of recent interior design graduates did not feel very well prepared in this area when they first started practicing, while these same graduates rated this category as the sixth most valuable knowledge area. These findings signal a need for further emphasis in this area in design education. The four knowledge areas and/or skills with the greatest variance between value and preparedness are: 1. Coordinate and collaborate with allied design professionals 2. Encourage or include the principles of environmental sustainability into designs Only 16% of recent graduates felt this category was highly valuable to them in practice. In contrast, they felt this was an area they were prepared to practice following their education. 3. Preparation of construction documents to adhere to code and regulatory requirements While 11% of recent graduates felt this category was highly valuable to them only 27% felt adequately prepared in this area while 31% felt less than adequately prepared or poorly prepared. 4. Preparation of project budgets This category ranked second, at 16%, in areas respondents recommended for further emphasis in education. In addition, findings from the eight telephone interviews stressed the importance of understanding budgets even though 78% of respondents stated that they felt less than adequately prepared in this area. These findings, combined with open-ended responses throughout the survey, suggest that a greater emphasis be placed on budgets in interior design curricula. The interviews and survey data offer a unique insight into the perceptions of the entry-level interior design professional. As mentioned earlier, college interior design program curricula and CIDA standards are continuously evolving to better meet the needs of design education. It is important that educators and practitioners consider the perspective of recent graduates as their successes and failures are oftentimes a direct result of their educational preparation. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2013. / June 18, 2013. / CIDA accredited, design curricula, entry-level interior designer, interior design, preparedness, professional practice / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa K. Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Jill Pable, Committee Member; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member.

In buildings where students have twenty-four hour access, the building systems must operate for maximum occupancy levels around the clock because the details of occupancy are currently unknown. Energy and money are wasted by operating these systems when it is not necessary to do so. By observing patterns of student occupancy and estimating when students are more likely to be in the building working, building operators may be able to adjust the lighting and HVAC systems to reduce wasted energy. To further examine the behavior of this population, this thesis case study closely examined the occupancy habits of a selected group of interior design students enrolled in a studio course at a major university during the spring and summer semesters. In addition, satisfaction surveys and group interviews were conducted to better understand the studio dynamic including occupancy behaviors, motivations, and classroom satisfaction. Guerin's Human Ecosystem Model served as a useful model to frame likely considerations for the perception and satisfaction of the built environment (1992). As part of the Guerin model, variables relating to the behavioral, physical and natural environments of the studio space were examined during the course of this case study. Results of the study indicated a noticeable increase in student occupancy patterns relating to project deadlines. During the periods of low usage between project due dates, energy could conceivably be saved by adjusting building systems to run less frequently. Furthermore, results from surveys and interviews discovered that students were satisfied overall with their studio space. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Fall Semester, 2012. / October 31, 2012. / ENERGY CONSERVATION, HIGHER EDUCATION, HUMAN ECOSYSTEM MODEL, INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO, STUDENT SATISFACTION, VARIABLE OCCUPANCY BUILDING / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member.

This study addresses the correlation between Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus (RBB&BC) and their attachment to place and possession while living as part of a mobile community. It focused on two touring divisions of RBB&BC; the Gold Unit and Blue Unit. The primary research question focuses on a well-known psychological framework; Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. It asked, "What are the basic human needs of mobile populations, as according to Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and how are these needs met?" The study also sought to answer three secondary research questions, which asked, 1) to what degree are biological, safety, social and esteem needs of a traveling circus populations being met relative to perceptions of attachment to place, 2) to what degree are biological, safety, social, and esteem needs of a traveling circus population being met relative to perceptions of attachment to possession(s), and 3) how does a circus traveler's history without a history of residential permanence impact their current sense of attachment to place and possessions? In order to evaluate this specific traveling circus population, multiple visits were made to different sites in two different cites in Southeastern Texas. Interviews with members of RBB&BC were conducted, and a questionnaire was distributed. Staff and performers of RBB&BC were asked questions focusing on their spatial needs and assessed their various physiological and psychological needs. During site visits, characteristics of the surrounding environment were noted, and photographs were taken. After gathering the data from the interviews, questionnaires, and site visits, the data was organized into emergent themes. In regards to place, one of the main themes that emerged was the importance of the ordinary landscape and a pervading feeling of placelessness, among the archetypal landscape (i.e. home, the interior built environment). Interviewees made claims that views to the outdoors (a.k.a. ordinary landscape) were especially important to them individually, while collectively acting as a calendar (i.e. when looking outdoors and recognizing the geographical terrain as Texas, they realize it is mid–July). In regards to possessions, the main theme was a stronger attachment to intangible possessions (as opposed to tangible). These intangibles were individual and collective and mostly related back to family, friends and one's cultural identity and traditions. This study allowed the researcher to evaluate the current spatial needs and perceptions of attachment to place and possession of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus' Gold and Blue Units. This study provides information on the current spatial surroundings of RBB&BC. Further research could be conducted to assess RBB&BC's Red Unit and their various levels of physiological and psychological fulfillment. Additionally, a future study could be conducted to further explore individual interior environments of each touring division (i.e. the train, RV, hotel). / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Fall Semester, 2013. / November 4, 2013. / Attachment to Place, Attachment to Possessions, Interior Design, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey, Traveling Circus, Traveling Populations / Includes bibliographical references. / Jim Dawkins, Professor Directing Thesis; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member; Kenan Fishburne, Committee Member.

On average, people spend ninety percent of their time in artificial built environments. Moreover, four-fifths of people in developed countries reside and/or work in dense urban cities: man-made environments that weaken the opportunity for humans to connect with their natural environment. These environments are filled with ecological and sensory deprivation resulting in a weakened human-nature connection (Kellert, 2012). This connectedness however could be strengthened by the design industry, as design possesses the ability to promote this relationship through built environment solutions that encourage interdependency between people and natural elements. According to biologist Edward O. Wilson, humans are biologically interconnected with nature physically, psychologically, and spiritually. This deep affiliation with life is a complex process involving the promotion of mental health and well-being and has been defined as the "biophilia hypothesis" (1984). Stephen Kellert, Professor Emeritus of Social Ecology at Yale University, states that "[this] hypothesis proclaims a human dependence on nature that extends far beyond the simple issues of material and physical sustenance to encompass as well the human craving for aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and even spiritual meaning and satisfaction" (1993, p. 20). Therefore, biologically speaking, people's well-being remains highly dependent on the human-nature connection (Kellert, 2008), and many studies show how this connectedness often aids in the healing process. Although a great deal of attention has been paid to optimizing healing environments, there is little published literature that directly integrates a healing environment with restorative environments -- environments intended to restore people from mental fatigue, ecotherapy -- nature-based methods of physical and psychological healing, and the application of biophilic design -- the integration of nature within the built environment. Recognizing the need for restorative healing environments in urban settings where nature has been severely withdrawn from interiors and architecture and where mental fatigue is prominent, this project thesis proposes a design solution and environment that addresses that need. By integrating the two design models of biophilic design and restorative healing environments into one symbiotic framework and using this framework as a primary research filter, the thesis investigates biophilic design attributes and their perceived effectiveness as they pertain to the success of a theoretical restorative healing environment. Study results indeed indicate that the way in which biophilic attributes are integrated into the restorative healing environment influences their effectiveness. It showcases a design paradigm that promotes a symbiotic relationship between nature and the built environment while addressing humans' psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being and restore the human-nature connection that has been lost in the urban built environment. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2014. / June 24, 2014. / Alternative, Biophilia, Biophilic Design, Design, Restorative, Wellness / Includes bibliographical references. / Jim Dawkins, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member.