This study addresses the position of design in the creation of universal and transgenerational designed dwellings. The emphasis of this study is the promotion of aging-in-place with or near family members. The objective is to understand and utilize the principals and guidelines of universal design, transgenerational design, barrier free design and place attachment. The goal of the design is to allow the elderly as well as the disabled population the ability to live and age with increased comfort as well as a strong sense of place. The results of research lead to the development of four proposed dwellings; two of them being detached and two dwellings being attached. The site selected for this study is located in Jacksonville, Florida. The goal of the dwellings is to create four different residential dwelling additions designed to house a variety of elderly and disabled individuals of different characteristics. These four dwellings are designed to strengthen the bonds of the elderly and disabled with their family and friends while allowing them to age with dignity and a strong sense of place. Also created is a fictional showroom named Universal Dwellings. The purpose of the showroom is to illustrate how these dwellings could be marketed to the public. Though these two projects are different both relate to the general purpose of this study. / 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, 2007. / March 26, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Eric Wiedegreen, Committee Member.

This research seeks to understand and define what are called here, unintentional spaces. This research begins by looking into different types of space and spatial intricacies. The intricacies introduced include: representation, perception, value, beauty, and interaction. These initial explorations seek to establish a general understanding and vocabulary for examining unintentional space. Once a basic definition of these spaces is established, this research begins to further define unintentional space through examination of the actions and uses that take place within them. The uses and actions that are discussed include: social escape, alternative housing, adventure and suspense, self expression, and inspiration. The research leads to the discovery and concretization of a key element that epitomizes unintentional spaces, corresponding to the characteristics, actions and uses. This essential element is freedom. The explication of freedom and the relationship with unintentional spaces concludes the exploration. / 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, 2005. / July 5, 2005. / Design, Alley, Architecture, Interior Design, Unintentional Space, Bridge, Space / Includes bibliographical references. / Ricardo Navarro, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Tock Ohazama, Committee Member.

This thesis covers the development and use of the color blue in Western Europe an the United States. How humans see the color blue physically and how human beings perceive the color blue from a cultural standpoint is the starting point for the discussion. The technological advancements involved in the creation of pigments, as well as the symbolic meanings of those pigments in use are also covered. Further, this thesis consists of a discussion of the way in which blue is used in the English language, and what that usage says about our culture. The psychological and psycho physiological implications of the usage of blue is covered regarding interior coloring as relates to both state of mind and physical reactions to the color. Included also, is a discussion of the use of the color blue as it relates specifically to interior design and involves aspects of the various other sections as design is inextricably intertwined with history and culture. The most commonly used categories in teaching the history of design, as determined by an overview of major design history texts, is used to follow the history of the use of the color blue in design. The discussion begins with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans and moves through to a view of current trends in design / 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, 2004. / October 21, 2004. / Interior Design, Paint, Pigment, Color, Blue, History / Includes bibliographical references.

This study explores the expression of Christian fellowship in the home. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of how Christians today express koinonia, the Greek term used in New Testament scripture to describe the church community. More specifically, the study examines how the homes in which these groups meet accommodate the participants. This study, ethnographic in nature, investigates three home fellowship groups and employs the methods of participatory observations, personal interviews and photography. The observations and interviews focused on the social, spiritual and physical characteristics of each group. Pastor and member interviews revealed that there is a mutual desire for community outside of Sunday services. Also, church buildings are not solely sufficient environments for fostering community. Interviews also revealed that the home is the most conducive environment to cultivate community. However, the observations showed that the built environment was not the most powerful variable influencing the group. Other influencing factors include length of relationships, amount of shared experiences, quality of leadership, intention of participants, group size and group focus. The home did affect the activities and comfort levels of the participants in the home groups. The most influential physical attribute of the home was the floor plan. The open floor plan best suited the needs of these groups. The homes under observation that did not have an open floor plan proved to hinder certain aspects of the group's operations. Lighting and soft furnishings played a role in the functions of these groups as well. The presence of carpeting or rugs, comfortable and movable seating, pillows, and dimmable lighting were found to be desired among the group members. The lack of these items was also found to be a hindrance to the group functions at times. Conclusively, this study reveals insight into the 21st century expression of the first century Christian house church. Interviews, observations and photographs yielded qualitative research to aid in the understanding of how these groups function and how the space affects the functions of home groups. Practical suggestions for accommodating a home group are presented in Chapter Five. / 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, 2011. / June 29, 2011. / small groups, christian, home, spirituality, built environment, home groups, house church, church / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Jill Pable, Committee Member; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member.

Theories about knowledge/information gathering within educational facilities have led school designers to believe that the physical design of school buildings serve more than just an aesthetic purpose. Howard Gardner theorized intelligence is the intuition and knowledge one possesses with regard to a specific discipline, and it is the fusion of the multiple intelligences inherent in individuals that determines their success in problem creating and solving (Gardner, 1993; 2006). These inherent skills generally determine the ease at which an individual comprehends related material. In his description of multiple intelligences, Gardner identifies seven intelligences: Interactive/Kinesthetic, Visual/Spatial, Verbal/Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Musical/Rhythmic, Intrapersonal, and Interpersonal. Brain-based learning and the Montessori method are examples of how hands-on experience and independent trial and error can improve the permanence of information gathered. Similar educational theories also emphasize the importance of peer and adult interaction. School libraries have evolved from buildings that serve as a repository for books, to places to access information using a variety of methods. With the increased amount of information that can be accessed from the internet, libraries have had to reinvent themselves to remain viable. This has led library designers to shift their focus toward creating collaborative, social spaces for students while incorporating technology and cafés. In addition, conference rooms, classrooms, and presentation rooms have been added for students and faculty. These spaces are also important for meeting the needs of the millennial generation currently enrolled in schools. The purpose of this research was to inform the renovation plan of a Kindergarten through 8th grade school library design utilizing Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and student learning styles as a basis for design decisions. An existing K-8th grade library in Key West Florida was chosen as the proposed site for the renovation. Multiple intelligences brain-based learning, current library design trends, and student needs related to scale were factors that influenced design decisions. Decisions regarding space allocations, adjacencies, lighting, furniture, and finish materials were carefully considered based on the findings. The final library design included collaborative spaces, individual study areas, interactive areas, presentation areas, age-specific areas, meeting areas, and state-of-the-art technological equipment. The library will also be a space for individual development enhanced by the open design of the learning environment and spaces to accommodate mentoring. The overall space planning is open to allow librarians to change the layout as the needs of the users (and technology) change. Considering the location of the library in Key West Florida, the coral reef was used to guide aesthetic design decisions such as finish colors, textures, and materials. The final design offers students the opportunity to independently, confidently, and comfortable use the proposed library space. The space was also designed to enable teachers and staff to use it for meetings and gatherings as well. / 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, 2009. / October 14, 2009. / Library Design, Multiple Intelligences, Interior Design, Learning Styles / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Tasuku Ohazama, Committee Member; Peter Munton, Committee Member.

It has emerged within our ever urbanizing and sprawling communities in America that there is a lack of safe, stimulating gathering spaces for children and teenagers, especially those who live with impoverished conditions at home (Hager, 2006). Frequently these children lack basic needs, such as safety and a sense of belonging that all humans need on a day-to-day basis (Howard & Prince, 2002). This absence of need fulfillment is coupled with a problem of place in America—that is, the lack of informal public places of refuge and safe social gathering for children and teens. This thesis project seeks to address this by creating a theoretical art-based community center that supports the users' attainment of basic needs (such as food and safety), provides dedicated space for the participation of arts activities, and establishes a positive connection to the greater community. The goal is to create an enriching social environment that will provide spaces which promote positive behavior modification and serve as a place of refuge and self exploration. In doing so, the attending children may realize a decrease in the need to participate in negative, harmful activities and a place that becomes a haven for friendship formation, involvement with parents, mentors and adults from the community. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Spring Semester, 2009. / April 3, 2009. / At-Risk Youth, Community Center, Community Youth Arts Programs, Environmental Design / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Peter Munton, Committee Member.

This study addresses the current efforts taking place to rebuild New Orleans, Louisiana and focuses specifically on the 'Make It Right' (MIR) Foundation's model for rebuilding the Lower Ninth Ward with affordable green housing. The primary research question focused on the motivations, design implications, financial implications, advantages, and challenges found in the 'Make It Right' Foundation's housing and community reconstruction project, with the objective of determining the feasibility of implementing the MIR model in other locations. In order to evaluate the model two visits to the MIR site occurred, interviews with MIR employees and residents of the Lower Ninth Ward were conducted, and a questionnaire was sent to MIR homeowners. They were asked questions focusing on the motivations and attitudes surrounding MIR's presence in the Lower Ninth Ward, the advantages and challenges of rebuilding the area, and the reactions and awareness that resulted in MIR's development of affordable green housing. During site visits and the home tours, the sustainable features were noted, and multiple photographs were taken. After gathering the data from the interviews and site visits, the data was organized into emergent themes. One of the main themes that emerged was a sense of distrust that the residents of the Lower Ninth Ward have towards the government. Interviewees made claims that the government did not keep their promises after Katrina, withheld recovery money from them, and that the government wanted Lower Ninth Ward resident's property. Another occurring theme was that MIR has been a guiding force in green innovations and architecture in the area providing education and knowledge to contractors, which has subsequently lowered the cost of building green. This study allowed the researcher to evaluate the current methods being used in building affordable green homes as well as the opinions regarding MIR's efforts in rebuilding and their presence in the Lower Ninth Ward. This study provides information on the innovations being made to help reduce the cost of building green structures. Further research could be conducted to measure the homes affordability over the long-term. Additionally, a future study could be conducted to evaluate how the homeowners interact with the interior spaces of the MIR homes. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Spring Semester, 2010. / March 30, 2010. / Rebuilding After Hurricane Katrina, Ethical Design, Lower Ninth Ward, Sustainable Design, Green Design, Health Concerns Low-income Housing, Affordable Housing / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa K. Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; David Butler, Committee Member; Karen Myers, Committee Member.

There exist a multitude of problems within the United States housing market. First is a lack of affordability. Forty-two percent of Americans cannot afford to purchase a home (Savage, 2009). Many households devote more than 50% of their income to paying for housing (Quigley & Raphael, 2004). Also, families with lower incomes will pay a higher rate of interest to purchase a residence (O'Hara & Short, 2008). Second is a lack of suitability. Residences often fail to meet the needs of their occupants because they are built by developers from stock plans designed for an old version of America: post-World War II households, which were young and white with a housekeeping mother, a working father, and three children (Hayden, 2002). This outdated vision of American life does not represent the present reality of our diverse society. The ideal home is one built with the occupants' needs in mind and as a direct reflection of their lifestyle (Kicklighter & Kicklighter, 2005). However, only 30% of housing units started in 2009 were built specifically for the occupant, either by the owner themselves or by a contractor (U.S. Census Bureau, 2009). Finally, the size and development patterns of American homes are not sustainable. Since 1940, the average number of people living in an American home has dropped significantly, but the average size of new houses has doubled (Wilson & Boehland, 2005). These large homes are built in a low-density pattern that creates sprawl and car dependency (Meredith, 2003). Between 1945 and 2002, urban land area increased two times faster than population growth (Lubowski, Vesterby, Bucholtz, Baez, & Roberts, 2006). The pattern of building large homes at low densities will be unsustainable in the future due to population increases, energy consumption and natural resource depletion. The design solution proposes an 880 square foot home that addresses the problems of suitability, affordability, and sustainability. The residence includes integrated flexibility that allows it to adapt to meet the needs of every household type that could occupy it. The small size creates a sustainable prototype, allowing more homes to be built on a smaller footprint. The size also makes the home more affordable, thereby making ownership a possibility for more people. The flexible features of the interior will allow for customization to occur over time and for each user's needs. This thesis project challenges the current pattern of the American home, and proposes a new residential solution that will solve the problems of affordability, suitability and sustainability inherent within our housing market. / A Thesis submitted to the College of Visual Arts, Theater and Dance in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2011. / June 30, 2011. / Housing, Homeownership, Housing Affordability, Housing Availability, Housing Sustainability, Housing Suitability, Workforce Housing, Housing Diversity, Housing Flexibility, Flexible Design, User Driven Design, Small House, Not So Big House / Includes bibliographical references. / Eric A. Wiedegreen, Professor Directing Thesis; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member; Lisa K. Waxman, Committee Member.

The purpose of this study is to increase the body of knowledge related to museum design; explore the impact museum environments have on visitors, and to help inform the design of museum facilities so they may serve as gathering places in communities. The findings recommend design criteria that enhance the museum's role as a third place. Third places are those environments, other than work or home that often holds special meaning for visitors and may contribute to feelings of attachment to community (Oldenburg, 1997; Waxman, 2006). The museum serves various roles in the community and is influenced by the population it serves. Presently, museums contribute to the education of the public by collecting, preserving and interpreting the objects they house. The experience of the museum visitor includes the interaction between the visitor and the facility, the visitor and objects, and the visitor with other individuals. To be viable into the future, the museum must transition from a place where patrons visit occasionally to becoming an integral part of the surrounding community. This study used mixed method qualitative tools including interviews, observations and with behavioral mapping which took place over 75 hours, with 25 hours in each of the three selected museums. The findings provide information about the function of the facility and the involvement of the museum visitor in the space and with other patrons. Visual documentation of the facilities and Interviews with museum administrators provided information about the museum facility and visitor experience. These interviews also provided insight into the staff attitudes regarding the physical spaces of each museum including traffic patterns, spaces of social interaction, seating, and coffee shops and lounges. The study focused on design features and areas within the museum including retail shops, cafes, and areas for special events. Particular attention was paid to circulation patterns, seating, and areas of social interaction. Museums with open floor plans that displayed objects on walls and used few case pieces had clearer circulation paths. Clear circulation resulted in open floor space that provided museum visitors with space to gather and interact. Seating throughout the gallery spaces was limited, resulting in little interaction between visitors and short amounts of time studying the objects displayed. Museum shops were found in all three museums visited, and those placed in the entry and near the exit of the facility saw higher number in visitors. Observations indicated that museums with open, flexible floor plans, incorporating clear circulation patterns, seating, and areas conducive to social interaction, such as coffee shops, result in higher numbers of visitors and provide a community gathering place facilitated by art and design. The research conducted and analysis of the data collected informed the design of a conceptual contemporary art museum that would serve as a third place. The design, renovation, and transition of the first and second floors of the Lynch Building in downtown Jacksonville, Florida into a contemporary art museum that incorporates third place environments into the facility for the surrounding community. The facility will not only house exhibition and object storage spaces to fulfill its role as a museum, but will also integrate a coffee shop and café/lounge into the exhibition space that will allow this museum to serve as a third place. / 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, 2011. / June 24, 2011. / Museum Design, Community Gathering Place, Third Place Theory / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Eric Wiedegreen, Committee Member; Peter Munton, Committee Member.

With the onset of one of the worst economic downturns in recent history, the face of poverty is changing. This project seeks to explore a design solution aimed at helping a newly emerging segment of the population: the “half homeless”, formerly middle class individuals/families who lost their jobs and homes during the recession. Set in the building known as the Lucky Strike Power Plant, the project contains two distinct, but overlapping, programs: 1) multi-family housing, and 2) a continuum of supportive services accessible to both the residents and the community at large. The main focus of this project is the housing component; more specifically, exploring an unconventional housing typology designed to encourage interaction between the residents, as well as the residents and non-residents. Ultimately, this project is a study of how through the interplay between public vs. private and mass vs. void, design can heal, inspire, and bring people together.