The purpose of this research is to explore the relevance of a base of knowledge in the history of architectural drawing in aiding creative design decisions today. A select study of the history of interior design reveals that design drawing conventions changed just as frequently as period styles themselves. Abundant studies on the architecture of the past have always considered the question of style, yet they seldom looked into the question of changes in drawing conventions (Gebhard & Nevins, 1977). Additionally, this study seeks to identify the relationship between chosen drawing style and communication—that is, how have designers throughout time resolved elusive concepts harmoniously, and how have their choices of convention aided them? To further understand this relationship, a closer look into the overall history surrounding development of design drawing is imperative. Once an understanding of the history of architectural drawing and its connection to these forces have been established, this study will then make the case for its relevance in interior design today. The advantages and disadvantages of certain drawing conventions, as revealed in this research, can then be used in assisting today's designer in deciphering which technique can most appropriately convey his/her creative vision. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2008. / Date of Defense: April 7, 2008. / Design Presentation, Graphics, Interior Design, Architectural Drawing, Design Drawing, Sketching, Rendering / Includes bibliographical references. / Peter Koenig, Professor Directing Thesis; Jill Pable, Committee Member; Karen Myers, Committee Member.

Interior designers and architects need solid research in order to design restaurants that are both successful for owners and customers. Consumer's eyes and palates are increasingly educated, making it more difficult to create a signature décor. This forces operators to become more engaged in acoustics, lighting, color, fabrics and more (Leahy, 2006). Customer's concern for the built environment rivals demand for quality food and service in restaurant settings (Salter, 2003). Emotional design and sensory branding have shown to be an effective way of building customer loyalty and profits. Attempting to fully understand the intricacies of ambient factors as well as their effect the dining experience of the restaurant patron is the first step in maximizing revenue potential through sensory branding. Good design is, of course, a primary building block of the total customer experience (Cuffaro, Vogel & Matt 2002). This thesis seeks to explore the intricacies of the restaurant experience and illustrate them through the renovation of Café Cabernet, a restaurant located in Tallahassee, Florida. Design factors (such as exterior features, furnishings and materials as well as restaurant layout), along with Social and ambient factors (such a color, sound, lighting and scent) will be explored and used the foundation for the design solutions. Restaurants naturally lend themselves to multi-sensory experiences, combinations of architecture, graphics, sound, smells, and tastes. Sensory branding will be explored in the renovation and re-branding of the Café Cabernet experience. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Degree Awarded: Fall Semester, 2009. / Date of Defense: July 31, 2009. / Restaurant Design, Sensory branding, Ambient Factors, Emotional Design, Café Cabernet / Includes bibliographical references. / Peter Munton, Professor Directing Thesis; Jill Pable, Committee Member; Karen Myers, Committee Member.

The Christian worship space has changed much over the history of the life of the Church. Interior design of worship spaces began in the homes of converts to Christianity, moved to very regal, ornate and spacious structures, and now can be one of a myriad of space types. The early home churches were dual-purpose spaces, with the everyday uses set aside for the worship time and then put back in place for home use. The design is different for Catholic versus Protestant churches, and also between separate Protestant divisions. The rituals of each type of service require differing furnishings and accoutrements. Preferences for certain rituals may take the focus in one church versus another. Even the Methodist churches in the same city of the same state can be somewhat different in their interior design. The early Methodist churches in Tallahassee, FL used architectural features similar to the London examples of their time, such as St. Martin-in-the-fields. The Killearn United Methodist church, built in the 1960s is of a more contemporary style, and the newest Methodist church, built in 2007, is very different to either of these other earlier churches. The heart, then, of the design solution for a sanctuary is to create a maximized worship environment while applying ideology of the specific sect to the design ideas. Killearn United Methodist church is one of 15 United Methodist churches in Tallahassee, Florida. As the church has grown over the years, worship services were added to accommodate the changing worship desires of the congregation. The fellowship hall in the church is used for one of the three worship services on any given Sunday morning. It is also used for a casual worship service on Friday nights. This space was not designed to be a sanctuary, but because it is used for that purpose, the space should be redeveloped to better incorporate worship. Qualitative research will be used to support the design decisions for this space. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2011. / Date of Defense: February 25, 2011. / History of the Church, Church design, House Church, Protestantism, Methodism, Florida Methodist Church Design, Fellowship Hall Design, Tallahassee Churches / Includes bibliographical references. / Eric Wiedegreen, Professor Directing Thesis; David Butler, Committee Member; Karen Myers, Committee Member.

Thesis (M. Int. Arch.)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Includes summary. Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Many historic downtowns that were once bustling city-centers are now blighted by vacant and deteriorating buildings which contribute to economic hardship. Despite their vacancy and sometimes poor condition, these buildings are important and worthy of preservation because they are historically significant and are physical evidence of the organic development of a city. However, due to a lack of government funding many of them are torn down. This calls for a private investment solution to the environmental retrieval of these buildings. Developing a brand with this foundational goal was the focus of this thesis project. This project sought out a wide-spread branded solution that would save these historic gems by giving them a new use. The new use for these buildings would positively impact the local economy, improve communities, and appeal to the public. A brand that accomplishes all of these goals could potentially be developed in multiple cities and potentially spur the redevelopment of historic downtowns and revitalize communities nationwide. The project entailed the sustainable adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the vacant S. H. Kress five-and-dime store in Tampa, Florida. It was converted into a boutique hotel because this could be a profitable enterprise that would attract visitors and locals to the area. The resulting design is a fully developed boutique hotel with a bar and lounge, fine dining restaurant, spa, fitness center, coffee lounge, business center, and 36 guestrooms. With this design the author created the Landmarc Hotel brand. By applying the theory of emotional branding through the action frameworks of passionbranding and sensory branding the author established Landmarc's brand signature and standards. From this project, the author concluded that interior design has the ability to express a brand's essence through the environment and create positive brand experiences that result in brand loyalty. The project also demonstrated that a hospitality brand and its branded environments can create places for a community and its visitors to enjoy and become invested in. This new economic & community asset can initialize the total revitalization of a historic downtown by bringing people back into the area and gaining their love and loyalty to a brand that saves their local landmarks. People will support the Landmarc Hotel brand because Landmarc Hotels gives back to their local community and honors their culture and traditions through design and a unique brand that emphasizes the special qualities of their city. / 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 8, 2011. / Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation, National Register of Historic Places, Revitalization, Branding, Boutique Hotel, Sustainability, Brand Loyalty, Emotional Branding, Passionbranding, Brand Belief, Sensory Branding, Sensory Design, Community, Urban Fabric, Sense of Place / Includes bibliographical references. / Karen Myers, Professor Directing Thesis; Marlo Ransdell, Committee Member; Jim Dawkins, Committee Member.

Since research has shown a connection to nature is beneficial to human well-being, it is problematic that human connections to nature are under-represented within built environments in the United States. The objective of this qualitative study was to define what constitutes a human connection to nature within the built environment using Stephen R. Kellert's framework of biophilic design. This study took place at Interface's Showroom and Offices in Atlanta, Georgia, a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Commercial Interior (CI) platinum-certified office environment. Emergent themes resulting from the data indicated the following: (a)participants felt connected to nature and felt the connection positively affected their health, attitude, job performance and job satisfaction; (b)outside views and natural daylight facilitated a number of nature-connections; (c)more subtle nature-connections were valued by participants, but not overtly recognized as connections to nature; (d)the surrounding community development created positive experiences for participants within the interior environment; and (e)vernacular connections (relating to Interface's mission as a company) were also found to be a valued part of the interior environment. Additionally, author review of the LEED-CI Version 2.0 Rating System (which guided Interface's Showroom renovation) indicated the system is not yet fully addressing the issue of a human connection to nature. Hopefully this research will serve to inform others on varied ways to create human connections to nature within the built environment using a framework of biophilic design. It is also hoped these research findings could inform empirical research on the human-centered and financial benefits of creating human connections to nature within the 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, 2010. / June 11, 2010. / Office Users, LEED, Biophilic Design, Theory of Biophilia, Human Connection to Nature / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Peter Munton, Committee Member.

This thesis designed a mixed use, urban infill project located in Tallahassee, Florida. The goal of the design is to encourage social interaction among retiring empty nester Baby Boomers. Research of the topic of socialization introduced a term by Robert Putnam called social capital, which gives value to peoples social networks. Putnam identified that there is a disconnect between social involvement and the Baby Boomer population. This design explored a mixed-use communal living development that explored ways to introduce architectural features that promote both involuntary and voluntary social interaction areas. Research also uncovered specific wants and demands that the Baby Boomer generation expected from their retirement home. / A Thesis submitted to the Department on Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Fine Arts. / Spring Semester, 2008. / March 21, 2008. / Urban Infill, Baby Boomers, Social Interaction, Mixed Use / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Karen Myers, Committee Member; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member.

This study began with the assumption that universities have an influential impact on their students and surrounding community, and that this influence can be used to spread awareness of sustainability through "green design". Therefore, the advantages and challenges of creating sustainable university buildings were explored. The primary research question focused on the sustainable design features of three buildings, the motivations for designing those sustainable buildings, and the advantages and obstacles of sustainable design in those buildings. Three university buildings were chosen as research sites, each having a different orientation and a different impact on the university and its students. The sites include a residence hall, a library and a classroom. Interviews with key players, as well as building tours were conducted, photos were taken, and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) documentation was examined. Key players were asked questions focusing on the role they played in the construction of the building, the motivations and attitudes surrounding the design of each building, the reactions and awareness that resulted from the building itself, and the advantages and challenges regarding the design of the buildings. During site visits, the sustainable features were noted, and multiple photographs were taken. After gathering the data from the interviews and site visits, the interview data was organized and categorized into emergent themes. One of the main themes that emerged from the study included the belief that LEED is a good start for building sustainably, but it may not be enough. The key players thought that the LEED registration process did not have enough requirements for maintaining eco-efficiency after construction was complete, and that more emphasis needed to be placed on the "life-cycle of sustainability". Another reoccurring theme was that the main motivation for building a sustainable building was because "it's the right thing to do" and that universities should be involved with sustainability to be a good "role model" who is "leading the way". Universities were found to already have an advantage in becoming sustainable and LEED certified, because numerous LEED requirements are already developed on a universities campus in what they call "exterior campus points". All of the key players agreed that in order to become a successful "sustainable campus" that support from the higher administration is essential. A clear definition emerged from this study in that sustainability and "green building" are the future of design and construction. As an influential and intricate part of our society, universities have the ability and the obligation to be involved and progressive in the sustainable movement. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. / Summer Semester, 2008. / June 30, 2008. / University, Sustainability, LEED / Includes bibliographical references. / Lisa Waxman, Professor Directing Thesis; Eric Wiedegreen, Committee Member; Jill Pable, Committee Member.

The environment has been taken for granted for far too long. In the last several years, there has been a rapid growth of interest in the environment, and sustainable design. To solve the problems mankind has created, creative problem solving and innovation is necessary. The built environment has played a part in the degradation of the environment. This study explored the processes the State University System of Florida follows to help design sustainable university buildings. The primary goal of the research was to identify the sustainable design practices the universities are using as well as the attitudes and motivation for sustainable design. The State University System of Florida includes 11 universities that are managed by the Board of Governors. Six of the universities were included in this study. Interviews with key employees, visits to the campuses, research on the universities, and photo documentation were examined. The interview questions focused on the challenges and philosophies of sustainable design, similarities between universities, goals, financial impact, designing for LEED standards and certification, and the future of sustainable design in the university setting. After all the information and data from interviews and visits were collected, the information was organized into themes for further analysis. After analyzing the research and interviews, the main theme that emerged was the universities all agree that sustainable design is the "right thing to do." Another theme emerged regarding the need for administrative and financial support. Without support of the administration, sustainable design would not receive the proper funding. Another reoccurring theme was the importance of third party verification. Each of the universities design to LEED Silver design standards. Several universities have the option to pursue certification while others are required to pursue the certification. Benefits sought by the universities included people, planet, and profit. Incorporating the needs for people, and the environment can help save money in the long run. Conserving energy and using natural resources and sustainable materials saves money and creates a healthier built environment. Healthy people are more productive and have improved performance. When looking at the future of sustainable design, the focus was on minimizing the CO2 footprint and pursuing higher levels of sustainable design and certification. There is no reason that anyone should design without thinking what is best for the environment. It takes a community effort, so everyone has to do his or her part. Sustainability is the future of the design world. It is time to embrace it. / 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 31, 2010. / USGBC, Environment, State University System of Florida, LEED, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Green Design / Includes bibliographical references. / David Butler, Professor Co-Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Professor Co-Directing Thesis; Eric Wiedegreen, Committee Member.

Nature builds structures that evolve, self maintain, and eventually return to a natural state. Humans build in a few different ways, creating structures that will act as models of the desired goals, often with little regard for the impact of nature during the structures lifetime much less when its functionality has ended. Recently there have been projects and theoretical discussion on combining the human way of building and biological way of growing. One such project is presented here, titled "Growing Home". Growing Home is a structure built from living bamboo, designed for stateless persons and refugee populations. Research has concluded that while numerous projects seek to combine growing elements within built structures, few structures have been created for stateless populations. An initial, experimental sample of Bhutanese refugees who have been living in Nepal since the early 1990s has been chosen as a target population. (Ranard, 2007). / 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, 2010. / July 2, 2010. / Language, Design Language, Nepal, Refugee Housing, Myhre, Vee, Elena, Neomorphism, Living Architecture, Architecture, Design, Organic Design / Includes bibliographical references. / Eric Wiedegreen, Professor Directing Thesis; Jill Pable, Committee Member; Karen Myers, Committee Member.