i+D - September/October 2018 - 30

Contributors

1. Emileigh Clare, Making Use of Every Molecule
In her role at the American Chemistry Council,
Emileigh knows firsthand that "public understanding
of science is such a collaborative effort. And, in this
effort, designers can play a really important role in
using evidence-based design practices. Scientists and
designers can work together on the engineering
and end-use of a number of advanced materials
that incorporate a variety of properties from mold
resistance to biomimicry." When she co-authored
the article on chemistry and interior design (p. 40),
Emileigh corroborated how science can solve some
of the world's biggest problems. "If a molecule
can be made more sustainable, it is a game changer
on a variety of levels, not just in interior design,"
she notes.
2. Todd Sims, Making Use of Every Molecule
The co-author of the article on chemistry and interior
design (p. 40), Todd's position at the American
Chemistry Council supports safe, sustainable,
and resilient buildings and building materials.
As such, he says, "innovation in materials is a
critical element to allowing buildings to achieve
multiple beneficial outcomes. Instead of creating
an either/or situation, buildings can now be healthy,
efficient, and sustainable all at once. One inspiring
example I saw recently of how science and design
intersect was at NeoCon: There was a great display
on photosensitive flooring; another exciting new
material is translucent wood. Both of these are
chemistry...Chemistry has made incredible building
products possible for a long time. It is a naturally
curious field, constantly innovating-including both
products and processes."
3. Ambrose Clancy,
ICONic Profile: Jason F. McLennan
Ambrose always has interesting takeaways when
he interviews industry leaders for his "ICONic
Profile" series, including his recent conversation
with Jason F. McLennan (p. 56). "When I asked
[Jason] what strategy people can use to fight

against the rollback of environmental regulations
in the United States, [he] said that, at some point,
the only way to fight is to build better, greener
buildings at a reasonable cost and developers will
follow. 'Making things better and cheaper is how
commerce works.' Simple, and right on," recalls
Ambrose. On a personal level, Ambrose is reaping
the benefits of science in his workplace interiors
"where the windows are durable, draft-free, nearly
soundproof, and yet allow for abundant sunshine.
Our new place also has a 'smart' HVAC system,
although we're still pretty stupid in figuring it out."
4. Michele Keith, Inspiring Work at Home
Prior to her assignment on home offices (p. 58),
Michele says she had never thought about "the
scientific aspects of the design of my home office,
only its aesthetics and functionality. Talking with
the experts, however, made me realize that such
things as psychology and biology are an integral
part of good design. I had incorporated them, but
subconsciously." What surprised her most is the
extensive research being done by manufacturers-
ergonomics, physiology, sound, light, every aspect
imaginable. "If I were just starting out, I'd go
into this field...amazing!" she states.
5. Brian J. Barth, Designing for the Unseen
When Brian conducted interviews for his article
on the science of healthy buildings (p. 34),
he was astounded to learn how many PhDs are
dedicated to building up the basic science that
informs the design of healthy buildings. And,
although Brian may not wear a doctoral gown
and hood, he has developed an appreciation for
meshing science into his own interior environment.
He explains: "I work from a home office but,
over the years, I've intuitively incorporated many
aspects common to wellness design into my space,
from a sit-stand desk and lots of lush greenery
to getting the combination of natural light and
shading just right to prevent eye-straining glare
on my computer screen."

i+D - September/October 2018

6. Diana Mosher, Color, in Theory
While learning more about the psychology
of color (p. 50), Diana found it interesting that
healthcare designers almost intuitively gravitate
toward calm colors that create a relaxed setting.
At the same time, however, she discovered, "you
don't want to make it so muted that 'soothing'
crosses over to 'depressing.'" In fact, Diana says
she often sees design intersecting with science in
this way in her personal life-even in such atypical
interiors as the New York City subway. "At
certain stations, the old fluorescent lights have
been outfitted with LEDs that emit a brighter,
happier quality of light that also creates for me
a greater sense of wellbeing," she observes. "Even
though these spaces are frequently in the same state
of disrepair...the brightness has a positive effect
on my mood."
7. Robert Nieminen, Design Gives Back
While attending NeoCon in Chicago this past
June, Robert was introduced to a technology used
in fabrics that impacts health on a biological level:
Celliant (See "Making Use of Every Molecule,
p. 40). "Basically, Celliant's 13 thermal-reactive
minerals absorb body heat and are able to convert it
to infrared energy. The energy is then recycled back
into skin at the point of contact, helping to improve
blood flow and circulation," he says, adding he
now owns several pairs of socks made with the
new technology. "Not only do they feel good on,
but they look as good as they perform." Health
also was top-of-mind when he researched the work
of design foundations (p. 22), particularly DIFFA:
Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS and the
resources and awareness it provides "in hopes
of realizing an AIDS-free generation in our lifetime."

Image 1: Renée M. Lani/Image 2: Kelly Montes de Oca/Image 3: Kirk Condyles/Image 4: Andrew French/Image 5: Christine Nobel/Image 6: Rashidah De Vore/Image 7: Robert Nieminen

Believe that interior design and science are mutually exclusive? Think again-based upon
the content in this issue of i+D, as well as from the authors whose articles and personal
insights reveal just how much these seemingly opposite disciplines have in common.

i+D - September/October 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of i+D - September/October 2018