Abstract

Interior Design should above all things make life more enjoyable, functional, and comforting through using the spaces we occupy every day. These spaces can have the power to brighten up our day or even make us feel sick. By investigating all aspects of the inhabitants and visitors along with their interactions with their environment we should address our designs as problem solvers.

In reviewing my past inquiries into the redevelopment of downtown Baton Rouge I find bringing people back into the area to be the biggest challenge. As of now, there has been a huge surge of people into the Baton Rouge area as a result of hurricane Katrina. One would think this might bring the mass of people downtown needs. I am hesitant to believe this is the type of inhabitants Baton Rouge needed to bring it back to life. However my reason does not hold the people at fault, but the situation. The displaced residents found in the city are merely here for a place to stay. Some have found jobs and have enrolled their children in schools, but these residents may only stay temporarily. I find most New Orleanians have the desire to return home as soon as possible. The economy they spur here should be assessed only as partially temporary. Who knows? In a year our market may be flooded with vacant real estate from Evacuees who have now moved on or back to New Orleans. We should enjoy our extra business while we can and not mind the traffic so much. If the influx of people were to retreat, then we may encounter layoffs. Also, depending on the changes New Orleans goes through we may once again be competing with our neighboring city for prosperity and tourism. My response to these observations is that Baton Rouge needs to work on its culture and soul. People like to think of their city as being different. Downtown specifically needs to define its target inhabitants and go after them 100%. If the downtown area would like to boost the number of residences then it needs to look into what people like to call home. In looking for a home, what do people look for most? If there is no demographic to spend a large amount of money on a certain type of space then the purpose financially and in the big picture of things is defeated. We must look at the situation from another angle. In a nutshell, the development of downtown Baton Rouge must address our basic needs and desires as humans in order to draw people in. The businesses entering the area may not aim to please the inhabitants primarily. Business usually tends to be number one.

In relation to my experience inventory, my senior project should be versatile so that I may mold it as far as presentation purposes for any future interviews I may have. Referencing the inventory I would like to have a project to display that has all of the elements of the design process incorporated. In my future I foresee versitility and change, so I would like my final project to flow the same way. The space I develop could be multiuse as not to limit my abilities. Most of all I would like to design a space that I believe in. I must be sold on the idea myself in order to convey it to others adequately.

In the end, a firm grasp of materials and specifications should be apparent as well as a process of schematics and design development. My presentation should highlight my skills in construction documentation while also displaying a talent in aesthetically pleasing boards. Above all else, my final product should be up to par as a set of construction documents ready to build and should be realistic in regards to budget and design.

As part of my focus the store should have a fully developed RCP with an efficient and aesthetically pleasing lighting design. I will have all of the specifications laid out in spec book format. Also, the RCP will be complete with a switching plan.

I will have a spec book, furniture plan, and budget sheet for my materials, specifications, and finishes focus. I would love to walk away from graduation knowing I have a grasp and template for specifying furniture.

I would like to keep my project as realistic as possible by having a spreadsheet with the costs and a budget at least for the furnishings.

“A reasonable man adapts himself to suit his environment. An unreasonable man persists in attempting to adapt his environment to suit himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

George Bernard Shaw