Nussbaumer, Chapter 9

Nussbaumer's chapter 9 focuses on residential design. With Rengel, the floor plan specifics were listed and the goals that should be achieved with the floor plan were listed. A designer must still take all of those into account, however, Nussbaumer is much more concerned with the human connection to the environment.

Fig. 1- This bedroom has a personal
style that most likely reflects the client. 

A designer needs to think about the space they are creating. In a residence, these spaces would include: entrance spaces, kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. A residence demands for a much more personal touch to creating and being successful (Fig. 1). A designer must always have his or her client in mind as well as what the future could look like for that client. A residence must also still follow all of previously mentioned factors: circulation, furniture grouping, spacial adjacencies, etc.

A client may decide a residence that he or she wants to age in place. This means a professional would look into zero threshold shower doors, pocket doors (Fig. 2), and maybe a place for a future elevator (Fig. 3)!

Fig. 2- These pocket doors allow for
an easily accessible area for all. The doors take up no
extra space!

These solutions look ahead to where the client would not have to move just to be accommodated, because they where accounted for in the design process.

Fig. 3- An elevator found in a
residence, hidden by a closet door.

Sustainable features for a home is strongly stressed as well. A client could be very particular or not care at all when it comes to sustainability (Fig. 4). Furniture, flooring, finishes, and fabrics should be thought of as environmentally friendly when being selected. A designer must also look into the health and safety of his or her clients. Materials with low VOCs and no off-gassing should be considered. Thinking long term of what will happen to the materials of this home would be considered part of a sustainable solution too.

Fig. 4-The client of this home must have wanted to fairly
sustainable when it comes to living in a home. This home is
part greenhouse to grow food and utilizes materials of
thermal mass. 

Residences might be multiple levels. If this is the case, the interior designer must make all previously mentioned factors and qualities flow and continue throughout the home. If a client wants to age in place, a professional must apply solutions for possible accessibility to the first floor, as well as the second floor. Sustainable features must also be applied throughout the entire home. Aesthetically speaking, a designer needs to create a space that is complete overall.

Fig. 5- The bathroom pictured above could be
utilized for all ages. 

Another factor to notice when designing a residence would be to create bathrooms for all possible ages (Fig. 5). Multiple different people with varying ages spend most of their time living in a home. Creating a space that applies to all, looks ahead to the future and makes a much more cost effective home in the long run. Slip-resistant flooring adjustable shower heads, and possible areas for handles or rest, are solutions to have a bathroom more compliant with different ages.