Beginnings of Interior Environments (9th Edition) [Paperback]

Phyllis S. Allen (Author), Lynn M. Jones (Author), Miriam F. Stimpson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130457701 | ISBN-13: 978-0130457707 | Publication Date: August 21, 2003 | Edition: 9

With over 700 vivid images and illustrations along with the wisdom of numerous practicing designers, this book provides a practical approach to introductory interior design. Covering the profession for both commercial and residential environments, the Ninth Edition introduces readers to the history, design fundamentals, and building systems (construction, electrical, mechanical) of design. Exploring topics such as the space planning process, environmental sensitivity, and multicultural design, this book contains both the necessary information and applications readers need to be fully prepared for the field. For professionals with a career or interest in design, interior decorating, architecture, construction, carpentry, and environmental design.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The classic introductory text that explains the profession of interior design for bout commercial and residential environments.

THIS EDITION FEATURES THE FOLLOWING:

• Information about the professional organizations of ASID, IIDA, IDC, and IDEC
• Design concepts that follow EIDER and NCIDQ requirements
• A practical approach to introductory interior design education. Meets the needs for both information and application
• Professional Design Scenarios—actual case histories—tell the stories that apply the knowledge
• Special sections on Sustainable Design address environmental sensitivity and the LEED program
• Emphasis on multi-cultural design and universal design applications
• Over 700 images and illustrations

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

The field of interior design encompasses a unique blend of art and science. I have always told my students that successful designers construct a balance between their left and right brains. The designer's goal in any interior should be to analyze the needs and desires of the client, and then through the synthesis of this information to create a healthful and safe environment that enhances the client's quality of life. It is the mission of this text to assist beginning designers in achieving this goal.

Significant Changes in the Ninth Edition

The ninth edition of Beginnings of Interior Environments discusses foundation information that assists the reader in understanding the nature of interior design and the practice of the interior design profession. The text continues in the tradition of earlier editions as an introductory and practical approach to understanding interior design. Although early editions focused primarily on residential design, the more recent editions expand readers' awareness of commercial design as well. The ninth edition also includes new information on sustainable design, Internet resources, and on aspects of multicultural awareness.

The most significant change in the ninth edition is a discussion on visual literacy, including Gestalt psychology, patterning, and organization. This is followed by a discussion on concept and its application in the interior design process. Special features on sustainable design and actual design scenarios have been updated.

Much care has been taken to update images and ensure that illustrations and figures clearly enhance the text discussion. One of the greatest challenges of updating texts is as Don Schlizt once said is "knowing what to throwaway and knowing what to keep." With almost 100 new images and plans from practicing professionals and over 150 updated and new illustrations, the text continues to be stimulating, intriguing, and current.

Text Overview

The following synopsis of each part of the text is repeated in the Introduction to ensure that students understand the broad knowledge base required of interior designers.

Part I, "Introduction to Interior Environments," discusses the history of the design profession and reviews in detail the process by which interior designers complete an interior space. Drawings and drafted plans demonstrate the use of visual communications. A pictorial essay on the history of style will familiarize students with significant eras of design that influence today's interiors.

Part II, "Design Fundamentals," establishes the basics for the study of design in all creative fields. Part II emphasizes visual literacy and the principles and elements of design that guide designers in technical and decorative design decisions. Color is given special attention because of its complexity.

Part III, "Building Systems," emphasizes the architectural, electrical, and mechanical aspects of design. This section assists future designers in understanding the visual communications needed to collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and structural engineers, the client, and the rest of the design team.

Part IV, "Space," addresses both the technical requirements and the creative dimensions of planning the layout of furniture and rooms. Designers learn to read floor plans by thinking and visualizing in three dimensions (3-D). These chapters encourage designers to recognize space as volume and to design from the inside out.

Part V, "Furnishings, Fabrics, and Background Elements," provides a foundation for understanding the multitude of selections available to designers.

Finally, Part VI, "The Profession of Interior Design," discusses the steps required to become a professional member of the interior design industry. It reviews basic business practices and the ethics and outlook of the profession.

Ancillaries and Supplements

As an additional education tool, the Instructor's Manual accompanying the text develops standard test questions and practical studio design problems. Also available is a Student Packet, which contains assignments and plates for students to execute in color paints.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 9 edition (August 21, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130457701
• ISBN-13: 978-0130457707
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #315,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good book, February 18, 2011

By 

Metalikat "Kristen" (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beginnings of Interior Environments (10th Edition) (Paperback)

Book is required in class I am taking in Interior Design. I am glad I purchased it as it is a wealth of information about the Interior Design profession.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of good information!, February 15, 2009

By 

Mandy Coleman "Mandy Coleman Design" (Lakewood, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beginnings of Interior Environments (10th Edition) (Paperback)

Yes, there is probably a lot of information in books but this has information that is understandable and easy to follow. Very interesting GOOD information!

5.0 out of 5 stars The Book Overall, November 1, 2011

By 

Olivia Ryti - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Beginnings of Interior Environments (10th Edition) (Paperback)

The book gives great detail for someone who wishes to learn the art of Interior Design. Although there are one or two measurements in space planning that are a tad out of date it is a great start of book and I highly recommend that anyone interested in starting a career in this field buy this book. Great book for college students starting off in Interior Design 100 at Fullerton College! I give 5 stars.