Spatial Graphic Design: Archetypical Design Practices And Theory Studies On Constructing A Narrative Of Place

This thesis focuses on identifying, classifying and naming of unnamed Spatial Graphic Design archetypes in contemporary interiors that are derived from reiterative historical designs. The study is a component of the Intypes (Interior Archetypes) Research and Teaching Project established in 1997 at Cornell University. An Intype is an ideal example of a historically determined design strategy from which similar models are derived, emulated or reiterated. This thesis outlines the study of five new Spatial Graphic Design Intypes, based on a comprehensive content survey of design trade journals, secondary sources, and scholarly articles, as well as site visits to relevant existing interiors. The newly identified Intypes are Repeat Repeat, Colorbrand, Understate, Activate and Saturate. This group of new Intypes is best understood in two distinct categories-brand strategies (Repeat Repeat, Colorbrand) and brand concepts (Understate, Activate, Saturate). These strategies represent specific design choices coupled with one another or various other design elements in an effort to achieve the larger umbrella concept for the space. The interiors analyzed in this study span a wide range of practice areas, including everything from workplace to nightclub, dating back upwards of five decades in addition to continued use in contemporary practice. In addition to this research thesis, the Spatial Graphic Design Intypes developed in this study will be disseminated through the free and open website - www.Intypes.Cornell.edu - a web-based research and teaching site that makes design history and contemporary practice accessible to academics, professionals, and students