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This study was designed to identify recurring themes in Civil War legends that are told in reference to antebellum homes in regions of Southwest Virginia. Existing literature indicates that collecting these legends is an important task because doing so helps others to better understand the community of legend-tellers. Previous research has also indicated that legends form a type of American mythology with reveals the way the legend-tellers perceive the specific subject they describe in the legends. Eight historic homes were visited in six southwestern counties of Virginia. Qualitative data were collected from a purposive sample of 12 participants who lived in these houses, previously lived in an historic house, or worked in an historic house museum. Each house was chosen as a site of inquiry because it has some significance for those interested in the Civil War or because it represents typical houses in similar southwestern Virginian communities during the Civil War era. In-depth interviews were the sole means of data collection and provided detailed and unlimited legends used to identify themes. The data were collected analyzed using a multiple case study approach. The findings from this study indicate that Civil War legends are being told in reference to antebellum homes in Southwest Virginia. Additionally, the tellers of the legends have common thoughts about the Civil War. The three major conclusions made in this study are (1) northern soldiers were aggressors during the Civil War; (2) southerners were strong during the Civil War; and (3) ghosts and ghostly activity serve as reminders of the Civil War. By continuing to share these legends, the tellers indicate their own perspectives of the Civil War as well as the perspectives of those who originate the legends. The legend-tellers also provide insight into the culture of today's southwestern Virginians as well as the Civil War era southwestern Virginians. Master of Science

Visualization is an important part of the design process. The sketches that are created during the design process are the visible evidence of the visualization that occurs in the brain. The process of designing involves a conversation that occurs between the student and the sketches created during problem finding and problem solving in the design process. This conversation allows the student to progress through the design process manipulating both the drawn image on paper and the visualization that occurs in their mind until a fitting solution to the problem is found. This study sought a better understanding of this communication style and it's effect on designed final products. Two methods of analysis were utilized in this research. Quantitative analysis was used to measure the correlation between quality of sketching process and the quality of the final designed product. Then multiple case studies were examined to describe in detail the design process styles of three students. First the sketches that were created during the designing of a student project were counted and then evaluated for sketch creativity and sketch efficacy. The final design products were evaluated for project creativeness and project function. Significant positive statistical correlations between the variables were observed. In summary, the quality of sketches and visual thinking during the design process had a measurable positive effect on the final designed solution. Master of Science

The transformation of the office from the standard bullpen configuration to today's dynamic, flexible and open floorplans has required new design methodologies that incorporate tools and technologies that are readily available to interior designers. Moreover, the increased use of teams in the workplace challenges interior designers to create environments that accommodate group and individual tasks. This two-phased research study explored the use of a web-based pattern language as a new tool for designing and evaluating teaming spaces. Pattern language is a design formulation methodology developed in 1977 by Christopher Alexander and his associates. It consists of a series of interrelated physical elements combined to create a framework for design solutions. A web-based pattern language for teaming environments was created by this researcher and evaluated by an e-mail questionnaire sent to a sample of expert design professionals. The feedback from the survey was used to revise the existing language and was the tool used for phase two. This phase tested the pattern language against an existing teaming environment by having the researcher evaluate the space determining the inclusion of each pattern. A focus group was also surveyed and the results of both evaluations were compared for similarities. The results of phase one showed that of those design professionals surveyed, the majority believe pattern language could be a valuable design as well as evaluation tool. Phase two results showed similarities between the responses by the researcher compared with those of the focus group. In summary, pattern language may be a useful tool for the design and evaluation of teaming environments. Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between spatial skills and creativity in interior design students. Participants were subjects who took a visualization assessment and created the 33 projects used in the study, and 11 judges, professional design experts who rated the projects. The sample of subjects was comprised of interior design students at a FIDER-accredited institution in southwest Virginia. The judges included interior design educators and interior design graduate students having previous practice experience. Subjects completed a pencil-and-paper Visualization Assessment consisting of 36 questions using two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings (Isham, 1997). A percentage score for spatial skills was calculated for each subject based on the number of correct answers. Design projects created by the students were assessed by subjective ratings on three Dimensions of Judgment taken from the Consensual Technique for Creativity Assessment (Barnard, 1992; Amabile, 1982). The three dimensions used in this study included Appropriateness, Creativity, and Novelty. Ratings were collected in two judging sessions at a local site. Interjudge reliabilities exceeded the established criterion level (.70 or greater) on all three dimensions, with coefficients ranging from .729 to .866. Interjudge reliability for the Creativity dimension was .866, indicating a high level of agreement among judges on creativity. Intercorrelations among the dimensions indicated a high degree of association between the variables with Appropriateness and Novelty both significantly correlated with the Creativity dimension. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to determine if there was a significant correlation between visualization and creativity in interior design students. No significant correlation was found. Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to discover the various meanings that the Pulaski Theatre held for the residents of Pulaski and the theatre's social importance to the town. The following research objectives directed this study: 1) to document the theatre's history from the time it was built in 1911 until the present day, 2) to uncover memories or feelings associated with the theatre, and 3) to determine if design features of the theatre building influenced those feelings/memories. In documenting the history of the theatre, design features of the original 1911 building were examined as well as changes over time. To determine if design features of the building influenced the feelings/memories that were associated with the structure it was important first to discover which architectural and design features people remembered, if any, and then to determine if these design features reflected a meaningful association, i.e. sense of place to participants. Also of interest was whether this association or sense of place would be similar or different for all. Participants were fifteen males and females aged 43 to 82 who had attended the theatre over time. All participants grew up in Pulaski and six had lived there their entire lives. Both African Americans and Caucasians participated. Subjects were asked to draw a picture of the theatre that expressed their experience of the space. After the drawing, they were asked to discuss the picture and its meaning to them. Clare Cooper Marcus and others used this environmental autobiography technique as a method to bring a person's experiences of a place to a conscious level. Tape-recorded interviews were conducted and transcribed by the researcher to discover memories of the theatre and the meaning of the theatre to the participants. Data were analyzed by coding to look for emerging themes or categories that relate to the research question. Of interest was whether or not the Pulaski Theatre represented a sense of place to residents and if that sense of place varied for different participants. Document research was conducted through old newspapers and artifacts in the Raymond Ratcliffe Museum (the historic museum in Pulaski), documents from scrapbooks, architectural plans, and the files of the Town of Pulaski. Themes that were identified from the research were (1) the structure was an integral part of the community, (2) the theatre was a reflection of the community's social norms and roles, such as segregation, and (3) the theatre interior contributed to the social atmosphere of the space. The theatre building, while transformed over time, retained a presence in the town and memories associated with it across time were significant in creating a sense of place in the community. The theatre was remembered as a setting that brought excitement and stimulation to children and adults for many years. Participants felt "at home" in the theatre, having favored sections of the theatre where they routinely sat. School children attending the weekly matinees in the summer and African Americans sitting in their special section of the balcony developed a special identity with that particular space within the theatre. Even after segregation, many African Americans continued to sit in the balcony where they had sat for many years and felt at home. The unique characteristics of these spaces were dependent on the people that frequented them rather than the architecture of the building. The sense of place was one of personal relationships and emotional attachments rather than of bricks and mortar. Memories of the theatre were stories of groups or individuals and their interactions in the space. The building represented these individuals and what they brought to this place and time. The Pulaski Theatre played a great role in interactions with friends and neighbors and was significant in reflecting a sense of place in this community. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to determine which archetypal settings independent living residents of facilities that provide assisted living need and expect in the private living spaces of assisted living residences. The researcher developed an Archetypal Place Concept for Assisted Living Private Dwellings, based on work by Spivak (1984), which included eight archetypal categories with four sub-categories each. This concept was then used as a tool to evaluate scale models of assisted living dwellings constructed by independent living residents of retirement communities that offer assisted living. Seventeen residents in four retirement communities in Southwest Virginia participated in the research. The findings revealed that sample members believed all eight archetypal categories should be included in assisted living private dwellings. However, the degree to which the archetypal categories should be developed in a dwelling varied depending on whether the sample members were familiar with large or small assisted living dwellings. The most popular combination of sub-categories for sample members familiar with large assisted living dwellings was: multiple rooms not shared by unrelated adults, with separate sleep and living areas; separate sleep areas out of the living room with a door; bathrooms with a toilet, sink, shower, vanity closet, and linen closet; food storage with cooking appliances; two built-in closets; windows facing one direction, some with an outdoor area; separate seating for living and dining out of the sleep area; and kitchenettes with a refrigerator, sink, and cooking appliances. The most popular combination of sub-categories for sample members familiar with large assisted living dwellings was: one room not shared; a sleep area not shared, with no separate living room; a bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower, tied with toile, sink, shower, vanity storage, and linen closet; food storage with no cooking appliances; two built-in closets; windows facing one direction; designated seating arrangement within sleep area; and no kitchen, possible food storage. It was concluded that assisted living facilities should include a variety of dwelling types to meet different people's needs. However, any assisted living dwelling should include all eight archetypal categories to allow residents to function more comfortably. Master of Science

Computer simulations have developed as communication tools in interior design. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two types of computer simulation: passive walk-through animation of an interior design on the PC monitor and immersive walk- through of the same interior design in the CAVETM. This effectiveness was decided in terms of communicating basic visual information, such as visual forms, spatial relationships, colors, and textures. Sixty voluntary subjects chosen from faculty, staff, and graduate students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were tested experimentally and interviewed. The interior design of the Visualization and Animation Laboratory in the Advanced Communications and Information Center, which is under construction on the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, was simulated by the two types of computer simulation and shown to the participants. This study found that the simulation in the CAVETM was more effective than that on the PC in terms of communicating information about visual forms and spatial relationships in interior design. However, the PC was more effective in communicating information about colors. In terms of textures, no difference was shown. The simulation in the CAVETM appears to have more of a three-dimensional perception and makes people feel as if they were actually present in the space. Both technologies can have a role for general introduction to interior spaces. However, people gain more information in the CAVETM simulation. Ph. D.

The purpose of this study was to explain the safety and usability problems in the residential interior environment of Thai older adults. A sample of 163 retired government employees who live in Bangkok, Thailand were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire which included questions about housing characteristics, interior environment features, personal information, health condition, and activity level. The mean age of the older adults was 68.1 and ranged from 60 to 93 years. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and means as descriptive statistics and one-way analyses of variance. The findings revealed that most of the Thai older adults had lived in their own two story detached houses more than ten years and with their family members. The majority of the respondents had vision problems, but almost all could easily perform activities of daily living by themselves and half of them could easily perform instrumental activities of daily living by themselves. Problematic interior environmental features in each area of the home were identified and prioritized. When respondents were divided by age group, significant differences appeared in the degree of difficulty with two safety and usability features in the home. Divided by daily activity levels, respondents revealed significant differences in the degree of difficulty associated with eight safety and usability features. When the homes were broken down to five categories: entrance and stairs, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and other interior features of the house, it was these other interior features that seemed to have the most problems in safety and usability. The kitchen had the most problems in safety and usability when compared to other rooms. Based on these findings, design recommendations for Thai housing were developed. Master of Science

Today, the workplace is undergoing dramatic changes, featuring increased team activities and informal interactions. The work place neighborhood is a design concept derived from a city planning theory that may solve the workplace design problems arising from these changes, and provided a focus for this project. The Educational Technology office area of the Advanced Communication and Information Technology Center (ACITC) possesses the features representing the general workplace tendency today. The purpose of this project was to develop a workplace neighborhood space prototype for this office area. This prototype will provide a work environment conducive to team efforts and informal interactions and a workplace neighborhood space model for future reference. The project had three design phases: design programming, design development, and design evaluation and revision. During the design programming, a survey questionnaire was distributed to all of the 12 Educational Technology employees and behavioral mapping observations were conducted. Then, a conceptual plan, a series of workplace space patterns and a floor plan were developed for the workplace neighborhood space prototype. Finally, computer models were prepared for three neighborhood units for design evaluation. The result of the design evaluation indicated that the concerns between individual and group work spaces were not solved. The space prototype was revised, and a computer model of the revised space prototype was prepared. The revised space prototype met the work patterns of the employees more closely and reflected the design concept of workplace neighborhood more clearly Master of Science

Virtual reality (VR) is the latest technique to be used in the ongoing search for experiential simulation methods for evaluation of environmental designs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential for using VR to evaluate interior environments. The objective was to investigate whether observation of a VR simulation provides the same information as observation of the existing environment. A sample of 24 NASA engineers and university faculty members observed the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Comparisons were made of observations of the actual POCC, a VR simulation, and a second VR simulation that was altered to test for ability to recognize changes. Participants evaluated the POCC for differences in general characteristics, object visibility, distance perception, ability to reach an object, and ability to share objects and conversation. Comparisons were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, and I tests. Findings revealed few differences among the real and the VR worlds. Changes to the virtual world were generally recognized. Ph. D.

An essential area within every store's environment is the cash wrap area. This study was conducted to identify user needs and expectations of the cash wrap area in retail stores and to develop design recommendations. Women's apparel specialty stores in vicinity of Virginia Tech, and two women's groups at Virginia Tech were selected for the study. The study consisted of (1) a survey to assess employee perceptions of the cash wrap area; (2) a survey to assess the customer perceptions of the cash wrap area; and (3) field measurements of cash wrap areas in participating stores. The surveys were divided into the following four sections: (1) environmental dimensions, (2) ideal conditions for the cash wrap area, (3) open ended questions on the cash wrap area design, and (4) demographic information. Respondents were asked to divide 100 points among the environmental dimensions (ambient conditions, space and function, and signs, symbols and artifacts) to indicate their relative importance; and to agree or disagree on a six - point Likert scale. Mean values for the variables were calculated separately for both employees and customers. Field measurements of the cash wrap areas were documented in seven of the participating women's apparel specialty stores. The data were analyzed descriptively and statistically. A significant finding was that customers regard the environmental dimension of space and function to be most important. Ideal conditions identified by customers and employees were itemized. The results indicated that employees have high expectations about their work environment and what they hope to accomplish within it. Responses to the open-ended questions were categorized and prioritized. Design recommendations were developed and categorized into: general recommendations, cash wrap area size recommendations, design feature recommendations, design recommendations specific to employee needs, and ADA design recommendations. Master of Science

The 1991 oil fires that were set by the Iraqis as they retreated from Kuwait during the Gulf War are still considered the worst and biggest oil fires in the history of the world. An initial study was conducted in 1992 to investigate the negative effects of the pollution caused by the oil fires on the socio-psychological values of housing and the cultural meanings of home and homeownership of Kuwaiti households. In 1994, a follow-up study was conducted to examine how time between the two studies and treatments of residential interiors and exteriors might have affected Kuwaiti households' perceptions regarding the negative effects of ORP on the socio-psychological values of housing, cultural meanings of home and homeownership, and housing satisfaction. Three-hundred and forty-seven non-smoking and non-institutionalized Kuwaiti household members participated in the follow-up study. Only eighty-nine of the participants in the follow-up study has also participated in the initial study. All the participants were 18 years or older, and were randomly selected from 60 different cities and suburbs in Kuwait. Six trained interviewers collected the data via telephone using survey questionnaires constructed specifically for that purpose. A comparison of frequencies and percentages from both the initial and the follow-up studies showed that more than two-thirds of the participants continued to be very concerned about the unclear hazardous effects of ORP on their health and safety and the health and safety of their family members. There was a decrease in the negative effects of ORP on most of the socio-psychological values of housing and cultural meanings of home and homeownership. The overall housing satisfaction of Kuwaiti households with their contaminated homes remained high. It was concluded from this study that only time and treatment of residential interiors had significant influence on Kuwaiti households’ perceptions about the negative effects of ORP on the housing values, cultural meanings of home and homeownership, and housing satisfaction. The implications of this study could be beneficial mainly to Kuwaiti households who wish to solve their housing problems caused by ORP; to the Kuwaiti government to seek, through the United Nations, financial compensations from Iraq; and to Kuwait University and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to expand their research base and investigate the best methods to remedy the problem of ORP in the Kuwaiti residential environment. Ph. D.

Restaurant attributes influence the perceptions and behaviors of restaurant customers. Among these attributes are music and its sound level. Sound level has been known to affect people's behaviors and judgments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of music sound level on customers in a restaurant, specifically, where they sit and how long they stay. The study took place in a restaurant where customers seat themselves and music sound levels vary across tables. A convenience sample of dinner customers were observed for three weeks. Each week, speakers were placed in different locations causing tables that were originally quiet to become loud. A total of 107 table selections were analyzed using Chi Square tests. The effects of sound levels on length of stay were analyzed using an ANOVA with 36 dining parties. The results showed no significant effect regarding table selection except when speakers were in their usual locations. An explanation of this significant effect may be that regular customers were familiar with the speaker locations and the sound levels of restaurant tables, and therefore, chose tables with lower sound levels over tables with high sound levels. Results from the ANOVA show that the length of stay of customers at high volume tables was significantly less than at other tables. Also, there was a negative correlation between length of stay and sound levels, indicating that the louder the music the earlier customers would leave. These findings may indicate that as customers become familiar with a restaurant's sound levels, tables with high sound levels may be avoided. Also, in high music levels customer leave sooner. The implications may be increasing or decreasing table turns or affecting the satisfaction of regular customers. Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to describe the behaviors of the children and the parents, as well as the perceptions of the parents in pediatric office waiting room environments. Master of Science

Computers are being used in interior design for space planning, drafting, and modeling. Advances in technology have made it possible to create graphic renderings and animations which enable designers and clients to “walk through” the designed space long before its construction. In kitchen showrooms this technology can be used as a marketing device to generate numerous three-dimensional computer models of complete kitchen setups, each capable of displaying all the possible combinations of styles and finishes available. The purpose of this study was to test the communication effectiveness of three-dimensional computer-generated models in presenting design ideas and alternatives to a client. Three forms of kitchen design presentations were compared: Line Drawings, an actual Showroom Display, and three-dimensional Computer Model. A sample of 32 residents from the town of Blacksburg, Virginia were shown the three presentations and scored each one for its efficiency of communication of specific design concepts. Their reactions to the use of computer models as presentation media were also obtained. ANOVAs and Chi Square tests were used to analyze the data. The Showroom Display was the best communicator of space and design ideas and the, Computer Model was most effective in presenting color and finish alternatives. In conclusion, the Computer Models were found to be an effective and acceptable means of kitchen design presentation. Although they cannot replace Showroom Displays, Computer Models can be used effectively and economically as an enhancement to showroom displays and can facilitate reduction of the number of displays required for effective marketing in a showroom. Master of Science

Computer-aided design has been integrated into the design process primarily in the latter stages as a drafting tool for detailing and accuracy rather than incorporated into the early stages as a design tool for enhancing ideational fluency. Pencil-based design (i.e., hand drawing and sketching) has traditionally been the graphic medium in the ideation process to aid in externalizing and manipulating designers' ideas. The early, creative design phases require the design medium that is used during schematic ideation yield to the deSigner's needs in generating, communicating, and evaluating ideas (Marshall, 1992). The integration of the computer-based method into schematic ideation may impact the design process by possibly affecting the designer's creative abilities and the resulting creative aspects of the design solution. This study examined the products of creativity to determine if differences exist in creativity ratings of design solutions generated using two design methods - pencil-based and computer-based - in the preliminary design phases. Interior design students (n=40) used the two design methods and generated design solutions for a small restaurant project. An established instrument was used by eight design educators to evaluate the design solutions on creathlity and six other design merit aspects. The process of creativity was also examined and the perceptions of the interior design students were assessed regarding the use of the deSign methods and the influences on creativity. Ph. D.

Unsafe exits from dementia care units present problems for residents and pose ethical dilemmas for caregivers. The purpose of this experimental research was to determine whether visual barriers reduced the exiting behavior of residents in a long-term care facility. A visual barrier was defined as one that appeared to be an obstruction, but that did not impede egress through the door. The study was conducted in a 30-bed dementia care unit and was limited to the emergency exit door where an alarm sounded each time the panic bar was touched. An “exit" was defined as a resident touching the panic bar and sounding the alarm. The sample consisted of 3 females and 6 males who attempted to exit the unit at least once during baseline condition. All residents were diagnosed with some form of dementia. The tests were conducted under three visual barriers and one baseline condition. Each condition was observed for seven days from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The schedule was as follows: Baseline Condition: No experimental manipulation was used. This observation provided a comparison for the three test conditions. Test Condition 1: Mini-blinds that covered the glazing of the door. Test Condition 2: Cloth panel that covered the panic bar of the door. Test Condition 3: Both the mini blind and the cloth panel. During baseline collection, 9 residents triggered the alarm for a total of 120 attempted exits. Test condition 1 decreased exiting to 73 attempts. During test condition 2, 5 attempted exits occurred, and 18 attempted exits occurred during test condition 3. Statistical analysis included Friedman’s Rank test for correlated samples and Wilcoxon Sign Rank tests for treatment versus control comparisons. Test conditions 2 and 3 significantly reduced attempted exits while test condition 1 was not statistically significant. In conclusion, visual barriers were a safe and effective method for deterring resident exiting for this particular nursing home. Master of Science

The purposes of this study were (a) to compare open plan housing to semi-open and closed-plan designs on perception of crowding and reactions to crowding and (b) formulate a theoretical basis for explaining housing and human behavior. The objectives were to determine (a) if the number of people who could occupy open-plan housing without feeling crowded would differ from the number who could occupy semi-open or closed plans and (b) if the crowding accommodation time and reactions to crowding would be influenced by floor plan design. Analysis of Variance statistical techniques were used. Forty-five women who worked outside the home and occupied households of four or more persons with at least two children under the age of 18 were were randomly assigned to one of the three floor plan groups. Three identical models constructed with varying degrees of openness to 1" = 1'-0" scale represented the public areas of a dwelling approximately 1,150 square feet in size. Figures and furniture were constructed to the same scale. Subjects independently placed figures in the models in four typical family activity scenarios until one more figure was perceived as one too many. The scenarios, which represented goal-directed and non-goal directed activities, varied in the level of social interaction that was anticipated. After figures were placed to simulate crowding, subjects were asked questions related to their attitudes and responses to crowding. At the .05 level of significance, subjects placed fewer figures in the open plan model than in the semi-open and closed plans when given a scenario in which low levels of social interaction (privacy) were desirable. Significant differences were also observed among the four different scenarios. When scenarios represented goal-directed behaviors, fewer figures were placed, accommodation time was less, and reaction to crowding was greater than when scenarios represented unstructured social activities. The results suggest that small dwellings constructed for families with children should have some division of space in the living, dining, and kitchen area to support low-social interaction and goal-directed behaviors. Further research is needed to determine if uncontrollable high social interaction within a dwelling reduces goal-directed behavior. Ph. D.

The number of elderly people moving into long-term care facilities is expected to increase as the population of people 65 and older continues to rise at a significantly high rate. Simultaneously, the number of people expected to be diagnosed with dementia will also increase unless a cure for this devastating disease is found. In the meantime, caregivers face many problems in providing healthy and humane treatments. One such problem that is a major concern for caregivers is controlling wandering behavior. This behavior often places patients in life threatening situations, and the current methods used by many facilities do not promote a high quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of various tape patterns on the wandering behaviors of residents living in a special dementia care unit in Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Blacksburg, Virginia. Similar studies revealed that alternative methods using tape patterns could reduce exiting attempts at a fire exit door or could possibly increase these attempts. In order to address these inconsistencies, exiting attempts at a fire exit door were recorded during one baseline and two similar test conditions. It was found that exiting attempts was a serious problem in this unit as 40% of the residents attempted to exit the faci I ity during the study. The use of tape patterns reduced exiting attempts by 19.05% and 11.12%; however, this reduction was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the use of these tape patterns affected wandering behavior differently for each of the residents, suggesting that a multi-method approach for controlling exiting behavior may prove to be more successful when dealing with a heterogeneous sample and their multi-needs. Master of Science

The purposes of this study were: (1) to adapt the Consensual Technique for Creativity Assessment (Amabile, 1982; 1983a) methodology for use in the domain of interior design; and (2) to provide evidence for reliability and construct validity of the methodology. Participants were subjects who created the 18 projects used in the study, and judges, the 44 professional interior design experts who rated the projects. The sample of subjects was comprised of interior design students at a FIDER-accredited institution in the Mid-Atlantic region. The judges sample included two sub-categories: Educators (13) who were Corporate members of IDEC; and Designers (31) who were Professional members of ASID. Projects were assessed by subjective ratings on the Dimensions of Judgment for Interior Design creativity, the list of 12 rating criteria adapted from Amabile. Ratings were collected in judging sessions at three regional sites. Ph. D.

One of the important forums for cultural exchange on the campuses of most large universities in the United States is the International Student Center (ISC). These centers pen doors to the world by promoting opportunities to reach beyond cultural and political barriers so as to foster better understanding of humans, and their cultural differences and similarities. Even though these centers serve an important function on campus, they often are housed in spaces which have been adapted for the purpose rather than being designed specifically to meet the needs of the various ISC programs. The ISC at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI & SU) is such an example. The purpose of this project thesis was to develop a design program and design proposal for an ISC at VPI & SU, based on user needs assessment. The plans and renderings are to be used to seek support for building a facility on campus which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the International Student Organization. Students, both graduate and undergraduate, and the staff of the ISC were surveyed to develop a design program. A site adjacent to the Hillcrest dormitory was selected and a new ISC was designed. The proposed ISC was designed according to the user needs assessment and design program. Drawings included conceptual sketches, adjacency diagrams, detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, and perspective views. Master of Science

The study examines architectural correlates of privacy in an aerospace industry. Conceptual/theoretical notions are tested, whose ultimate value is the further refinement of privacy regulation, conceptually and operationally. Complexities of privacy as a concept and its regulation are clarified through theory and systematic information generated through the Heuristic Elicitation Methodology(HEM). The study demonstrates the usefulness and adaptability of the HEM to environmental design research. The conceptual model of privacy regulation presented in the study guided the research and extends theoretical considerations regarding social, behavioral, and environmental mechanisms operating within the context of culture that are employed to regulate privacy in work environments. The model posits a comprehensive framework of privacy regulation and suggests a more detailed method for classifying regulatory characteristics. The HEM provides a fairly definitive interpretation (i.e., understanding) of physical elements devised or deployed by designers that users perceive as regulating privacy, and where privacy fits into the users' perception of what is important in their work environments. The information gathered is directly applicable to space planning standards and design practices at the aerospace industry, and pending further research, perhaps to a variety of other situations. The study also lays the foundation for future research on the cultural variability of privacy regulation. The knowledge gained could be used to increase an organization's effectiveness by providing a framework for developing and then communicating culturally-sensitive space planning standards and design practices. In a broader context, the study stresses the importance of encompassing human values and technology in environmental design research. Ph. D.

This research investigated Computer Aided Design (CAD) education in the interior design. program focusing on educators' opinions about creativity aspects including computer application, teaching materials and teaching methods as well as other trends in CAD education. A questionnaire was sent to one hundred eighty-two members of the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC). A frequency distribution was used on 69 usable returned surveys to describe the sample characteristics and to determine the teaching materials and support. Means and T-tests were employed to examine if a significant difference of opinions toward CAD integration existed between designers based on creativity, teaching materials, and teaching approaches. Findings indicate that educators are thinking positively regarding the creativity aspects of teaching CAD. There was no significant difference between IBM educators and Apple Macintosh educators in terms of opinions concerning creativity and teaching approaches and also no significant difference in the educators who are using more flexible teaching approaches and the educators who are using more rigid teaching approaches in terms of creativity. Educators thought CAD courses are most helpful for students' future careers. Educators remarked that their college, department, and other faculties are generally very supportive. Overall the educators had fewer than 4 years of experience in teaching CAD. One or two CAD educators were teaching in each interior design program. IBM personal computer, AutoCAD software, instructor prepared tutorials were the most used teaching materials. Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between windows and interior design preferences in enclosed office spaces. The research sample consisted of forty executives from NASA. Subjects were asked to plan the interior design of an executive office space (simulated with a scale model) in response to four different window types and then asked to choose one of the four window types for the space. Subjects' reactions were observed and questioned throughout the experiment, to study the relation between windows and interior design preferences. Window functions and configurations, subjects' age, sex, country of origin, activity, and interaction levels were investigated as independent variables influencing the dependent variable perception of the relation between windows and interior design preferences. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and in-depth theoretical analysis of individual responses. Subjects' consciousness of the relation between windows and interior design preferences increased as activity and interaction levels increased. Window configurations and functions influenced interior· design preferences, especially furniture arrangement and color selection preferences. Interior design preferences influenced the choice of a window type to a considerable extent, perhaps as much as view and daylight. An overview of the study indicates that windows and interior design preferences are parts of a cyclic inter-relationship where each factor influences the other and therefore should each be considered with equal importance by both architects and interior designers. Master of Science

This research investigated the extent of computer usage in interior design organizations in 1988. These findings were then compared to research completed in 1985. This research is intended as a continuing study to document the changing field of computer applications. Four areas of information were analyzed that included designers~ background information, prevailing attitudes about computers, and current computer hardware and software utilization within the interior design profession. Finally, the results also document any changes in percentages of computer equipment utilization between 1985 and 1988. A questionnaire was sent to five hundred professional members of ASID across the nation. A total of 171 responses was used to draw a comparative analysis. Frequency distributions were used to describe the sample background characteristics and to report computer equipment utilization. The students t test was used to test the differences in attitudinal means between 1985 and 1988. A populations proportions test was used to statistically report any changes in percentages of equipment utilization. The 1988 findings which were statistically significant indicate that CADD (Computer-Aided Design and Drafting) users reflect more positive opinions towards computers than non-CADD users. Overall, more computers are being utilized in 1988 than 1985. Both microcomputers and mini/mainframe computer usage has increased. CADD utilization has increased significantly. IBM and IBM-compatible computer equipment systems were found to be the most frequently utilized type of systems. The most popular applications were billing, accounting, business correspondence, and specification writing. Master of Science

This research investigated the extent of computer usage in the interior design profession including attitudes toward computers, computer applications, and computer equipment usage. A questionnaire was sent to five hundred professional members of the American Society of Interior Designers across the nation. The frequency distribution was used on 169 usable data to describe the sample background characteristics and to determine the computer equipment utilization. Means and TV test were employed to examine if a significant difference of opinion toward computers existed between designers based on experience on computers, size of organizations, and type of projects. Findings which were statistically significant indicated that computer-experienced and non-residential interior designers had more positive attitudes toward computers. More computers had been incorporated into non-residential interior designers' offices. Overall, interior designers from various backgrounds had the same opinion in believing that computers were not cost-effective for drafting application for most interior designers or for their own establishments at present. The most popular computer applications in this study were billing, accounting, financial management, specification, and business correspondence. Furthermore, the IBM personal computer was found to be the most used microcomputer in this study. Master of Science