Chapter 8 Elements and Principles of Interior Design 231 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. experience are essential characteristics in interior design, reflecting the variety inherent in the natural world. If you are like other interior designers, the most difficult sign you will encounter is one that reads “do not touch.” Designers appreciate the tactile feel of objects, materials, and fabrics, and so do their clients! Pattern Patterns are evident in nature, people’s lives, and in built environments. In nature, patterns can camouflage or communicate danger. For example, the cuttlefish is a sea creature that can change its patterns—depend- ing on its surroundings—to protect itself from preda- tors. People are all familiar with patterns in their daily lives. They perceive patterns in their class schedules, life decisions, and organizational tools. Within the built environment, patterns can decorate surfaces, express a style, and create visual interest. In interiors, pattern is the repetition of a specific motif (artis- tic design) in an orderly manner. Often used with texture, pattern relates to applied decoration and communicates culture and place. Patterns can be large or small scale. There are two different ways to utilize pattern. Surface or applied patterns include the conscious repetition of a shape or motif, such as on fabrics or wall panels. Struc- tural patterns involve the placement of a form in a repetitive design, such as with stone floor pavers. There are three different types of pattern motifs used in interior design: geometric, naturalistic, and abstract (see Figure 8-20). In interiors, you can see patterns in fabric and uphol- stery used for furnishings and wall panels. Patterns are also visible as recessed or relief designs—designs that are carved into or bump out—in architectural elements or furniture motifs. Additionally, patterns are evident in carpet and ceramic tile designs, and with the use of pleasing repetition with the geometric arrangement of doors and drawers. C A S E S T U D Y Textures in Zach and Bacon Elementary Schools, Fort Collins, Colorado When selecting interior materials for an elementary school fi lled with active, inquisitive children, an interior designer must think of durability, maintenance, and fl ammability. Textures impact maintenance. Rough textures are more diffi cult to clean however, smooth textures can become easily scratched. The interior designer at RB + B Architects came up with a great solution for school walls: brushed steel within children’s reach and paint above. The steel is easily cleaned, can be given an interesting texture, and is very durable. To create visual interest, the steel was corrugated and installed in Zach Elementary School. A designer, however, cannot always predict how human behavior will interact with texture choices. At Zach Elementary, children quickly discovered that it was noisy and fun to run their pencils down the half walls of corrugated steel as they went to class or the lunchroom. In the next school RB + B designed, Bacon Elementary, the same material was used but with a smooth texture. Investigate and Reflect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For one or two days, take a number of digital pictures of the textures you see in the various environments that surround you. What textures do you see and feel? How do these environmental textures appear to infl uence the behavior of yourself and others? Create an illustrated report of your fi ndings and refl ections. Bacon Elementary School Zach Elementary School Photos provided by Poudre School District/ Design by RB+B Architects RB+B Architects