The purpose of this study was to determine the preferred learning style of undergraduate students majoring in interior design. The Gregorc Style Delineator, a self‐report instrument to determine learning style, was administered to 147 undergraduate interior design students enrolled in Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDER) accredited programs located within the Southwest Region of the United States. To determine the dominant learning style of undergraduate interior design students, frequency distributions were compiled. Overall, the most important finding in this study was the diversity of learning styles among interior design students. Not only were all learning styles represented in the sample, but 49% of students exhibited dominance in more than one style—unlike the results of previous studies with non interior design students. The most common learning styles found among interior design students are a logical and hands‐on learning style, known as Concrete Sequential, and a combination of experimental, imaginative, and people‐oriented learning styles, known as Concrete Random/Abstract Random. Diversity in student learning styles supports the argument for the need for instructors to have a repertoire of teaching methods. Instructors should be knowledgeable in learning style theory, should know their own learning style, and should be able to teach using a variety of styles.

Because of society's push to recycle plastics, to examine degradation properties of landfill items, and to use “green” materials in the interior design area, carpets must be investigated to these issues. This study examined the physical characteristics plus appearance retention factors associated with recycled nylon and polyester carpets as compared to newly manufactured carpets following testing using the Tetrapod Walker and soiling. Statistical design of project was completely randomized with a 2 × 2 × 3 (Carpet Type × Method × Test Group) factorial structure. ANOVA and MANOVA were followed by a protected LSD program at 5% for mean separation. The results of this study show that the recycled polyester carpet is a viable choice by interior designers and consumers because it, as compared to the other carpet types, exhibited less color change, maintained original tufts per inch2, and experienced a greater percent compression and recovery of yarn structures due to Tetrapod Walker use and soiling.

Interior design educators must stay informed about new developments in design practice. Although informal visits to design firms are important, the quality of information gained could be improved through more formal and structured visits. The goal of this project was to develop a method for interior design educators to systematically collect information about current design practice while observing activities, processes, and service outcomes in design firms to inform their knowledge of entry‐level practice. Based on observation and interviews with a representative group of Minnesota interior design firms, the Design Practice Update Manual was written to provide educators with a link to practice that uses their research skills and knowledge, updates their information about practice, and integrates practice information into their design curriculums. The Manual provides a systematic observation method and data collection instrument to enable interior design educators to observe practitioners in their daily activities, documenting the tasks and knowledge used in current entry‐level practice. Using the Manual can provide evidence for decisions concerning curriculum revisions so that educators can continue to address the profession's future needs by preparing today's interior design practitioners for current practice tasks.

The purpose of this study was to analyze how structures designed by Fay Jones become invested with sacredness. The spaces being reviewed include Thorncrown Chapel and the Mildred B. Cooper Chapel. The framework for this criticism was based upon the symbolic principles expressed through architecture. Other strategies performed in this investigation included interviews with Maurice Jennings, on‐site studies, and photographic examinations. Analysis of Thorncrown and the Mildred B. Cooper Chapels was based upon the relationship of architecture and the cosmos, number symbolism, natural rhythms, patterns, and materials. Jones's craftsmanlike structures examine humankind's relation to nature and its place in the larger cosmic order. The “principles” Fay Jones espouses evoke a universal harmony present in the physical universe. Harmony resonates through the work. Jones's work is inclusive, incorporating and repeating congruent themes at small and large scale into a total statement of universal order. Both chapels represent a quiet celebration of the American belief in the sacredness and ultimate worth of each individual.

Copyright, 1987, Interior Design Educators Council. Journd of Interior Design Eduwtion [~i d R~~. t r r~h IS( I): 29-34. Abstract This studv was designed to investigute color changes in upholsteryweight fabrics following the custom commercial application of flame retardant finishes. The specific finishes studied were a saline solution and metullic salt-base solution, Fabrics tested were upholstery-weight cottons, linens. wools, and silks. Colodastness was measured by the L*,a*,b* reflectunce value of each of the 216 color change specimens using a Hunterlab D25-M Color Difference Meter. The merage of the reflectance values was used us the base value from which delta Es were calculated. Analysis of variunce and t-tests were used to determine signijkant eflects. Results concerning L*,a*,b* and delta E values indicate that both the saline solution and metallic salt-base solution caused sign$cant color change among most of theflame returdant treated test fabrics.