Wearing Interior Space: Mending the Relationship between Body and Space

Abstract

The author challenges the relationship of bodies to interior space and the disconnect between the typical interior design process and the role of clothing in the creation of identity. Concepts related to dress, the control of movement, equity, and comfort are also examined. Fashion design process is unpacked, proposing that concepts of fit, tailoring, and mending be applied to interior design. Connections are drawn between the scale at which clothing is patterned and to that of which interior spaces are designed. These concepts are explored further through a creative study based on the pattern making of clothing. An expanded interior design process is proposed to acknowledge more outwardly that interior design understands differing bodies, potentially resulting in more equitable interiors that respond and fit to the evolving characteristics of individual bodies.

Law, compliance, and variation: Proximity and preferences regarding workplace lactation accommodations

“…A general understanding of legally compliant accommodations might fail to comprehend how the needs of employees might be diverse even within each group of employees covered by specific legal protection. Some within these fields note that architects and interior designers generally resist specific, fine adaptations, and can be reluctant to oblige in the same way that a fashion designer will happily “let out a seam or pinch the fabric for a better fit” (Fontaine, 2021, p. 49).…”

Manifesto for Democratic Education: Why And How?

“…Or, maybe some of us did not respond at all. It is time to slow down and take a moment to reflect on the world and the role that interior design has played in contributing to harm and perpetuating systemic exclusion and how our design process responds to body/time relationships (Sosa Fontaine, 2021). It is also time for us to advocate for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society and education (Matthews et al, 2021).…”