Literature (or Lack Thereof) on ϕ in Interior Design
Interior design is a highly subjective subject. For some, this is an accepted fact of life, while others struggle to justify why one design is superior to another. This idea begs the question: how can we quantify interior design? One solution to this issue is to introduce the concept of ϕ (phi, ≈1.618), a highly visually appealing ratio, into interior design. By using ϕ, interior design is both improved and made more accessible.
One of the key principles to understanding how to apply ϕ to interior design is understanding ϕ itself. There are numerous books dedicated to ϕ, some giving multiple proofs for ϕ and examples of where to find it in both mathematics and the natural world (Posamentier and Lehmann), while others focus more on the number’s path through history (Livio). Each book has its own purpose: Posamentier and Lehmann’s book is helpful in grasping the concept of ϕ thoroughly, while Livio’s book is more useful for seeing how ϕ has been and can be applied to artwork. Although both books are helpful in understanding ϕ, they do not directly aid my thesis.
Other books focusing on the interior design aspect of my research likewise only mention one part of the thesis. While most interior design books suggest rules to follow, none of them mention including ϕ into your design. Many interior design books advocate for personality in your designs, although this is nearly as subjective as design gets (Coelho, Lemieux). While being a good start for thinking about which style of design will work best in your space, the most use in these interior design books is found in searching for ϕ in the images (Coelho, Conrad, Hansgen, Lemieux).
Both categories of books pertaining to ϕ in interior design focus strictly on one aspect. One main point illustrated through this divide is that there currently is no widely known guide to interior design that is not subjective, meaning that this line of research has the possibility to be invaluable. Because of the lack of literature spanning both topics, the most helpful use of literature for this subject is as inspiration for further hands-on research through surveys and hands-on design, which can then inspire literature standing in the middle ground between ϕ and interior design.
Works cited:
Coelho, Susie. Secrets of a Style Diva: a Get-Inspired Guide to Your Creative Side. Nashville, Tenn.: Cool Springs Press, 2006. Print.
Conran, Terence. Small spaces. London: Conran Octopus, 2001. Print.
Hansgen, Karen. The nook book: how to create and enjoy the coziest spot in the home. New York: Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2003. Print.
Lemieux, Christiane, and Rumaan Alam.Undecorate: the No-Rules Approach to Interior Decoration. New York: Clarkson Potter, 2011. Print.
Livio, Mario. The Golden Ratio: the Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number. New York: Broadway Books, 2002. Print.
Posamentier, Alfred S., and Ingmar Lehmann. The glorious golden ratio. Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2011. Print.
One of the key principles to understanding how to apply ϕ to interior design is understanding ϕ itself. There are numerous books dedicated to ϕ, some giving multiple proofs for ϕ and examples of where to find it in both mathematics and the natural world (Posamentier and Lehmann), while others focus more on the number’s path through history (Livio). Each book has its own purpose: Posamentier and Lehmann’s book is helpful in grasping the concept of ϕ thoroughly, while Livio’s book is more useful for seeing how ϕ has been and can be applied to artwork. Although both books are helpful in understanding ϕ, they do not directly aid my thesis.
Other books focusing on the interior design aspect of my research likewise only mention one part of the thesis. While most interior design books suggest rules to follow, none of them mention including ϕ into your design. Many interior design books advocate for personality in your designs, although this is nearly as subjective as design gets (Coelho, Lemieux). While being a good start for thinking about which style of design will work best in your space, the most use in these interior design books is found in searching for ϕ in the images (Coelho, Conrad, Hansgen, Lemieux).
Both categories of books pertaining to ϕ in interior design focus strictly on one aspect. One main point illustrated through this divide is that there currently is no widely known guide to interior design that is not subjective, meaning that this line of research has the possibility to be invaluable. Because of the lack of literature spanning both topics, the most helpful use of literature for this subject is as inspiration for further hands-on research through surveys and hands-on design, which can then inspire literature standing in the middle ground between ϕ and interior design.
Works cited:
Coelho, Susie. Secrets of a Style Diva: a Get-Inspired Guide to Your Creative Side. Nashville, Tenn.: Cool Springs Press, 2006. Print.
Conran, Terence. Small spaces. London: Conran Octopus, 2001. Print.
Hansgen, Karen. The nook book: how to create and enjoy the coziest spot in the home. New York: Clarkson Potter/Publishers, 2003. Print.
Lemieux, Christiane, and Rumaan Alam.Undecorate: the No-Rules Approach to Interior Decoration. New York: Clarkson Potter, 2011. Print.
Livio, Mario. The Golden Ratio: the Story of Phi, the World's Most Astonishing Number. New York: Broadway Books, 2002. Print.
Posamentier, Alfred S., and Ingmar Lehmann. The glorious golden ratio. Amherst, N.Y.: Prometheus Books, 2011. Print.