Mini-thesis Research Paper: Outline

A. Introduction
i. Introduce topic:
Connection between human experience and design of environment or space
ii. State arguments
a. Design creates an atmosphere for space through the design of ambient elements including lighting, sound, and aesthetics
b. Design impacts the human experience of space and produces psychological, sociological, and physiological responses to and behaviors within environment
iii. State thesis:
Elements within environmental design have the power to transform and create a sense of atmosphere for space, as well as influence the overall human experience, behavior, and response to the space.
iiii. Summarize supporting points
The arguments will be supported through examining precedents in set design, interior design, and venue design, as well as the aesthetic significance and ambient elements of each. The arguments will be further supported through exploring the factors that influence human behavior and response to the design of different types of environments or spaces stated above.

B. Body
i. Define Environmental Design
a. Creating the everyday environment in which we live involves complex systems of cultural meaning, visual communication and the use of tools, technology and materials. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_design)
ii. Basic functions of Ambient design
a. Set Mood
b. Engage senses
c. Encourage social interaction
d. Communication
e. Branding



C. Introduce Precedents
i. Classical examples
a. theatre, set/scenic design for the stage
b. interior design and architecture
(http://www.bartkresa.com/)
c. new media examples
projected/interactive environments
(http://www.2minds.de/phyletic-museum.107.0.html)



D. Discuss links between human needs and environment (http://www.wbdg.org/resources/psychspace_value.php)
i. Social
a. comfortable meeting places
b. attributes that encourage social interaction and engagement
c. attributes that attract people to the space
ii. Cultural
a. celebratory spaces
b. cultural symbols
c. sense of uniqueness
iii. Psychological
a. control level of social interaction
b. privacy or distance
c. informal social spaces to encourage relationship development
iv. Aesthetic
a. interesting visual environment
b. design inspired by nature
c. organic patterns, layout, and form
v. Natural
a. light
b. sound
c. space
vi. Sensory
a. light
b. color
c. pattern
d. texture

E. Discuss human response to environment
(http://www.usace.army.mil/usace-docs/design-guides/dg1110-3-122/c-2.pdf)
i. Influential factors
a. sociological
b. psychological
c. physiological
ii. Psychological Reponses
d. perception
e. cognition
f. spatial behavior
F. Closing: Restate the thesis and summarize the entire analysis; share final thoughts

Sources
“Environmental Design”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_design

“Psychosocial Value of Space”, by Judith Heerwagen
http://www.wbdg.org/resources/psychspace_value.php

BARTKRESA Design
http://www.bartkresa.com/

“Creative Venues: Designing for the Experience”
http://www.iaam.org/Facility_manager/Pages/2004_Aug_Sep/Feature_3.htm

“Human Behavior and the Interior Environment”
http://www.usace.army.mil/usace-docs/design-guides/dg1110-3-122/c-2.pdf

Robert Seidel “Phyletic Museum”
http://www.2minds.de/phyletic-museum.107.0.html