Material Match - Design Research Thesis 2019

THE CREATION OF A TOOL TO AID IN HEALTHY MATERIAL SELECTION FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019 ADVISED BY GENEVIEVE DION

TABLE OF CONTENTS --- RESEARCH

ABSTRACT

INITIAL RESEARCH

CASE STUDIES SKETCHES

HARMFUL MATERIALS REFLECTION

4 5 12 14 16 22

--- PROCESS

INVESTIGATIVE STUDY + MATRIX CASE STUDY INITIAL DELIVERABLE PROPOSAL

25 29 30

--- FINAL DELIVERABLE

PROBLEMS + CONSEQUENCES

GREEN BUILDING

HYPOTHESIS + PROPOSED SOLUTION WEBSITE

34 35 36 38

--- CONCLUSION

42

--- GLOSSARY

45

--- CITATIONS

47

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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RESEARCH ABSTRACT, INITIAL RESEARCH, CASE STUDIES, SKETCHES, HARMFUL MATERIALS, REFLECTION

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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RESEARCH

ABSTRACT There has been an increasing number of humans diagnosed with medical conditions such as asthma, obesity, depression, and attention disorders and many of these conditions can be attributed to exposure to materials installed in interior environments that contain ingredients harmful to humans. Despite designers having general knowledge about a products dangerous tendencies, these products are still being specified in projects such as hospitals, schools, and offices. These spaces are often intended to help humans heal, while the materials that surround them are making them sick.

After initially focusing my studies on biophilic design, I began to focus on the materials being used in interior spaces before continuing onto nature-based design. These spaces cannot be biophilic if they contain copious amounts of chemicals to achieve the biophilic “aesthetic�. I plan to investigate interior materials further to understand their core ingredients and what effects they have, as well as find suitable replacements for them.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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INITIAL RESEARCH From beginning to end, the process for my thesis has not been linear. I initially researched the basic health benefits and processes of biophilic design in the previous term before adjusting it to a specific population during this term. While working on an inclass assignment with a peer, he had pointed out on interesting sticky-note that was on my idea board. Many of the notes were single words or symptoms caused or alleviated by biophilia, but the note that caught my groupmates eye was Early Childhood Development. I then realized that most of the issues caused by lack of exposure to nature could be stopped if implemented during the beginning years of a child’s life. This started my interest in finding the recipe for biophilic design that can aid children.

I began researching the health issues that children have acquired in more recent years. The results were shocking: there has been an alarming increase in childhood obesity and mental and physical issues such as ADHD in children, and many experts believe that it is caused by lack of exposure to nature. With technology being as influential and inescapable as it is, children are indoors more than ever before. They are getting less exercise and breathing more contaminated air. Research also shows that visual stimulation involving images or textures that mimic nature can also produce positive effects in children. Even if a child can’t or won’t go outside, they can receive similar benefits indoors.

Thinking about spaces without windows or access to nature, I imagined that it may be possible to create a unit that could span across a wall, floor, or ceiling that appears to be influenced by nature without having the maintenance attached to it. This structure could manipulate the mind into thinking it’s seen something nature and help to soothe the student and increase productivity and mental health.

An activity that I created involved the use of multiple images of man-made textures and asking for reactions from individuals. The images ranged from lava-rock textures to carved wood. Two questions were asked to the participants: “what does it look like?” and “how does it make you feel?” I was shocked to find that some of the cards that I found pleasing seemed to disgust others and make them feel dirty. There were two specific cards that were a common favorite, and this may have to do with the elements that were apparent in it. There seems to be a positive combination of light and shadow, texture, and scale that these two cards achieved. I would like to continue and improve this activity in the future in order to record specific information on these cards. I would also like to use a younger group of participants since my long-term study will most likely involved children. The initial end goal of this project was to create a prototype with the plan of creating something that could be installed in schools.

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INITIAL RESEARCH INTITIAL THESIS ABSTRACT: Humans spend 93% of their day indoors and, concurrently, children are experiencing obesity, ADHD, and anxiety at extreme rates. Many of these conditions can be attributed to lack of exposure to nature. One solution to this deprivation of nature is biophilic design, which encompasses multiple definitions. There are two main ways to fulfill these needs: incorporating plantlife into the space, or more abstractly, mimicking nature to create a biophilic element. Examples that could become possible solutions are Biowalls, creating natural visuals, green spaces, and the creation of textures or patterns that have the essence of nature (McGee, 2015).

This design research thesis will explore what biophilic pathways are most beneficial and research ways in which these two types of biophilia can possibly intertwine. Future research will include studying the patternings and qualities of nature and how to mimic them in a way that helps the user while seamlessly being implemented into an interior environment. Overall, this research will help to discover how and why biophilic components affect children in order to combat the negative consequences that occur when children are deprived of natural elements.

INITIAL INTRODUCTION: With the constant increase of technology embedded in people’s lives, there is a decrease in their health and their children’s health. Children are now growing up with medical conditions such as asthma, obesity, depression, and attention disorders.

Many of these issues can be attributed to lack of exposure to nature, meanwhile the percentage of time spent indoors is at an all-time high of 93% (McGee, 2015). Indoor materials such as flooring, paint, and upholstery off-gas volatile organic compounds and these VOC’s can be hazardous to human health. If these chemicals accumulate, people can begin to experience the effects of Sick Building Syndrome which include symptoms such as headaches and respiratory problems. There is no specific cause of Sick Building Syndrome but it can be caused by poor ventilation, biological contaminants or chemical contaminants. If interior spaces are making users sick, the spaces need to change. Spaces should nourish humans rather than harm them. The use E.O. Wilson’s term of Biophilia and the contrasting notion of the Anthropocene Era may be a combined use of knowledge to help design and protect indoor and outdoor environments.

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INITIAL RESEARCH BIOPHILIA AND SUSTAINABILITY: Not only do humans need nature, they instinctively are guided to it. E.O. Wilson, an American biologist, researcher, theorist, naturalist and author, created the term biophilia to explain “the innate tendency [in human beings] to focus on life and lifelike process. To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hopes rise on its currents.” (Wilson, 2003) Humans want and need nature in their lives in order to maintain good health and mentality.

With humans actively seeking nature, they receive the benefits from exposure to biophilic elements. These benefits include increased memory and mood and decreased symptoms of ADD/ADHD. Researchers at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign showed that children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD concentrate better and have a general reduction of symptoms after spending time in nature (Berto). It is also said to lower levels of stress, as researchers concluded that “stressful states can be relieved by forest therapy” (Miyazaki, 2011).

BIOPHILIC INNOVATION: In order to break the standard biophilic design of inserting plantlife into an environment, the patternings of nature must be investigated. Understanding what makes an element biophilic will allow designers to create abstractions that benefit users.

Stephen Kellert created a feature list of 72 nature-based design attributes, which separate under 6 different elements. “The organic dimension includes shapes and forms in the built environment that directly, indirectly, or symbolically reflect the inherent human affinity for nature, (McGee, 2015).’’ Three types of natural interactions are direct, indirect, and symbolic experiences. Direct experiences are interactions with nature that do not require humans to survive, such as daylight and native plantlife. Indirect experiences, such as potted plants, are features that require human interaction to exist. Both of these experiences are proven to be beneficial to humans. The third type of experience is symbolic which involves no direct interaction with nature but is shown through visual representations, such as images (McGee, 2015). Out of the three types, symbolic is the least effective and direct is considered the most beneficial but all three improved human well-being to some degree.

Improvements to health included stress-reduction, increased energy, and higher states of consciousness.

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INITIAL RESEARCH The 14 Patterns of Biophilia, adapted from Terrapin Bright Green, are separated into three groupings: Nature in the Space, Natural Analogues, and Nature of the Space (Terrapin Bright Green, 2014).

Nature in the Space:

-Visual Connection with Nature: A view to elements of nature, living systems and

natural processes.

-Non-Visual Connection with Nature: Auditory, haptic, olfactory, or gustatory stimuli

that engender a deliberate and positive reference to nature, living systems or

natural processes.

-Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli: Stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature

that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.

-Thermal & Airflow Variability: Subtle changes in air temperature, relative humidity,

airflow across the skin, and surface temperatures that mimic natural

environments.

-Presence of Water: A condition that enhances the experience of a place through

seeing, hearing or touching water.

-Dynamic & Diffuse Light: Leverages varying intensities of light and shadow that

change over time to create conditions that occur in nature.

-Connection with Natural Systems: Awareness of natural processes, especially

seasonal and temporal changes characteristic of a healthy ecosystem.

Natural Analogues:

-Biomorphic Forms & Patterns: Symbolic references to contoured, patterned,

textured or numerical arrangements that persist in nature.

-Material Connection with Nature: Materials and elements from nature that,

through minimal processing, reflect the local ecology or geology and create a

distinct sense of place.

-Complexity & Order: Rich sensory information that adheres to a spatial hierarchy

similar to those encountered in nature.

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INITIAL RESEARCH Nature of the Space encompasses four biophilic design patterns: -Prospect: An unimpeded view over a distance, for surveillance and planning.

-Refuge: A place for withdrawal from environmental conditions or the

main flow of activity, in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.

-Mystery: The promise of more information, achieved through partially

obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel

deeper into the environment.

-Risk/Peril: An identifiable threat coupled with a reliable safeguard.

Terrapin Bright Green explains that “The Patterns lays out a series of tools for understanding design opportunities, including the roots of the science behind each pattern, then metrics, strategies and considerations for how to use each pattern, (Terrapin Bright Green, 2014).�

Eggarat Wongcharit

Leen Kessels

Warren Krupsaw SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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DSRE 620

CLASS FINAL PROJECT

INITIAL RESEARCH SARAH RABLE This project focuses on how biophilic design is becoming necessary and how it can benefit the public.

HOW DOES BIOPHILIC DESIGN AFFECT USERS?

DESCRIPTION OF FINDINGS: I have found that biophilic design encompasses a multitude of attitudes and actions involving design and can benefit the user mentally and physically.

1: RESEARCH

2: COURSEWORK

3: ROSE THORN BUD 4: VIDEO

READING ARCTICLES ONLINE AND STUDYING INFOGRAPHICS. THEY WERE THEN PRINTED AND ATTACHED TO A BOARD TO GATHER INFORMATION

COURSEWORK SUCH AS A DEEP DIVE POSTER, FOLLOWUP AND POWERPOINT PRESENTATION AIDED IN RESEARCHING AND DISCOVERING MORE ABOUT BIOPHILIC DESIGN

COMPLETED ACTIVITY OF ROSE THORN BUD ALONE AS WELL AS WITH BIOPHILIC ARCHITECT HELENA VAN VLIET TO SOLIDIFY KNOWLEDGE OR PROVE INCORRECT

FINDING 1

FINDINGS 2

CONCLUSION 1

CONCLUSION 2

NEXT STEPS

THE RTB EXERCISE WITH HELENA RESULTED IN ADDING LOWER ABSENTEEISM AND PRESENTEEISM AND CHANGING HIGHER COST TO HIGHER UP-FRONT COST

MOST USERS DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BIOWALL ITSELF BUT IT IS ASSUMED THAT THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIC STILL IMPACTED THEM

THE BENEFITS OF BIOPHILIC DESIGN SEVERELY OUTWEIGH THE NEGATIVES WITH A RATIO OF 4:1. THE NEGATIVES CAN POSSIBLY BE AVOIDED THROUGH GOOD DESIGN

THE MINI-PILOT AND INTERVIEW WITH HELENA HAS EXPANDED MY MINDSET OF BIOPHILIA AND IT’S MANY BENEFITS.

THE NEXT ITERATION CAN INCLUDE INVESTIGATING THE BIOPHILLY PROJECT AND RESEARCH INTO BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS THEMSELVES NOW AND IN THE PAST

TIMELAPSE VIDEO OF THE PAPADAKIS INTEGRATED SCIENCE BUILDING’S BIOWALL TO SEE IF PEOPLE RESPOND TO THE WALL

Above is the final assignment for DSRE 620, a summary of my coursework during the initial development of what became my thesis.

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INITIAL RESEARCH Below is a deep dive into biophilic design, with an interview with a biophilic architect.

Biophilic Design This project will break up the standard sterile interior space with biophilic elements to improve user health and productivity. There are many known benefits of the incorporation of nature into spaces and new and ever-improving technologies to implement. Current toxic spaces need to be improved for the health of the general public.

Health Benefits of Biophilic Design: Enhanced Healing, Cognitive Function, Hormonal Balance; Improved Immune Function, Stress Reduction, Reduced Cell Aging

Interview with a Biophilic Architect Circadian and Hormonal Balance

Improved Attention, Concentration

Increased Overall Health Improved Immune Function

Higher Cost Increase Indoor Health Awareness

Increased productivity

Lower absenteeism

Enhanced Healing and Recovery

Integrate Local Flora

Longer Project Time

Healthier Childhood Development

Rose Thorn Bud

Benefit Outdoor Environment

How did you first become interested in biophilic design?

I was interested before I knew the word, I started with an interest in architecture and figuring out the emotional and experiential components. How do users feel in the space?

How do they connect to nature? Buildings are my medium for this.

Where do you find inspiration?

In nature, it is infinitely beautiful and resourceful with no waste or mistakes. It’s always reformulating and what isn’t efficient doesn’t last. That’s the challenge of our time, evolution will do away with us if we don’t become sustainable.

What is your process like?

Getting involved with the place itself. Look at place as physician. Figure out what’s wrong with the existing place first.

What has been your favorite project?

All of my projects have been my favorite, every project and client is different and my job is to make them happy.

What does success look like for you?

Having a happy customer who loves the building and feels good being in it, is proud, relaxed, and joyful.

What projects are you currently working on?

Unorthodox projects. One has a nice property with a great view, and in the middle of view the client wants a six-car garage and a pool that they don't want to see. We will build it into a hill that will exist and it will flow into the landscape.

What is your mission?

Happy clients and to spread the word to next generation that it’s the way forward. To see ourselves as healthcare professionals that focus on emotion and health of people and to benefit them. We should be cognizant of biological order and connect people to nature. Fear and love affect people. Rekindling kinship with nature is a great way to establish an emotion with place- humans will care for places they care about. We need emotional connection to make things truly sustainable.

How do you continue your learning process?

A lot of research and cognitive science, as well as research into neurobiology. The greening of the designer is important, we can't just talk about it. We have to practice it, it's a mindfulness practice.

Deep Dive Sarah Rable DSRE 620

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INITIAL RESEARCH: CASE STUDIES Jeanne Gang is recognized as one of the most prominent architects of her generation.

She is known for a design process that foregrounds the relationships between individuals, communities, and environments. Raised in Belvidere, IL, Gang earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Illinois in 1986 and a Master of Architecture with Distinction from the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1993. In 1989, she was an International Rotary Fellow and studied at the ETH Swiss Federal University of Technical Studies in Zurich, Switzerland. Prior to establishing Studio Gang Architects in 1997, she worked with OMA/Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam.

A 2011 MacArthur Fellow, Gang and her Studio were awarded the 2013 National Design Award from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Gang was named the 2016 Woman Architect of the Year by the Architectural Review. In 2017, she was honored with the Louis I. Kahn Memorial Award (Philadelphia Center for Architecture) and Fellowship in the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and was also elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She was elected International Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for 2018, a lifetime honor.

Studio Gang

Gang has taught architecture as the John Portman Design Critic and a visiting critic at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (2017 and 2011), a visiting studio critic at the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (2015), the Cullinan Visiting Professor at Rice University School of Architecture (2014), a visiting lecturer at the Princeton University School of Architecture (2007), the Louis I. Kahn Junior Visiting Professor at Yale University School of Architecture (2005), and a studio critic at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her studios have explored how design can help create beneficial connections between people and their environments, with a focus on cities, ecologies materials and other technologies of the 21st century.

Gang is an inspiration because of her successes as a female architect, between owning her own successful firm and her many awards. Her work focuses on gathering community and bringing biophilic and nature-based appeal to her designs and also commits herself to doing research on sustainable replacements for common elements. She is a real version of what I aspire to be and I hope to learn from her work.

Studio Gang SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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INITIAL RESEARCH: CASE STUDIES Neri Oxman is labeled as an architect, designer and inventor. Her team conducts research at the intersection of computational design, digital fabrication, materials science and synthetic biology. Oxman’s goal is to augment the relationship between built, natural, and biological environments by employing design principles inspired and engineered by Nature.

Her work embodies environmental design and digital morphogenesis, with shapes and properties that are determined by their context. She coined the phrase “material ecology” to define her work, placing materials in context. Stylistic trademarks include brightly colored and textured surfaces with structure at many scales, and composite materials whose hardness, color, and shape vary over an object. The results are often designed to be worn or touched, and inspired by nature and biology.

Oxman writes about the world and environment as organisms, changing regularly and responding to use, full of gradients of color and physical properties rather than sharp boundaries. She proposed developing a material ecology with “holistic products, characterized by property gradients and multi-functionality” – in contrast to assembly lines and “a world made of parts”. On the interplay between design and fabrication methods, she said “the assumption that parts are made from single materials and fulfill predetermined functions is deeply rooted in design... [and] enforced by the way that industrial supply chains work,” (Oxman).

Neri Oxman

Neri Oxman has a unique approach to creating symbolic, biophilic elements that are implemented through fashion and design. Her work is inspiring for my topic because she creates these elements using different forms of technology while creating something that appears naturally formed. These patternings could be similar to the results of my work in the future- creating biophilic textures and patterns that mimic the essence of nature but that are man-made.

I am curious about the benefits of her work on the mentality of the individual. Do these patternings have similar effects on the mental and psychological health of humans who see them? Or do they just appear to mimic nature without the benefits?

Neri Oxman, MIT SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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INITIAL RESEARCH: SKETCHES The initial deliverable for my thesis was an element that could be easily implemented into an interior to increase the percentage of biophilia.

It would be a tool that used abstract biophilic patternings to create a maintenence-free biophilic element..

The sketches show initial concepts for what the final product could be in order to increase biophilia in interior environments with an easy-to-use element.

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INITIAL RESEARCH: SKETCHES

These sketches show the material and pattern exploration within biophilic elements, as well as current knowledge on biophilic design.

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HARMFUL MATERIALS WHY IS IT BAD?

Releases Dioxin-one of the most toxic chemicals in the world

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME:

10X

phenomenon affecting building occupants who claim to experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building

more polluted than outdoors

PVC

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

COUGHING

SNEEZING

POLYVINYL CHLORIDE Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is an odorless and solid plastic. PVC is made softer and more flexible by the addition of phthalates. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make PVC plastics. PVC contains high levels of chlorine which releases Dioxin during the plastics entire life.

Children in

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BURNING EYES

LONG TERM EFFECTS

1

IN

homes with

AS

E

AV

SH

KID

TH

MA

vinyl flooring are

BIRTH DEFECTS

Due to learning about how danger interior spaces can be, this lead me to biophilic design. I loved the concept of incorporating elements into a space in order to make the user healthier and more comfortable. I also wanted to break the stereotype of placing a green-wall into a space and labelling it as biophilic.

HORMONE DISRUPTION

Dioxin buildup can cause

2

x

CANCER

This poster created for a Data Visualization course changed how I saw myself as a designer and how I wanted to work. I could not believe the amount of harm caused by this very common material that designers specify every day. Before taking the class, I had no idea how dangerous PVC was. The furthest extent of my knowledge was that it was used for piping and flooring. I believe that that is what most people know about it as well. This struck me as an issue, as we surround ourselves by this product and its chemicals every single day, breathing in the toxins and absorbing them into our bodies.

as likely to have autism

and developmental damage

WHERE IS IT? SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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HARMFUL MATERIALS Name

Origin

Common Uses

Alkylphenols

Organic compounds

Cleaning products, beauty products, contraceptives, coatings, fragrances, Can bioaccumulate and have been shown to cause endocrine disruption in fish thermoplastics, carbonless copy paper, and agrochemicals

Mineral fiber

Used in a variety of construction materials for its strength and heat resisting capabilities. It is often found Is a known human carcinogen, increasing risks of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and in wall insulation, vinyl floor coverings, paint compounds, roofing, asbestosis. heat-resistant fabrics, and vehicle brakes.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Organic synthetic compound

Used to manufacture polycarbonate Potential impacts on the brains, behavior, (clear, hard) plastics and epoxy and prostate glands of fetuses, infants, and resins. Epoxy resins are used for lining food cans and water pipes, and small children for many sales receipts.

Cadmium

Naturally occurring toxic heavy metal

Asbestos

Negatives

What's being done APEs are in cleaning products that end up in waterways from wastewater treatment effluent. Some alkylphenols, especially nonylphenol, are being phased out in Europe, and more research into their impacts is needed.

Asbestos abatement has become a popular industry in the United States. Strict removal and disposal laws have been enacted to protect the public from airborne asbestos.

Most health organizations advise against the use of BPA for baby bottles and related products. BPA has also been found in breast milk. Many products are now listed as BPA free.

The US Department of Was used for a long time as a Health and Human Services Acute and long-term exposures can lead to corrosion-resistant plating on steel. and the International Agency lung and kidney damage, bone loss, and Also used in nickel-cadmium for Research on Cancer have rechargeable batteries and for metal hypertension. In sufficient quantities, determined that cadmium is plating. It also is used in some paints, cadmium is lethal. a known human carcinogen plastics, and metal solders. associated with lung cancer Long-term or high-level exposure through inhalation can cause nasal irritation and ulcers, breathing problems, and nasal and lung cancer in unprotected workers.

Ingestion can cause anemia and/or stomach tumors. Skin contact can cause skin ulcers and allergic reactions.

Naturally occurring element

Used primarily for chrome plating of metals for decorative or protective finishes, making stainless steel, leather tanning, anti-corrosive agents for paints, and in textile dyes and pigments.

Organic compound

The Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted a Short-term exposure of humans to high Code of Practice for Source levels of dioxins may result in skin lesions, Directed Measures to Used in swimsuits, laptop sleeves, such as chloracne and patchy darkening of Reduce Contamination of orthopedic braces, electrical the skin, and altered liver function. LongFoods with Chemicals insulation, liquid and sheet-applied term exposure is linked to impairment of (CAC/RCP 49-2001) in 2001. elastomeric membranes and the immune system, the developing In 2006 a Code of Practice flashings, car fan belts. Was originally nervous system, the endocrine system and for the Prevention and developed as an oil-resistant reproductive functions. More than 90% of Reduction of Dioxin and substitute for natural rubber. human exposure is through food, mainly Dioxin-like PCB meat and dairy products, fish and shellfish. Contamination in Food and Feeds (CAC/RCP 62-2006) was adopted.

Formaldehyde

Naturally occurring organic compound

Used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials.

Common health effects at low levels of exposure to this volatile organic compound include irritation and sensitization, and the compound also acts as an asthma trigger.

Long-term exposure is associated with nasal cancers and leukemia.

Halogenated Flame Retardants (HFRS)

Contains aromatic rings and different halogens, such as chlorine and bromine

Extensively applied in numerous commercial products such as plastics, textiles and consumer electronics in order to prevent and reduce the spread of fire. Many products, including virtually all foam insulations, contain HFRs.

They accumulate in organisms and the broader environment, often reaching alarmingly high concentrations as they travel up the food chain.

Chromium VI

Chloroprene (Neoprene)

After learning of the harmful effects of Polyvinyl Chloride, I began researching other harmful materials commonly used in interior environments. This led to the creation of a chart that contained information such as the name of the chemical, it’s origin, common uses, the negative health effects it can cause, and what is curently being done in terms of legislation.

Classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the State of California as a known human carcinogen.

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HARMFUL MATERIALS

Fertility problems, miscarriages, preterm births, early puberty, and birth defects are all up. Women under 25 and women between 25 and 34 have reported an increasing number of fertility problems over the last several decades. Toxic chemicals released by the PVC cycle associated with these disorders include the endocrine disrupting phthalateslv and Dioxins.

Exposure to dioxin can cause or has been associated with birth defects, decreased fertility, inability to carry pregnancies to term, endometriosis, lowered testosterone levels, decreased sperm counts, and decreased testis size. (Colon, 2000)

The number of children in special education programs classified with learning disabilities increased 191% from 1977 to 1994. Asthma is a leading reason for school absenteeism and the number one chronic childhood illness.

The incidence of cancer in children jumped 26% between 1975 and 1998.

Chemicals released by the polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) plastic lifecycle such as Dioxins and phthalates have been linked with many of these diseases.

Even worse, PVC building products, school and office supplies are common in schools. (Thorton, 2002)

In recent years, a number of studies have found a correlation between phthalates emitted from PVC building products and asthma.

A study of 10,851 children found the presence of floor moisture and PVC significantly increased the risk of asthma.

(Bornehag, 2002) A study of workers in an office building found they were diagnosed with adultonset asthma at a rate of about 9 times higher than expected. The researchers identified PVC flooring as the source of chemicals, such as 2-ethyl-l-hexanol, l-butanol, in the air. (Tuomainen, 2004)

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HARMFUL MATERIALS

ABOVE: An archive created in the Archives and Indexes of Knowledge course. It consists of two resin panels containing multiple common materials used in interior environments. The materials include multiple vinyl tile samples, carpet tile, ceiling tile, vinyl wall covering, wall protection, and wall base. The resin panels are meant to “lock� the materials in place and protect the viewer from coming in contact with them, all while being able to hold the sheets and view the material at all angles. The red seeping into the forms represents the danger held within each material, with more color being located near vinyl materials. The base was created from wood and painted yellow, as many hazardous material cabinets are bright yellow with red warnings. This was done to create a sense of danger through universal imagery. The materials were organized from left to right by floor, wall, and ceiling material. This repository of hazardous materials is meant to convey the overall danger created by common materials in interiors.

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HARMFUL MATERIALS - ARCHIVE An archival system was a starting-off point for curating a collection of spaces and using a program to convey new information to users. It would create a set typology within the description allows for consistency and helps the user gather and retain information.

These posts would have the ability to be shared, allowing for more awareness to brought to the dangers of interior materials used today.

Below: an initial sketch for the archival system. It shows the concept of breaking the standard Instagram grid to show a full image in multiple snips, and selecting each snip would show a breakdown of the materials shown.

The goal of this project was to create awareness among designers and users that spaces can be both beautiful and dangerous.

Aesthetically pleasing images intrigue the user, leading them to tap the image and discover information about harmful materials located in it.

The social media app Instagram serves as an archival system:

Each perspective is activated across six quadrants of the standard grid

Exploration of specific materials and health concerns can occur

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HARMFUL MATERIALS - ARCHIVE Utilizing the standard Instagram grid, images stretch across 6 quadrants to create the total image. By selecting one of the six quadrants, users can view what materials are showing within the image. The caption of the image contains the type of design the space occurs in, the materials present, the hazards associated, and definitions of the terms shown.

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH REFLECTION At the start of fall term term 2018, I had no idea where my thesis would lead me. At the time I was focusing on biophilic design and how to incorporate it into interiors specifically for children, but was experiencing difficulties with continuing my research. In a previous class, my final project was based around harmful materials in interior environments and I had the opportunity to dive deeper into the topic in order to create a poster about the harmful effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

This poster for my Data Visualization course changed how I saw myself as a designer and how I wanted to work. I could not believe the amount of harm caused by this very common material that designers specify every day. Before taking the class, I had no idea how dangerous PVC was. The furthest extent of my knowledge was that it was used for piping and flooring. I believe that that is what most people know about it as well. This struck me as an issue, as we surround ourselves by this product and its chemicals every single day, breathing in the toxins and absorbing them into our bodies. Due to learning about how danger interior spaces can be, this lead me to biophilic design. I loved the concept of incorporating elements into a space in order to make the user healthier and more comfortable. I also wanted to break the stereotype of placing a green-wall into a space and labelling it as biophilic.

My next round of studies focused on the 14 patterns of Biophilic Design by Terrapin Bright Green. These patterns broke past the initial idea of plants in a space to make it biophilic. There was information about shapes, sizes, light effects, and many other concepts that can create the essence of nature. With learning about these patterns, I created a spreadsheet of information based on what I took from the Terrapin Bright Green report. Despite concentrating mainly on biophilia, I still had a fascination with harmful materials. Due to this, I spent my practicum creating spreadsheets for both biophilic designs and patterns, as well as a document listing the dangerous materials commonly used in interiors, why they’re harmful, and what material they usually manifest in. These have been great references for me since I created them.

Coming into the first official term of thesis, my initial meeting with my advisor changed the way I would work. After briefing Genevieve about my past work and interests, she suggested attempting to combine both harmful materials and biophilia into one. I was excited because I loved both topics, but I was unsure as to how to go about bringing them together. One concept that I imagined and may try to go back to in the future was creating a source of information, most likely a database online that contains information about biophilic, safe materials. Information such as durability and testimonials from other designers about how the product performed could be included to allow designers to feel confident in their choices. Often, the issue with designers choosing harmful materials (whether they know it or not) is due to the materials durability, clean ability, and cost.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH REFLECTION After having a few discussions and trying to figure out what’s possible to achieve at the end of this term as well as for graduation, I decided (at least for the time being) to focus on harmful materials instead of biophilic design. My issue with biophilic design and how it’s currently used is that it has become a buzzword- people put plants in a space and think they can call it a biophilic design. I have seen many spaces that are labelled as biophilic that also contain vinyl materials. To me, if a space is truly biophilic, it not only has the essence of nature but also contains no harmful materials. Biophilic spaces can have both a physical and psychological effect on users, so the materials used are just as important as the aesthetic, if not more. I want to create the basis of biophilic design by making others aware of the dangers of materials we use in interior spaces.

We discussed in one of our meeting the idea that this degree should flex past the idea of having a masters. Though I do have aspirations to teach one day, and a masters would allow for this, I wanted to better myself as a designer and researcher. Since I work full-time at a design firm, I want my work to influence my designs and how I make people feel. I currently work on projects that use vinyl products throughout, and I know how wrong it is. But I, like other designers, succumb to the idea that it’s cheaper and easier to use. I absolutely hate using it though, and always try to get the lead designer to consider a different type of material. I want to make others more aware of the dangers so that designers will stop specifying PVC products, which also may result in the changing of chemicals within materials. If companies notice designers are not using LVT or VCT as much, and they hear why, they would be more inclined to create a better alternative.

One great concept that came out of my thesis meetings was “how to make PVC the new asbestos?” There was once a time where asbestos was commonly used in building materials and people loved the products it produced, but once news spread about its effects, people avoided it like the plague. PVC has very similar qualities and dangers to asbestos and it is still commonly used today. I researched the timeline of asbestos, and unfortunately, it appears that it became known as dangerous due to multiple lawsuits filed against certain companies and businesses where workers interacted with asbestos. These workers eventually developed certain diseases and cancers. Research was done that linked asbestos to multiple illnesses, specifically lung cancer, and eventually asbestos was banned across the United States among other countries. I hope to make designers aware of the dangers so that it no longer is specified and users and construction workers do not have to interact with it in the future.

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PROCESS INVESTIGATIVE STUDY + MATRIX, CASE STUDY, INITIAL DELIVERABLE PROPOSAL

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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PROCESS

INVESTIGATIVE STUDY Once it was decided that I would focus solely on harmful materials, I began creating a set of questions to be sent out in a survey format. I was hoping to gather a small set of information about what designers think of PVC. My initial research centered around gathering information from designers. This was to gauge what knowledge and ideas currently exist about PVC products. I created a survey of multiple choice and openended questions surrounding this type of product to designers that I work with, as well as other branches of the firm in both New York City and Irvine, California. With 13 participants from 3 branches of the firm, the survey received some interesting responses. The majority of the designers worked in healthcare, but were also more inclined to use PVC products. This result was somewhat expected due to the durability of the material. The result that was more worrisome was where designers were to rate their knowledge of the dangers associated with PVC. Most of the healthcare designers who also specified PVC also claimed to know the dangers of it. This shows that cost and durability may be enough to persuade designers to still use a dangerous product. It may be possible that legislation should be created against the material. A positive result was that, given the option of yes, no or maybe, all participants answered that they would like to learn more about the dangers associated with vinyl products.

The investigative study was useful for quickly and efficiently gathering information about a small group of designers through Google Forms, but it will need to be activated on a much larger scale in order to be beneficial. The results did confirm certain suspicions about the truth surrounding PVC products, and the types of designers that use them. Overall, the survey was extremely helpful to create a baseline of knowledge on what designers believe about PVC products.

With the results of the survey, I had created graphs to represent each of the answers. This matrix can show the disconnect between designer’s beliefs about PVC and how they would still specify it. One axis of the layout dictates whether or not the designer thinks the product is dangerous, and the other axis shows the amount of times they specify it. The ideal “zone” of results is defined by the green dashed line at the top-left quadrant. This shows that designers are aware of the dangers and rarely specify it.

Though I didn’t initially think the matrix would be beneficial after creating the individual graphs based on my survey results, it helped me see more trends among the responses. It made it clear to me that no one in the survey group believes that PVC is a safe product, with everyone answering either “maybe” or “yes” to if they think that it’s dangerous. No one wanted to risk saying it wasn’t dangerous. Another trend I noticed was that healthcare designers specifically all noted that it was dangerous, but also answered that they were more likely to specify it than not.

Higher Education designers had what I saw to be the best responses: they knew that PVC is dangerous and also were unlikely to specify it.

Science and Technology designers were on the opposite spectrum, where they knew or thought it could be dangerous, but were highly likely to choose it for a project. These results could possibly be in existence due to the low amount of people in my survey responses, but these results proved to me that this survey, after revision and with a larger pool of participants, could be extremely helpful to my research and could be a pivotal moment. The best part of the survey was that everyone responded “yes” to if they wanted to learn more about the dangers of PVC. This shows that there’s hope for changing how popular a dangerous product is.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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PROCESS

INVESTIGATIVE STUDY My initial research centered around gathering information from designers. This was to gauge what knowledge and ideas currently exist about PVC (vinyl) products, as it is one of the most commonly used and understood harmful materials used by designers. I created a survey of multiple choice and open-ended questions surrounding this type of product to designers in Philadelphia, New York City and Irvine, California.

With 13 participants from 3 different cities, the survey received some interesting responses. The majority of designers worked in healthcare, but were also more inclined to use PVC products, mainly due to durability. The result that was more worrisome was where designers were to rate their knowledge of the dangers associated with PVC. Most of the healthcare designers who also specified PVC also claimed to know the dangers of it. This shows that cost and durability may be enough to persuade designers to still use a dangerous product.

QUESTIONS FROM SU RVEY: HAVE THEY TRIED VINYL ALTERNATIVES

DO THEY THINK VINYL HARMS HUMANS

PARTICIPANT’S SECTOR

FROM 1-5, LEAST TO MOST LIKELY, ARE THEY TO SPECIFY VINYL

3 2.25

1 18%

5 36%

1.5

MAYBE 27%

.75

YES 73%

NO 45%

YES 55%

2 18%

T EN &

CH

OR TS

TE SP

E

&

ITA LIT Y SC

IE NC

ED

SP

HO

GH ER

HI

HE

AL TH

CA

RE

0 NO 0%

4 9%

3 18%

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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PROCESS

INVESTIGATIVE STUDY & MATRIX After completing the exploratory study, a matrix was created to show the correlation between the use of PVC by designers, how dangerous it is, and what sectors the designers work in.

CONCLUSIONS BASED ON SUR VEY:

This page contains initial sketches for what would become the final matrix.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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PROCESS

MATRIX Right: The final matrix based on the investigative study of PVC use and interior designers.

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PROCESS

CASE STUDY BELOW: A case study I created to investigate the pros and cons of the Declare label system in terms of efficiency and education.

A DECLARE LABEL ANSWERS THREE QUESTIONS: Where does a product come from?

What is it made of?

Where does it go at the end of its life?

IN REGARDS TO LEED: Declare has been approved as a compliance pathway for the LEED v4 Building Product Disclosure and Optimization Credit, Option 1. The LEED v4 credit calls for the chemical inventory of a product to at least 1000ppm; Declare labels that achieve a declaration status of “Red List Free” or “Declared” fulfill the credit disclosure requirements.

Additionally, any fully disclosed “LBC Compliant” label and any “LBC Compliant” label using the I10-E4 Proprietary Ingredients Exception, with a minimum disclosure threshold of 99.9%, meets the LEED v4 Building Product Disclosure and Optimization Credit, Option 1 reporting requirements.

POSITIVES & NEGATIVES: P: Provides a free database to designers to simplify the material selection process P: Labels cannot be placed on materials that contain redlist ingredients N: Companies must pay to label their product, may be discouraging N: Does not identify health hazards

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PROCESS

INITIAL DELIVERABLE PROPOSAL For my final deliverable, I initially intended to design and implement a sustainability and health focused package into architectural firms through a non-profit organization. This package would contain statistics and important information about materials and the chemicals they contain, as well as health hazards they are known to cause.

The deliverable would come in 3 parts: a CEU presentation, pamphlet of easy-to-access information for designers, and a labeling system that can be implemented into interior material libraries.

The end result remains the same with both my past and present proposal. With this project, I hope to educate designers and clients on the materials they surround themselves with every day.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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PROCESS

INITIAL DELIVERABLE PROPOSAL Below is the broken down sequence carried out by interior designers, and the key moments of opportunity for education that arise.

The graph points out the key area where a CEU presentation would be most beneficial.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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PROCESS

INITIAL DELIVERABLE PROPOSAL For my final deliverable, I initially intended to design and implement a sustainability and health focused package into architectural firms through a non-profit organization. This package would contain statistics and important information about materials and the chemicals they contain, as well as health hazards they are known to cause.

The deliverable would come in 3 parts: a CEU presentation, pamphlet of easy-to-access information for designers, and a labeling system that can be implemented into interior material libraries. The end result remains the same with both my past and present proposal. With this project, I hope to educate designers and clients on the materials they surround themselves with every day.

The initial design proposal was the last stepping stone for my project before creating Material Match. The concept of a package to send to design firms transformed into a website that would truly streamline the healthy material selection process. It was brought up during a critique that designers would most likely benefit from an online tool rather than text, due to the fact that they spend the majority of their day on the computer. The tool would give them access to information they normally couldn’t acquire while also offering alternative products. Other suggestions for components of the site included the ability to search for local material or manufacturing experts and the possibility to order samples from the site.

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FINAL DELIVERABLE HYPOTHESIS, PROBLEMS AND CONSEQUENCES, TARGET AUDIENCE, PROPOSED SOLUTION AND CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

PROBLEMS AND CONSEQUENCES From past research, I’ve found that designers struggle to find healthy materials in a timely fashion, and that finding safety information can be difficult. These issues all have consequences in terms of the environment and human health.

Designers often reuse materials that they know are durable and have a low cost. It’s faster to document and they can be confident that the client will be satisfied with the look of the product. Designers should also take into consideration the health implications that come with these products, but with lack of time and resources, they can’t be truly at fault. It is the designers responsibility to help, not hurt, the client.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

GREEN BUILDING RIGHT: The graph illustrates the rising social reasons as to why designers are motivated to use green building methods in their designs. There has been an increase in focus on occupant health as well as encouraging sustainable business practices.

RIGHT: The graph shows that the most relied on source for Green Building projects is the internet.

This reinforces the idea of creating an online tool for designers.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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HEALTHY MATERIALS IN INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS SARAH RABLE

FINAL DELIVERABLE

M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH

HYPOTHESIS & PROPOSED SOLUTION

ADVISOR: GENEVIEVE DION

PROPOSED SOLUTION A DIGITAL TOOL FOR DESIGNERS TO:

€ ‚ … �

†

CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS: 1.

€ ƒ

2.

Â?

3.

„

OVERALL GOAL: Provide healthy, non-toxic environments for end-users

FOCUS ELEMENTS OF SOLUTION A DIGITAL

TOOL FOR DESIGNERS TO:

Create healthy environments for clients Enable quick and confident selection of non-toxic materials Facilitate material education SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

TARGETED AUDIENCE The targeted audience for this design proposal are interior designers that work at work at design firms, who have an interest in client health but may lack resources and time to fully research products.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

INITIAL SITE FRAMEWORK

Completing this activity allowed me to create my initial website framework and help me see the connections between different elements. Seeing each aspect and being able to physically move the section gave me flexibility and freedom to reorganize the site without restriction.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

INTRODUCING MATERIAL MATCH

Material Match is a designers tool that aids in healthy material selection. My research has shown that designers struggle to find sustainable, healthy products due to lack of time, resources, and knowledge. Material Match allows the designer to search for materials by scratch or by alternative, if they already have a product in mind that contains harmful ingredients. There is also a review option that can reinforce the designers choice, as many designers fear using a new, healthy material because they’re unsure as to how it will perform. Lastly, there is an education component where designers can view a glossary of useful terms, or read through the Living Futures Redlist to make themselves aware of what harmful materials are commonly used in interiors.

The entire site is an educational tool that streamlines the material selection process and has the ability to increase the use of healthy materials in interior environments.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

KEY ELEMENTS

2.

Â?

3.

„

OVERALL GOAL: Provide healthy, non-toxic environments for end-users

FOCUS ELEMENTS OF SOLUTION

FIND

CONTRIBUTE

„

‚

‡ ‡

UNDERSTAND ˆ

Â?

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

FINAL MATCH SITEAND FRAMEWORK MATERIAL SITE FRAMEWORK

HEALTHY MATERIALS IN INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTS SARAH RABLE M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH ADVISOR: GENEVIEVE DION

INTRODUCING

­ ­

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

CONCLUSION This program has been one of exploration and acceptance of change. Throughout my time as a Design Research student, my goals have shifted and I’ve discovered information that changed my path of research. I believe that these changes first appeared as setbacks but eventually revealed themselves as opportunities.

Though I had an initial goal I wanted to achieve with my thesis, I had no idea where my thesis would lead me. I was focusing on biophilic design and how to incorporate it into interiors specifically for children, but was experiencing difficulties with continuing my research. In a previous class, my final project was based around harmful materials in interior environments and I had the opportunity to dive deeper into the topic in order to create a poster about the harmful effects of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

The PVC poster for my Data Visualization course changed how I saw myself as a designer and how I wanted to work. I could not believe the amount of harm caused by this very common material that designers specify every day. Before taking the class, I had no idea how dangerous PVC was. The furthest extent of my knowledge was that it was used for piping and flooring. I believe that that is what most people know about it as well. This struck me as an issue, as we surround ourselves by this product and its chemicals every single day, breathing in the toxins and absorbing them into our bodies.

Due to learning about how dangerous interior spaces can be, I became interested in biophilic design. I loved the concept of incorporating elements into a space in order to make the user healthier and more comfortable. I also wanted to break the stereotype of placing a green-wall into a space and labelling it as biophilic.

My next round of studies focused on the 14 patterns of Biophilic Design by Terrapin Bright Green. These patterns broke past the initial idea of plants in a space to make it biophilic. There was information about shapes, sizes, light effects, and many other concepts that can create the essence of nature. With learning about these patterns, I created a spreadsheet of information based on what I took from the Terrapin Bright Green report. Despite concentrating mainly on biophilia, I still had a fascination with harmful materials. Due to this, I spent my practicum creating spreadsheets for both biophilic designs and patterns, as well as a document listing the dangerous materials commonly used in interiors, why they’re harmful, and what material they usually manifest in. These have been great references for me since I created them.

Coming into the first official term of thesis, my initial meeting with my advisor changed the way I would work. After briefing Genevieve about my past work and interests, she suggested attempting to combine both harmful materials and biophilia into one. I was excited because I loved both topics, but I was unsure as to how to go about bringing them together. One concept that I imagined was creating a source of information, most likely a database online that contains information about biophilic, safe materials. Information such as durability and testimonials from other designers about how the product performed could be included to allow designers to feel confident in their choices. Often, the issue with designers choosing harmful materials (whether they know it or not) is due to the materials durability, clean ability, and cost.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

CONCLUSION After having a few discussions and trying to figure out what’s possible to achieve at the end of this term as well as for graduation, I decided to focus on harmful materials instead of biophilic design. My issue with biophilic design and how it’s currently used is that it has become a buzzword- people put plants in a space and think they can call it a biophilic design. I have seen many spaces that are labelled as biophilic that also contain vinyl materials. To me, if a space is truly biophilic, it not only has the essence of nature but also contains no harmful materials.

Biophilic spaces can have both a physical and psychological effect on users, so the materials used are just as important as the aesthetic, if not more. I want to create the basis of biophilic design by making others aware of the dangers of materials we use in interior spaces.

Since I work full-time at a design firm, I want my work to influence my designs and how I make people feel. I currently work on projects that use vinyl products throughout, and I know how wrong it is. But I, like other designers, succumb to the idea that it’s cheaper and easier to use. I want to make others more aware of the dangers so that designers will stop specifying vinyl/PVC products, which also may result in the changing of chemicals within materials. If companies notice designers are not using LVT or VCT as much, and they hear why, they would be more inclined to create a better alternative.

Once it was decided that I would focus solely on harmful materials, I began creating a set of questions to be sent out in a survey format. I was hoping to gather a small set of information about what designers think of PVC. My initial research centered around gathering information from designers. This was to gauge what knowledge and ideas currently exist about PVC products. I created a survey of multiple choice and openended questions surrounding this type of product to designers that I work with, as well as other branches of the firm in both New York City and Irvine, California. With 13 participants from 3 branches of the firm, the survey received some interesting responses. The majority of the designers worked in healthcare, but were also more inclined to use PVC products. This result was somewhat expected due to the durability of the material. The result that was more worrisome was where designers were to rate their knowledge of the dangers associated with PVC. Most of the healthcare designers who also specified PVC also claimed to know the dangers of it. This shows that cost and durability may be enough to persuade designers to still use a dangerous product.

The exploratory study was useful for quickly and efficiently gathering information about a small group of designers. The results did confirm certain suspicions about the truth surrounding PVC products, and the types of designers that use them. Overall, the survey was extremely helpful to create a baseline of knowledge on what designers believe about PVC products.

With the results of the survey, I had created graphs to represent each of the answers. But in bringing back a graph from the previous term, I was able to apply multiple sets of information into one visual. The matrix shows the disconnect between designer’s beliefs about PVC and how they would still specify it. One axis of the layout dictates whether or not the designer thinks the product is dangerous, and the other axis shows the amount of times they specify it. The ideal “zone” of results is defined by the green dashed line at the top-left quadrant. This shows that designers are aware of the dangers and rarely specify it.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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FINAL DELIVERABLE

CONCLUSION Though I didn’t initially think the matrix would be beneficial after creating the individual graphs based on my survey results, it helped me see more trends among the responses. It made it clear to me that no one in the survey group believes that PVC is a safe product, with everyone answering either “maybe” or “yes” to if they think that it’s dangerous. No one wanted to risk saying it wasn’t dangerous. Another trend I noticed was that healthcare designers specifically all noted that it was dangerous, but also answered that they were more likely to specify it than not.

Higher Education designers had what I saw to be the best responses: they knew that PVC is dangerous and also were unlikely to specify it.

Science and Technology designers were on the opposite spectrum, where they knew or thought it could be dangerous, but were highly likely to choose it for a project. The best part of the survey was that everyone responded “yes” to if they wanted to learn more about the dangers of PVC. This shows that there’s hope for changing how popular a dangerous product is.

Completing the IRB process was also beneficial to my design research career. Learning about the survey process and how to ensure that no groups are discriminated against was something I had never considered before. I didn’t realize the system behind the surveys that are constantly advertised.

After two years of research in a range of topics, all with roughly the same goal, I created Material Match. The tool allows designers to quickly find healthy materials that they can feel confident using, while also educating themselves in the process. The design world is a fast-paced one, and designers need a system that helps guide them in the right direction. No designer wants to create a space that harms users, but it’s hard to prevent harm when awareness isn’t spread. To achieve my goals for the site, I broke it down into three main components: find, contribute, and understand. Find allows designers to search for materials either from scratch, or by searching their current material that contains harmful ingredients. When searching for an alternative, the site will mention what harmful materials the current material contains. Contribute acts as a review center so designers can be encouraged or discouraged to use a certain product. Often, designers wish to use healthy materials but fear that they won’t perform as well as their dangerous alternatives. Designers can either read reviews or review a material themselves, and their information must be verified in order to prevent fraudulent reviews. Lastly, Understand is a resource so designer and clients alike can learn about harmful materials and their sources, and also learn about the Redlist.

The materiality of the site is significant. I initially considered creating a booklet for designers that could remain on their desk, but an interactive website proved to be more educational and engaging. It’s also true that designers spend the majority of their day on a computer, so a website allows for seamless research and integration with their project.

Overall, this entire program has changed me as an interior designer and design researcher. I learned that not all paths are linear, and maybe the best ones aren’t. I often struggled with the ambiguity of my process but I am so pleased with the result. I went from studying harmful materials, to studying biophilia, then back to harmful materials and toyed with a plethora of ways to apply my research. My passion for interior design and the health of occupants has always been at the forefront of my work, and I truly think that we all have the ability to change our ways and improve ourselves while benefiting the planet simultaneously.

SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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GLOSSARY 0123

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SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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CITATIONS Berto R. Exposure to restorative environments helps restore attentional capacity. J Environ Psychol 2005;25:249-259.

Bornehag et al. 2002. Dampness in buildings and health. Dampness at home as a risk factor for symptoms among 10,851 Swedish children. (DBH-STEP 1). SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute and the International Centre for Indoor Environment and Energy, Technical University of Denmark Karlstad University, Sweden.

California Department of Public Health. (2019, July 25). Retrieved from https:// biomonitoring.ca.gov/chemicals/fact-sheets Colรณn, I. Et al. 2000. Identification of phthalate esters in the serum of young Puerto Rican girls with premature breast development. Environmental Health Perspectives 108: 895900.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. Vinyl Chloride, IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 100F. Lyon, France: World Health Organization, 2012.

EWG Dirty Dozen Endocrine Disruptors. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/research/dirty-dozen-list-endocrinedisruptors?gclid=Cj0KE QiA5bvEBRCM6vypnc7QgMkBEiQAUZftQI_ BMdUURgvak8xzwGi99sONhhXenJpA20nD6UvqcasaAtxs8P8HAQ Jones, S. (2018, November 13). World Green Building Trends 2018 SmartMarket Report.

Retrieved from https://www.worldgbc.org/news-media/world-green-building-trends-2018smartmarket-report-publication Lott, S., & Vallette, J. (n.d.). Full Disclosure Required: A Strategy to Prevent Asthma Through Building Product Selection(Rep.), 2013. (asthma) https://s3.amazonaws.com/hbnweb. dev/uploads/files/full-disclosure-required-a-strategy-to-prevent-asthma-through-buildingproduct-selection.pdf SARAH RABLE | M.S. DESIGN RESEARCH 2019

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CITATIONS Louv, R. (2008). Last child in the woods: Saving our children from nature-deficit disorder (Updated expanded ed.). Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.

McGee, B., & Marshall-Baker, A. (2015). Loving nature from the inside out. HERD : Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 8(4), 115-130.

Miyazaki Y, Lee J, Park BJ, et al. [Preventive medical effects of nature therapy]. [Article in Japanese] Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2011;66(4):651-656.

Oxman, N. (n.d.). Design at the intersection of technology and biology. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/neri_oxman_design_at_the_intersection_of_technologY_and_ biology Suttie, J. (n.d.). How to Protect Kids from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Retrieved from https:// greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_protect_kids_from_nature_deficit_disorder Thornton, J. 2002. Environmental impacts of polyvinyl chloride building materials â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Healthy Building Network report. Washington, DC: Healthy Building Network. Online: http://www.healthybuilding.net/pvc/Thornton_Enviro_Impacts_of_PVC.pdf (22 October 2009).

Tuomainen, A., Seuri, M., and A. Sieppi. 2004. Indoor air quality and health problems associated with damp floor coverings in an office building. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 77(3): 222-226.

Vallette, J. (n.d.). Chlorine & Building Materials Project: Phase 1 Africa, The Americas, and Europe. Retrieved from https://healthybuilding.net/reports/18-chlorine-building-materialsproject-phase-1-africa-the-americas-and-europe Vinyl chloride CASRN 75-01-4 | IRIS | US EPA, ORD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cfpub. epa.gov/ncea/iris2/chemicalLanding.cfm?substance_nmbr=1001

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CITATIONS Vinyl chloride CASRN 75-01-4 | IRIS | US EPA, ORD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cfpub. epa.gov/ncea/iris2/chemicalLanding.cfm?substance_nmbr=1001 Wilson, E. O. (2003). Biophilia. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Univ. Press.

World green building trends in 2018: Green keeps growing. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:// www.usgbc.org/articles/world-green-building-trends-2018-green-keeps-growing Zhang Y. Indoor air quality engineering: CRC press; 2004. P. 4 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design. (2014, September 12). Retrieved from https://www. terrapinbrightgreen.com/reports/14-patterns/

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