Innovative Technology in the Interiors - Coursework Example

Innovative technology in the interiors Introduction Interior design is a discipline that normally works in harmony with the engineers, architectures, construction, and art among other specialists who create interior spaces that efficient and beautiful. The profession is normally qualified by education, examination and experience to plan the space, specify and design lighting systems and finally implementing the building codes. Technology has highly influenced interior design to an extent that new materials such as fibers and fabric are used extensively in the interior decoration. Interior design has highly evolved to an extent that it has superseded the prior notion of arranging furniture in a house (Blades, 2010) It has evolved to become a multifaceted profession where one deals with complete environments that are healthy and safe for the users. Therefore, it is paramount to note that technology has been useful in ensuring that interior design has taken a new turn. New products such as fiber and fabric have been used in decorating houses, planes, trains and other facilities and their significance has been worth and efficient. Fiber and fabric in interior design The fiber and fabric has been used extensively in the interior design and their significance has been felt in the industry. Some of the decorating agents that are used are the “fiber carpet “that are known for effective decorating of the house. All carpets normally start with fiber and there are four types of fiber, and each of it has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most crucial bit in analyzing the fiber is determining which the most important thing that is required in the house. For the carpets, there are four types of fiber and they are namely, nylon, polypropylene, wool, and finally polyester (Dodsworth 2009, p.45). These fibers are known as the advanced generation of nylon. For instance, nylon is the new form of carpet fiber and it is preferred because of its strength and durability. It is exceptional in resilience and it has the ability to retain the texture well. The nylon carpet fiber is normally soft and strong and this makes it durable in all weather conditions. Moreover, it shows the colors brilliantly and one can clean it easily. The advanced generation of the nylons are built in such a way that they can conceal and resist the soil stains hence making them durable in the long run. The second form of polypropylene (Olefin) has continued to grow dramatically for the last ten years due to the popularity of the Berber style of the carpets. Polypropylene is normally resistant to the stains, moisture and fading and for this purpose the internal designers have prefer it to the others. Polypropylene is value based fiber and it is notably color fast because the solution is normally dyed and this means that color is added during the process of fiber production. It is generally resistant to mildew and moisture and therefore it is a good choice for outdoor and the indoor areas such as dens, playrooms and c kitchen (Dodsworth 2009, p.56). The other form of nylon that is used includes the polyester that is appreciated for its versility. Polyesters normally offer exceptional softness hence making it ideal for the thick cut pile styles. Polyester in naturally known to stain permanently and therefore, it is resistant to fade. It has excellent color clarity, retention, strength and resisting abrasion. Carpet that is made from polyester can be cleaned easily and they resist the stains that are soluble in water. The other form of fiber is wool. It is the original form of carpet and it is known to be the most durable form of any carpet that has ever been produced in the history of interior design. It is the most suitable form of carpet because it can take a beating without losing the strength (Hinchman 2013, p.17). Dust, dirt, and other oil stains can come out easily because wool can naturally release the soil rather than absorbing it. In a room that has high traffic, it has resilient and keeps on bouncing back. It is environmentally friendly since it comes from renewable resources. Since it is the most expensive carpet, the wool carpet is used in the most luxurious carpets and the area rugs. The advanced generation of nylons are normally those fibers that are specifically treated with soil resistant strains that are branded “ fibers” since they have a specific name and brand. Interior design flooring has the following branded fibers. Out of these, include the premier stain master, wear –dated, Anso caress platinum among others. These fiber carpets have instrumental in the process (Martin 2007, p.56). There are various types of fabrics that are used in home decoration. There are available in different colors and types and this makes them the most suitable form of fabrics. The Indian homeowners normally identify feasibility of the place where they are likely to choose the fabric for different purposes. Today’s technology has an upper hand I each field and this has contributed to the formation of the synthetic fiber. The designer fabrics normally make the style perfect but provide home with luxurious touches (Portillo 2013, p.6). The fabrics that are used in the interior decorations include curtains, bed sheets, mattress covers among other fine details in the house. The artificial and the synthetic fiber are more common than the natural and it is expensive when it is compared to the others. As posited above, there are different types of fabric and each of them has a distinctive property. Natural fabric is known to have been highly used in the interior decoration arena. The advanced technology has produced natural fabrics that are fine and tuned for that particular purpose. Natural fabric is made from the natural supplements and it is normally very expensive when it is bought. Just as the name suggests it is highly durable, luxurious and soft. Some of the most common natural supplements that are used in making natural fabrics include; linen, cotton, jute, silk, cashmere, camel hair among other natural components. Linen is a natural fiber that is deprived the flax plant and it provides tough yarns that appear smooth and slight glossy. The fabric is normally from linen and fiber that are resistant to moth and headwear ring. It is easily washed and often very strong when it is wet. The fabric normally creases often and it makes a good choice for the homeowners and more specially when it comes to the draperies fabric(Portillo 2013,p.7). The other natural fabric component is silk and deprived from an animal. It is highly prized since it is fragile and luxurious. It is quite popular among the most luxurious items since it has unique texture and it has lustrous appearance. The silk decorating materials normally require dry cleaning and hand washing is highly prohibited due to its texture. Silk is easily creased and when it exposed to sunlight it can be damaged hence it requires to be handled with a lot of care (Martin 2007p.56). Wool is also another natural fabric that is used in making the interior design. When wool dampens it diminishes and the moulds starts decreasing automatically. The moulds can only be removed from the walls using the fungicidal wash to make the walls clean and efficient. Moulds are known to encourage various allergies especially those that are related to the respiratory system. Wool is highly used in the cool areas where it is used to prevent chills. Cotton is another fabric that is normally obtained from a plant that is tough and strong. It liked by many average homeowners for it is durable, airy and finally economical. It is highly used I decorations since its tough and it does not fade away easily(Portillo 2013,p.67). Artificial fabric is a major decorating agent and it is obtained from synthesis of polymers or the alteration of the natural fibers. The fiber is normally made from natural sources such as wood pulp and the fiber that is obtained from the plants. The market for the artificial fiber has continued to widen to the technologically advanced method of making the fiber. Indian houses and market are highly concentrated with the artificial fiber. New fiber technology and nanofibres The new fiber technology involves the use fiber to make the performance textiles. Performance textiles that are also known as smart textiles or the high tech textiles have continued to make strong inroads across the institutional textile market such as linen, apparels and interior furnishings. Performance textiles are normally materials that are developed for a special need such as protection, comfort and finally care (Fang 2009,p.78). The technology behind fibers involve the chemical treatments of the new fibers and also the techniques that are used in weaving. Today innovative technologies and the performance fabrics have continued to rise and this has contributed to the emergence of hi tech fabrics that are able to resist odor, UV –light and heat. Technology has continued to change the interior textiles where by the new technologies have come up with elegant designs that are used in the interior design. The textile industry has embraced nanotechnology whereby they have been used to improve the performance and ultimately decrease the functionality of the textiles. The impacts and implications of the latter include smart or intelligent textiles that are made as a result of improving the functional textiles (Tong, & Mouritz 2002,p.67). The textile applications of the nanotechnology have continued to focus on generating the nanostructures and using the “nanosized” chemicals. For instance, the nanostructure is a composite fiber made of polyester, polyethene and nylon. It is later integrated with the fillers of clay, the metal oxides or carbon for improving the physical properties such as conductivity. The products can provide enhanced performance characteristics that may include the barrier performance to chemicals and water. It may also hinder the electrical conductivity, reducing the static electricity, the UV absorption and self-contamination. Nanosize chemicals are used in providing the functionality of a textile (Tong, & Mouritz, 2002,p.56). The application of the chemical at the nano size particle has resulted increased durability as well as the functionality of the textile. For instance, the silicone and floro carbon have been applied to textiles as nano particles (polymers) hence strengthening the fibers of the fabric during the manufacturing process. The nano particles have a larger surface area and therefore there are more efficient compared to the finished product. Moreover, the nanosize particles are transparent and therefore, they do not alter the color of the textile. The new technology in fabrics has resulted introduction of stain resistant interior decoration agents hence making the technology effective. The nano resistant floro carbon finish is the main chemical that is used in the process. The floro chemical normally create a barrier to water and soils due to the hydrophobic character that impart son the individual fibers. The application of the fluorocarbon in manufacturing the institutional apparels and linens has continued to be effective and many people prefer the use of the apparels to other garments (Martin2007, p.73). Role of the interior designer in selecting the textiles An interior designer is the ultimate determiner of the appearance of a house. The designer should understand various things before he or she embarks on designing the house. For instance, he should know the favorite color of the person of interest and through that, it would be possible to appease that person. For instance, if a clients’ favorite color is blue, he or she should capitalize on getting blue textiles though not entirely. Therefore, color taste is paramount for a good designer. Secondly, the environmental conditions are also important factors to consider when one is preparing an interior décor (Gibbs 2005,p.67). Some areas are cold and wet and while others are, hot and dry. Therefore, interior décor should choose the textile based on that knowledge. Moreover, the recent technology and “nanofibre” technology textiles should also be taken into account. The designer should choose the textile that is easy to clean and resistant to soil and stains. The designer should know whether the client wants to decorate the entire bungalow or just a living space. Therefore, a good designer will select the textiles that are moving with the current trend and through that manage to give a good service to the clients. Finally, interior deco should understand the financial status of the client. Some textiles such as silk are expensive while others are cheap. The interior designer should get to know the financial status of the client . Environmental impact of these technologies in the interior (Residential, Commercial and aircraft interiors) Nanofibres are known to improve the ability of substance to filter and remove particles more especially if that textile is coated with nanofibres. The improvement can be seen in the air intake of the vehicles, computer disks, house ventilations and the high efficiency ventilation. In aircrafts, nanofibres help the cabin air filters to remove particles from the plane and this enhances the health of the passengers. It’s worth noting that nanofibres normally offer enhanced filtraration to mobile and stationary engines both at home and at the offices (Commercial and residential areas). The filtration process normally makes the areas habitable through filtering the particles that can be hazardous to the health of a person (Janardhnan & Sain, 2011). In case of engines and the gas turbines in the offices and home, nanofibres technology filters helps in removing the particulate materials from the supply of the air and through that reducing the substantial damage of the internal components. Combustion of engines with particulate, materials damages the engine and starts emitting smoke that pollutes the environment. Nanofibres coating is also used in coating the interior side of the aircrafts and through that, it reduces vibration of sounds. Sound vibration may be toxic to human ears hence causing damage ultimately. Aircrafts that are coated with nanofibres are safe and vibration of sounds cannot harm the passengers. Advantages and disadvantages of using recyclable plastic in the interior Recycled plastic is a good substance to be used in the interior decoration. Many home decorators are made from the recycled plastic materials such as tables, chairs and even wall hangings. These decorations are normally cheap since the recycled plastic is pocket friendly.. These plastic goods are eco-friendly, they do not dissolve in water, and this makes them friendly to the environment at large. For instance, even if they are used in the kitchen, they cannot dissolve the food substances and therefore making them efficient to be used in the kitchen works. Moreover, the recyclable plastic is not corrosive and therefore, they will eliminate rust from the house or any other interior. Compared to iron, plastic is far much better as an interior decorator. Finally, recyclable plastic are readily available and as posited earlier they are pocket friendly. Acquiring the recyclable plastic is easier hence making the entire process of interior decoration a success (Reid 2008, p.17). On the other hand, the recyclable plastics are not durable compared to other agents of interior decoration. For instance, wood is durable and can live for many years compared to plastic. Recycled plastic tends to weaken as time progresses more especially if it is exposed to sunlight. Therefore, these decorating agents will weaken more especially if they are made of the recyclable plastic. Finally disposing the plastic will be cumbersome after its use. For the case of wood, it can be used as fuel but plastic a major pollutant of the environment. Therefore, it proves to be a good interior decorator. Lighting is the most crucial quality of the indoor space. The difference between good and bad lightning system is making or breaking the comfort, mood and the overall happiness that can be in the home. Exposure to the natural light normally affects the immune system as well as the circadian rhythms. Moreover, it affects the hormones responsible for sleeping cycles and research has linked depression to lack of sunlight. Therefore, lighting is an integral part of sustainable building. Therefore, LEED lightning has been expanded to ensure that people are getting the most sustainable, healthy and beautiful lighting options. This can be enhanced through changing the bulbs and that change is easy to implement and a lot of cash can be drawn from that. At least$30 can be saved if the other bulb can be replaced with the (CFL Compact Fluorescent light bulbs) bulbs (Zeng 2007, p.45). Using the above bulbs and extensive use of the natural light will ultimately contribute to efficiency and healthy living in the interiors. In conclusion, it is evident that technology has highly influenced interior design. From the textiles, furniture and lighting system, technology has played a great role in ensuring that the changes are observed. Moreover, technology has contributed to formation of better fibers and fabrics that are conglomerated with the nanofibres and this has proved the interior design arena. Continued use of technology for the right purpose will ultimately better living standards. References Blades, E. (2010). Eco-friendly knits: using recycled plastic bags. Tunbridge Wells: Search. Dodsworth, S. (2009). The fundamentals of interior design. Lausanne: AVA Academia. Fang, J. (2009). Electrospun nanofibres: morphology, property and wound dressing application. London: Oxford University Press. Gibbs, J. (2005). Interior design. New York: H.N. Abrams. Hinchman, M. (2013). Interior Design History: Some Reflections. Journal of Interior Design, 38(1), ix-xxi. Janardhnan, S., & Sain, M. (2011). Bio-Treatment of Natural Fibers in Isolation of Cellulose Nanofibres: Impact of Pre-Refining of Fibers on Bio-Treatment Efficiency and Nanofiber Yield. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 19(3), 615-621. Martin, M. (2007). Interior design. Barcelona, Spain: Loft Publications / Kolon. Nunn, D. (2011). Plastic. Chicago, Ill.: Heinemann Library. Portillo, M. (2013). On Being the Journal of Record for Interior Design. Journal of Interior Design, 38(2), v-vii. Reid, T. (2008). Nanofibres: Bright belts. Nature China, 23, 1-18. Tong, L., & Mouritz, A. P. (2002). 3D fibre reinforced polymer composites. Boston: Elsevier. Zeng, W. (2007). Helical nanofibres: A twist to follow. Nature China, 2, 23. Read More