Week 4 (Globalization)

Globalization

For for the interior design field globalization plays an important part in the modern day design.  Globalization takes part by integrating specific cultural trends and spreading to many nations across the globe. By understanding and researching the trends of different countries we may get a better understanding of a culture’s personality. Think of how important it is as a designer when given, for example, a Thai restaurant in the United States.  To be able to successfully add the personality and the lifelike environment of Thailand you must know the decor and design trends of that culture.  However when talking of global design we can look at it in a more holistic view and how the growth of certain design trends is passed through several countries all across the globe.

http://www.kon.org/urc/crawford.pdf

Chinese designs and furnishing swept across Europe and was especially influential in the French Rococo style.  Chinese motifs and techniques known as Chinoiserie was a major design influence to Chippendale furniture and imitated by many English designers.

http://www.houzz.com/photos/218066/Queen-Anne-Upholstered-Chair-traditional-chairs-

The Cabriole leg, which is common of the Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture, was made a popular trend in France, England, the United States, and several other countries.  This style is still widely reproduced in furniture and can be most commonly seen in dining chairs.

So Why Is it Important to be familiar with Globalization?

As the common phrase says “history has a way of repeating itself”, by studying historical trends designers have the opportunity to design for future spaces and incorporate popular trends of the past.  An interesting question from idec.org arises asking “does globalization actually shape us as designers and impact how we consider and create interior designs; or, does the interior design of space and place itself, influence and shape people’s views and their understanding of what is now global?”  It is especially useful having the historical knowledge of a culture when working for a multinational firm where it may be important to know the standard designs and what would be considered inappropriate.  A designer is likely to be responsible of incorporating elements of the past and present in design projects.

Kon.org talks of 3 interesting ways experts suggest to help professionals with current and future challenges:

1. Presenting a strong foundation in historical design knowledge will aid professionals in seeing future trends and preparing for their adoption.
2. designers need to recognize population, production and decor trends and their relation to the market
3. use a variety of teaching tools to help future professionals transfer knowledge to real-life situations. 

By combining these strategies professionals can receive the benefits for current and future professional development. 

The speed of technological advancements has made global design almost instantaneous.  “Using resources such as ASID, business journals, and family and consumer sciences resources, interior design professionals will be more efficient and up to date with current tendencies of the market” (kon.org).  Educating future professionals is beneficial in maintaining the knowledge of global design within the interior design profession. “Teaching future professionals from an international viewpoint can help them achieve the global perspective needed to operate a multifunctional firm”.

resources:

http://2012.idec.org/defining-a-new-term-the-global-interior

http://www.kon.org/urc/crawford.pdf