Date Approved

Spring 2011

Date Posted

9-23-2011

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Engineering Technology

Committee Member

Dr. Shinming Shyu, Co-Chair

Committee Member

Dr. Louise Jones, Professor Emeritus, Co-Chair

Committee Member

Dr. Jiang Lu

Abstract

This study investigated the perception that mass media perpetuate critique of interior design projects using non-environmentally responsible design (non-ERD) assessment models, based on traditional ideological considerations, as opposed to models based on environmentally responsible design (ERD) philosophies. Using the Delphi technique, thirty keywords were selected, based on educators’ and practitioners’ content knowledge, then categorized into seven dimensions representing ERD or non-ERD attributes. These dimensions formed design assessment models, which included a distinction between ethical ERD attributes and aesthetic non-ERD attributes. Using content analysis, keywords were identified in randomly selected feature articles from three design magazines. Quantitative statistical analysis documented an unbalanced approach to design critique. Either the models emphasized non-ERD and were deficient ethics, or they emphasized ERD and were deficient aesthetics. However, the design community’s portrayal of exemplary design reflects a melding of these attributes; therefore, mechanisms should be explored to persuade media to adopt this holistic assessment model.

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