 |
Really addressing your
pet's needs means looking not at just finishes, though. Interior designers
know that all home occupants' well-being should be accommodated in the space
planning of a well thought-out residence. This idea is introduced to design
students in Jill's teaching within the Interior Design Department at California
State University Sacramento where students are assigned the task to research
and design a space for a resident cat, dog or other animal as well as their
human companions. A serious look at a dog or cat's needs must occur, such
as measuring their anthropometrical dimensions (how tall do they stand,
do they sleep stretched our or curled in a ball?) and where do they like
to spend their days, especially if their human cohabitants are away. Logan,
Jill's hound-shepherd mix, for instance, likes to 'survey her domain', seeing
outside while still being in the comfort of the air conditioning in their
Sacramento, California home.
Enter Jill's interior design student, Kelley Morrison, a life-long dog-lover
herself. Kelley's own experiences with her retriever, Winston, interested
her in 'canine design'. As a special project, Kelley has decided to custom
design a suitable dwelling space just for Jill's dog Logan so Logan is comfortable
during the long hours when Jill and her husband Bill are away from the house
working.
Kelley began her analysis by investigating the target area of Logan's house--
the back yard, where many squirrels chatter among the trees that Logan loves
to watch. Kelley examined many aspects of the space, such as the nature
of the sun pattern as it moves across the sky each day, casting shadows
of certain sizes across the ground. She spent time with Logan, playing with
her, getting to know her moods, measuring her dimensions, and understanding
her needs. She photographed and sketched the target site for the house,
noting the locations of trees and shrubs that might offer strategic shade
in the hot months and what locations provide Logan the best views of the
squirrels she loves. Kelley also began researching finishes that would be
durable and easily cleaned for both the interior and exterior of the structure.
After completing her research, Kelley began a period of sketching and brainstorming
several possible solutions to Logan's space. After gathering Logan, Jill
and Bill's opinions, she decided on one and began developing it into a more
finalized set of drawings such as plan views and perspectives, showing how
the structure looks from the outside. The finished plans are sure to provide
Logan with a functional and aesthetic space.
Interior designers often develop special bonds with their clients through
their successful working relationships. Kelley and Logan are no exception,
as shown by the many ear scratches and belly rubs that Logan has received.
Kelley looks forward to a fulfilling career engaged in both residential
and commercial interior design projects that seek to enrich the lives of
ALL occupants, no matter what their species!
|
