THESIS DESIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE PROCESSES THAT GUIDE THE DESIGN OF INTERIOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS Submitted by Sage Calamari Department of Design and Merchandising In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the Degree of Master of Science Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado Spring 2014 Master’s Committee: Advisor: Karen Hyllegard Juyeon Park Ajean Lee Ryan Copyright by Sage Calamari 2014 All rights reserved ABSTRACT DESIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE PROCESSES THAT GUIDE THE DESIGN OF INTERIOR TEXTILE PRODUCTS In order to meet the daily product needs of consumers worldwide, an estimated 85 million metric tons of textiles were produced in over 50 countries in 2011 (Platzer, 2012). This figure suggests that the integration of more sustainable practices relative to the production and consumption of textiles has the capacity to reduce some of the negative impacts on human health and the environment. Recently, researchers have begun to examine the relationship between production and sustainability, including the role that designers play in the life cycle of products (McDonough & Braungart, 2002). This calls for a deeper look into design and development of interior textile products and Design for the Environment (DfE) oriented products. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the processes that guide the design of interior textile products. In particular, this study explored designers’ perspectives on the design processes in relation to human health and environmental considerations throughout the life cycle of interior textile products. A qualitative research approach, specifically interviews with twelve design professionals engaged in the creation of interior textile products, was employed to address the design practices and processes that are currently utilized in the industry. Findings from this study are discussed in relation to three research questions that explored the design processes for interior textile products, the distinctiveness in DfE-oriented design processes, and the considerations for human health and the environment throughout the design processes. Findings from the content analysis of the narratives about the design processes, and ii DfE-oriented approaches, provided by professionals in the interior textile design industry were, to some degree, consistent with accounts of the processes provided by educators and students, as reported in prior research. However, the narratives in this study revealed additional details and emphasis related to specific themes associated with the design processes for interior textiles. Also, in regard to DfE-oriented approaches and life cycle consideration, all participants recognized the various human health and environmental impacts of interior textile products. However, it was apparent that all designers worked within the limitations of their companies and the industry at large and could not address all potential impacts within their design decisions. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Without the support of my family and friends this work would not have been possible. To my mother, Vicky Singer, whose patience and understanding helped me through many difficult moments. To my sister, Samantha Calamari, for keeping me grounded. To Elisa Cantero for encouraging me throughout my graduate work. And to Joe Gambles for always believing in me. Thank you all for listening, consoling and celebrating. I would like to give a very special thank you to the professors in the Design and Merchandising department for their guidance during my time at CSU. In particular, to my committee members and my advisor, Dr. Hyllegard, for pushing my work and encouraging me to meet my potential. Also to Dr. Miller, the head of the department, for kindness and support. Finally I would like to recognize everyone who works to better the world around us. To anyone and everyone who stands up and fights to change a system that allows industries to pollute our bodies and our environment. Especially to my friend Mia Davis, whose dedication and leadership has inspired me to keep working to enact change against all odds. iv DEDICATION I wish to dedicate this work to my late father, Ralph Calamari, the memory of whom pushes me to challenge myself and always strive to have a full and meaningful life. v TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS........................................................................................................... iv DEDICATION................................................................................................................................ v DEFINITION OF TERMS .......................................................................................................... viii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 1 Purpose........................................................................................................................................ 3 Justification................................................................................................................................. 3 Research Questions..................................................................................................................... 4 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF LITERATURE........................................................................... 5 Design for the Environment (DfE) ............................................................................................. 5 Interior Textile Product Life Cycle............................................................................................. 5 Product Design ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Material Selection ................................................................................................................................ 7 Textile Production Processes ............................................................................................................... 8 Textile Product Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 10 End of Textile Product Life................................................................................................................ 13 Conceptual Framework............................................................................................................. 14 Design Process ................................................................................................................................... 15 DfE Conceptual Model ...................................................................................................................... 17 Environmental Criteria....................................................................................................................... 20 CHAPTER THREE: METHOD ................................................................................................... 23 Participants................................................................................................................................ 23 Data Collection ......................................................................................................................... 24 Data Analysis............................................................................................................................ 25 CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS ..................................................................................................... 27 Participant and Company Profiles ............................................................................................ 27 Design Process for Interior Textile Products............................................................................ 27 Resources and Research..................................................................................................................... 27 Consumer Need and Trend Identification .......................................................................................... 30 Inspiration .......................................................................................................................................... 31 Creative Exploration .......................................................................................................................... 33 Product Samples................................................................................................................................. 36 Design Completion............................................................................................................................. 38 Human Health and Environmental Consideration Throughout the Life Cycle of Interior Textile Products .................................................................................................................................... 38 Raw Material Selection ...................................................................................................................... 39 Textile Fabrication: Weaving, Printing and Dyeing .......................................................................... 40 Finishes and Treatments..................................................................................................................... 43 Packaging