DESIGN FEATURE LIST

ATTRIBUTES

There are 6 feature groupings.  

Group 1 of 6
The first group of features: Actual natural features- actual (not images) of real nature characteristics in the interior 

#1 Air

Natural ventilation.

(e.g., operable windows, inside/outside fresh air connections)

#2 Water

Any type of actual water feature in the interior.
(e.g., water fountain, sink, or fish tank

#3 Plants

Actual plants in any form (alive or preserved) in the interior.

(e.g., potted plants or dried leaves in a shadow box)

#4 Animals 

Actual animals in any form (alive or preserved) in the interior. 

(e.g., fish in a fish tank)

#5 Natural materials 

Materials extracted from nature.

 (e.g., wood, stone, or paper)

#6 Views & vistas

Exterior views of natural features such as vegetation.

(e.g., window view of Central Park)

#7 Habitats & vistas 
The interior of buildings and their landscapes that possess a close and compatible relationship to local habitats.
(e.g., views to locally appropriate landscape)

#8 Fire

Fire providing comfort and civilization when controlled, includes color, warmth & movement.

(e.g., fireplace) 

Feature Group 2 of 6: The second group of features are Natural shapes & forms- nature representations and simulations

#9 Botanical motifs 

Representations of shapes, forms & patterns of plants & vegetative matter.

(e.g., painting of flowers)

#10 Animal-like

Representations of animals, may be highly stylized.

(e.g., animal forms, claws or heads)

#11 Shells & spirals

Representations of invertebrates.
(e.g., images or forms of shells and spirals, bees & their hives, butterflies, spiders & their webs)

#12 Curves & arches

Representing curves found in nature like treelike shapes, ovals, semi curvilinear forms.

(e.g., egg & dart moulding, arching columns & domes)

#13 Fluid forms 

Shapes resisting straight lines and right angles that are flowing; they act as if they are adapting to forces found in nature.

(e.g., sinuous floor inlay)

#14 Abstraction of nature

A simulation rather than replication of natural form or function; forms are vaguely reminiscent of those naturally found but use nature as a model.

(e.g., Monet painting of flowers, fleur de lis ironwork, Gaudi's Sagrada Familia)

#15 Inside-Outside

Interior spaces that appear connected to the outside environment, embracing inside what's nearby outside near to the building.

(e.g., interior gardens, ocean motif used if located at the beach, same flooring used both inside & outside)

Feature Group 3 of 6: The third group of features are Natural patterns & processes- properties derived from natural features & process

#16 Sensory richness 

Information richness can include complexity in visual, sound, touch, smell and/or taste for a sensuous & intellectually challenging environment.

(e.g., assortment of patterns, texture and color for sensory variety)
*Base this assessment upon the visual richness, typically in person observation would be needed

#17 Age, change & the patina of time  

Showing age or change, such as in wear or growth, particularly by organic forms like wood but even inorganics like stone. 

(e.g., use of plants that have obviously grown over time and "taken over", farmhouse table of weathered wood)

#18 Area of emphasis  

An area of reference or interest in a space, central focal point. 

(e.g., fireplace or grand staircase)

#19 Patterned wholes

Unique individual parts become organized in a pattern, variety united.

(e.g., tile floor mosaic inlay)

#20 Bounded spaces

A delineated space with clear boundaries or borders.

(e.g., walled room with a sense of enclosure)

#21 Linked series & chains

Spaces connected that bring you from one space to another in a series.

(e.g., coordinated design tying together a series of rooms, clear glass walls separating adjoining spaces)

#22 Integration of parts to wholes

Individual similar components come together to create a greater whole.

(e.g., small wood planks can make up a wood floor, glass mullion pattern, subway tile backsplash)

#23 Complementary contrasts

The blend of contrasting features or opposites.

(e.g., light & dark areas, open & closed space, high & low ceilings)

#24 Dynamic balance & tension

Shapes, forms or materials that are both balanced and show a degree of tension.

(e.g., symmetrically balanced ceiling mobile, view of a balancing sculpture)

#25 Natural ratios & scales

Patterns such as naturalarithmetic or geometric ratios or scales.

(e.g., golden ratio, golden sections, golden proportion, golden spiral, & Fibonacci's sequence: 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34..., these can be highly complex patterns yet seem organized like a sunflower patterned fabric or artichoke light fixture)

Feature Group 4 of 6: The fourth group of features are Color and Space- color, light & material qualities & space relationships with nature

#26 Composition  

Color, light & materials applied as a composition through unity &/or variety connecting with nature. 

(e.g., variety of natural materials used throughout with a unified color scheme) 

#27 Communication   

Color, light & materials used to connect people with the site or locale; concepts symbolize identity to send a message.    

(e.g., color selection coming from the site for communing with the surrounding nature)

#28 Preference     

Color, light & materials reflecting the time, place, and circumstances in which we live.  

(e.g., a designer/firm signature style, market trends such as the Pantone color of the year)  

#29 Response
Natural inspired color, light & materials integrated for physiological, psychological &/or behavioral responses. 

(e.g., light fixtures that mimic sunrise/sunset patterns)

#30 Pragmatics   

Color, light & materials selection based upon maintenance, life cycle cost, existing conditions, external weather &/or environmental choices.  

(e.g., sustainable flooring choice for high traffic area)

#31 Natural light

Daylight/ sunlight access.

(e.g., window, clearstory, skylight)

#32 Filtered light

Modulated daylight, reduces glare.

(e.g., blinds, shades, tinted glazing)

#33 Reflected light 
Light reflecting off surfaces.
(e.g., reflective surfaces that may provide sparkle) 

#34 Light pools

Pools of connected light in a series on the floor or wall drawing you from one area to another, often surrounded by darker areas.
(e.g., high contrast lighting environment)

#35 Warm light

Warm & inviting lighting, 2,000 to 3,000 K color temperature.

(e.g., incandescent lighting, candle light) 

#36 Light as shape & form

Natural light manipulated to create stimulating, dynamic and/or sculptural form.

(e.g., light shaft)

#37 Spaciousness 
Openness or feeling of large expanse.
(e.g., a high ceiling)

#38 Spatial variety 
Variance in the interior space
(e.g., different ceiling heights or room widths)

#39 Space as shape & form

Space that is manipulated into a natural inspired form or shape.

(e.g., Sydney Opera House)

#40 Spatial harmony 
Coherence in the interior space. 
(e.g., repetition of design elements for coherence)

Feature Group 5 of 6: The fifth group of features are Place-Based Relationships- culture together with ecology, rooted in geography

#41 Geographic connection to place  

Emphasizing geographic features such as climates, countries, people and/or natural resources within the interior environment.
 (e.g., photograph of a well-known local natural landmark) 

#42 Historic connection to place

Relation to the past through the marking of the passage of time, linking the past to the present, fostering a culture's collective memory.

(e.g., historical portrait)

#43 Ecological connection to place

Emphasizing ecological features within the interior environment of forest, grassland, desert, tundra, freshwater or marine.

(e.g., interior bamboo garden)

#44 Cultural connection to place

Integrating cultural identities.

(e.g., regional decorative craft)

#45 Integration of culture and ecology
A social center that fosters community building.
(e.g., sustainable artwork)

#46 Spirit of place 
A metaphorical place given life, when a place becomes cherished by people it gives rise to and sustains human culture and ecology over time.
(e.g., Mount Vernon, gothic cathedral)

Feature Group 6 of 6: The sixth group of features are Human-Nature Relationships- paired biological needs with nature

#47 Prospect/Refuge 
A place with the ability to survey the distance in a place of security/ a view of the entire space AND a place of protection/ separated from spaciousness.
(e.g., view from an alcove to a larger space, interior view of spacious landscape)

#48 Order/Complexity 
Designs that meld order AND stimulate the desire for variety in a controlled manner, a balance of structured organization with intricacy of detail that together appears orderly.
(e.g., bookshelves)

#49 Curiosity/Enticement

Spaces that elicit exploration, discovery or mystery AND draws you farther in.

(e.g., space planning that draws you around the corner to view more)

#50 Mastery/Control
Respectful mastery of nature which expresses ingenuity & cleverness AND user ability to manipulate the environment.
(e.g., occupant control of air, light or sound quality; furniture with ergonomic adjustments)

#51 Attraction/Attachment  
Appealing natural designs AND affection for features together can create a lasting loyalty.
(e.g., beautiful wishing fountain)

#52 Exploration/Discovery 
The desire for further inquiry AND revealing a sensory rich interior.
(e.g., nature themed play structure)

#53 Fear/Awe 
Design integrating a feeling of peril AND feelings of wonder or delight.
(e.g., rock climbing wall, bridge with see-through flooring)

#54 Reverence/Spirituality

Affirming the human need for establishing meaningful relationships to creation AND reverential feelings of connection vs. the aloneness of a single person isolated in space and time.

(e.g., tall stain glass windows)

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