Nature-centered interiority as an urban social-spatial ecology

Abstract

This essay proposes a conceptual framework to understand how urban, nature-centered interiority can create more social-spatial ecologies to support well-being, access, and delight. The approach expands on established research and strategies to filter design decisions for nature-spatial integration in urban environments that are dynamic, ecologically meaningful, and express human values. The narrative investigates the juxtaposition of natural and artificial, wild and controlled, open versus closed, and interior versus exterior within a Midwest city’s downtown as a case study. By speculating on nature interiority as a spatial system for human discovery and interaction through shared values, the series of illustrations expresses the possibility of augmenting urban interiority with nature to shape dialogue, participation, and access for further integration with culture and place within the surrounding environments.

KEYWORDS:

• biophilia
• spatial ecology
• interiority
• well-being
• sense of place
• narrative

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kendra Locklear Ordia

Kendra Locklear Ordia is a Registered Interior Designer and Assistant Professor of Interior Design at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her research explores nature-integration in interior environments through theory, narrative, and designed solutions for increased wellbeing, equity, and delight. Her approach to the topic spans student inquiry, focused research, and designed solutions. Her professional work at firms like Perkins & Will, Gensler and CallisonRTKL allowed exposure to projects ranging from large scale healthcare to workplace design. She is involved in Interior Design licensing advocacy in the state and Nebraska. In 2020, she was recognized as one of eight American Society of Interior Design (ASID) Ones to Watch scholars. She serves on the Interior Design Educator Council (IDEC) Foundation board as a Director and also currently serve on the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Equity Council. Email: [email protected]