BOOK REVIEWS: TEXTILES
Materials for Interior Environments by C. Binggeli focuses on the materials used to create interior environments that are effective for their chosen use and are created based on environmentally responsible decisions for choosing materials. The necessity for interior designers to include the traditionally expected features such as comfort along with new concerns for energy efficiency and careful choosing of green materials have been discussed in terms of Life Cycle and material types.
Textiles: Concepts and Principles by V. H. Elsassar offers an excellent overview of the textile industry by taking a holistic approach to describing the issues and manufacturing processes that are part of the contemporary creation of textiles. Current legislation that has been passed in order to meet sustainability goals is clearly explained. The schematics and images in the book aid in the understanding of the configurations of textile components and the processes used to manufacture them.
Interior Textiles: Fabrics, Application and Historic Style by K.J. Nielson concentrates on the use of fabrics for interior applications. Practical and interesting information details new materials by describing their content with reference to sustainable recycling goals. Good use is made of table insets with text to emphasize important aspects of the industry and the variety of materials for producing textiles.
Sustainable Design Interior Environment by S.M. Winchip is a well designed textbook that shares up-to-date information on all the issues that are involved in the concept of sustainability and interior design. Sustainable strategies for integrated design during construction, choosing furnishings, ensuring good indoor environmental quality and saving energy are explained. The interior design of the home and the office workplace are both thoroughly covered.
References
Elsasser, V.H. (2010) Textiles: Concepts and Principles NY: Fairfield Books
Binggeli, C. (2008) Materials for Interior Environments Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nielsen, K.J. (2007) Interior Textiles: Fabrics, Application and Historic Style Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Winchip, S.M. (2011) Sustainable Design Interior Environment 2nd Ed. NY: Fairfield Books
