WEEK 8 Blog Window & Wall Coverings

 WEEKLY SUMMARY 

In this past week we expounded on our understandings of the implementations of window treatments, as well as wall coverings and how their collaboration interacts off of one another to create a stylistic and functional interior space. We also had the opportunity of witnessing what the Arlington Design Center had to offer in regards to their products.

When going through the different types of wall coverings, I found that there is a wide  access to a vast selection of draperies, curtains, and window coverings that can be used to improve a room's look and use. These options cover a wide variety of designs, materials, and general applications. Traditional drapes lend a timeless charm to interiors with their elegant, flowing fabrics and ornate designs and structural components. Curtains On the other hand are available in a range of styles, from light and delicate ones that gently filter out light to thicker, insulated ones that provide privacy and energy efficiency. Roller shades give off an interesting modern look, while roman shades give off the essence of a more structural appearance. Wooden slats, shutters, and blinds provide choices for privacy and light control in a range of finishes to match any interior design. Experimenting with opulent options like swags, valances, and pelmets, which adorn windows with elaborate embellishments and draperies tend to offer an extra dash of luxury to its finish. The abundance of options for draperies and window treatments allows designers and consumers to create spaces that reflect the unique tastes and needs of their custom spaces regardless of the original design concept.

WALL COVERINGS 

When examining the various selections of wallcoverings that are available for interior use, it is key to note that the materials used for their creation vary greatly. For instance, many materials such as silk, cotton and linen are used as natural selections for wall covering uses but there are also many different manufactured materials such as vinyl, paper, and grasscloth that find their way into implantation. These two types of materials usually are consistent in various kinds of fabric based wallcoverings, (with the natural fibers) and wallpapers, (with the manufactured material). Other wallcoverings can include creative implementations like the usages of paneling to segment the wall coverings, or murals that display an elaborate and elegant imagery to be enjoyed by the building's occupants. 

While there are a vast variety of selections available, it is important to understand the qualities behind the material to help better Select materials that complement the room's design and functionality. For an example, vinyl and coated fabrics are more durable and easily cleaned, making them appropriate for high-traffic areas. While cotton and silk are much lighter materials that give more elegance to visual appearance and would most likely be placed in lower traffic areas with better visibility to appreciate its material and craftsmanship. 

Insulation processes are very important in regards to wall coverings. It is important to note that there are three main methods to do so that have remained a constant for the industry for a long while. Upholstery walls and upholstery moveable wall systems are two common ways that go into the installation of wall coverings. The third is direct glue installation. 

RESEARCH INITIATIVE 

For my research initiative this week I tried to navigate the intriguing area where chemistry and industry collided as I dug deeper to better understand the complex process of producing polyester. Synthetic polymer polyester is created by the complex infusion of petrochemicals through the process of combining the substances at their base structural level to create a new elemental form entirely. Two invaluable resources that I came across during my research are "Polyester Production and Manufacturing Process'' by Fiber2Fashion, which provides a detailed breakdown of the complex steps involved in the creation of polyester from polymerization to spinning, and "Polyester: The Indispensable Fiber" by the American Chemical Society, which provides a deeper look into the scientific and historical aspects of the material's creation. Deciphering the molecular ballet involved in the production of polyester revealed a universe in which raw ingredients are transformed into the adaptable fabric that permeates our everyday existence.

Fiber2Fasion:

https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/7406/surplus-polyester-production-in-china

American Chemical Society:

https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry/2022-ncw/2022-ncw-fabulous-fibers.pdf