Math plays an integral role in interior design.1 Consider hiring a professional to design your new home and providing them with a budget, only to be surprised by massive overruns once the project is completed. A miscalculation in measurement or budget can result in a space that looks more like a crowded marketplace than a tranquil, inviting space, or require you to step up every time you want to see out the window. Wouldn’t that be an experience you’d always want to avoid?
Interior designers are frequently required to be mathematically proficient. They must understand basic geometry and how to calculate measurements in order to create accurate floor plans. This is especially important when designing areas such as kitchens, where precise calculations are required for effective layout and efficiency. The key to good interior design is an understanding of both classical and modern structures, and geometric principles, in addition to having a sense of the usage that any given space might have had before its conversion to living space.2
The interior design industry uses math in many ways and for many tasks. Some of the most significant ones are listed below.
- Billing and Invoicing
Probably the most common form of math in interior design is the math associated with billing or making invoices. Billing calculations require interior designers to make use of the basic form of math.1
- Modeling
Modeling is important because designers can use various modeling programs to create 3D renderings of their proposed designs. These renderings are based on measurements taken either by hand or by a CNC router. The use of these models allows designers to visualize their designs from various perspectives. They are also an engaging way to familiarize the space with structures. Modeling is extremely useful for placing furniture and appliances. A designer will need at least a cursory understanding of the math behind their designs to create a convincing model. The math is used to compute measurements and areas. While modeling requires less math than something like architecture, having a good understanding of geometry can be useful during this stage of the design process.3
- Systems
Designers use math in the design process as well. Some examples include how furniture is built and how it is moved. Math is also used in electronics, piping, and wiring, which is important in placement and room design. Accurate measuring is required to determine which types and sizes of furniture will work best in the space. Interior designers must be able to measure the space as well as the size of the components that will fill it. If the ceiling, floors, and walls are not properly measured, the room may appear uneven, out of whack, or simply wrong.3
- Coordination
Math is used by designers to coordinate and structure their designs. It is frequently used to determine the best use of space, where to place various pieces of furniture, or how much storage space is required. Area calculations are critical for this aspect. Interior designers, as opposed to interior decorators, collaborate on projects with architects, builders, mechanical engineers, electricians, and structural engineers. They must be able to read blueprints and draw illustrations with precise specifications for the placement of outlets, doors, windows, countertops, and other aspects of a space. They must, for example, understand how to calculate dimensions using architectural scales.3
- Project Management
Interior design projects at all levels necessitate management and administrative abilities. To complete the project on time, an interior designer must possess these qualities. It becomes necessary to apply math to interior design while working on a project management software. Calculating dates, volumes, deadlines, and human resource requirements requires clever math formulas. Managing a project’s timeline from start to finish requires an art and science of calculations, so interior design math is essential.1
Anyone interested in a career in interior design must learn geometry, which is just as important as drawing, sketching, or using 3D-based software. Math is used by designers to organize and coordinate their work. It is frequently used to determine the best use of space, and area calculations are required. Sticking to a budget requires the interior designer to carefully purchase the right amount of furniture, lighting fixtures, and accessories for the space, adjusting the scale of the sheet to the ratio where it can accommodate all the measured items, and so on.
If you enjoyed this article, you can learn more about the amazing applications of math on BYJU’s FutureSchool Blog.
References:
1.Is Interior Design Math Requirement Necessary? – Only Interior Design. (n.d.). Retrieved July 4, 2022, from https://onlyinteriordesign.com/2021/03/interior-design-math.html
2. Do interior designers need math? – Home Design Institute – Paris. (n.d.). Retrieved July 4, 2022, from https://homedesigninstitute.com/question/328/do_interior_designers_need_math/
3. How do Interior Designers Use Math? – The Art Bay. (n.d.). Retrieved July 4, 2022, from https://theartbay.com/how-do-interior-designers-use-math/
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