VTechWorks Repository :: Browsing by Author "Bowker, Jeanette E."

Browsing by Author "Bowker, Jeanette E."

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Age as a predictor of acceptance of housing alternatives among the nonmetropolitan population
Reagor, Jane Davidson (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1989)
The main purpose of this study was to investigate a model of predictors of acceptance of housing alternatives among the nonmetropolitan population. The study analyzed data from the Southern Regional Research Project, S-141, “Housing for Low- and Moderate-Income Families." The sample consisted of 1,234 households and a subsample of 556 over age 55. The independent variables for this study were: housing situation, housing satisfaction, concept of home, and demographics, including age. The dependent variable was acceptance of housing alternatives. The work of Rogers (1962, 1983) and Rogers and Shoemaker (1971) on the adoption process of innovations formed the theoretical framework for this study. The Total Knowledge Index of Weber, McCray, and Claypool (1985), based on the decision stage of the adoption process of Rogers and Shoemaker (1971), was used to measure acceptance of six types of alternative housing: active solar, passive solar, apartment/multifamily, earth-sheltered/underground, manufactured/mobile home, and retrofitted/energy-improved. Multiple regression was used to test the first hypothesis that the age of the respondent would explain more variation in acceptance of housing alternatives than could be explained by given set of independent variables. Age did not significantly add to the amount of variation in acceptance that could be explained by the model of predictors. For the subsample over age 55 the addition of age significantly increased the amount of variation in acceptance. More of the variation in acceptance was explained by the model of predictors with the over age 55 subsample than with the entire sample. The second hypothesis involved regressing the set of predictors, excluding age, on each of the three age independent groups (under 55, 55 - 64, and age 65 and over). The set of predictors explained significantly more of the variation for the age defined groups of 55 to 64 and those age 65 and over than it did for the group under 55. Therefore, it appears that age is important in the prediction of acceptance of housing alternatives with the set of independent variables in this study, particularly for individuals over age 55.
Comparing the Effectiveness of Computer Simulation on Computer Monitor vs. Virtual Reality as Communication Tools in Interior Design
Lee, Jongran (Virginia Tech, 1998-10-16)
Computer simulations have developed as communication tools in interior design. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two types of computer simulation: passive walk-through animation of an interior design on the PC monitor and immersive walk- through of the same interior design in the CAVETM. This effectiveness was decided in terms of communicating basic visual information, such as visual forms, spatial relationships, colors, and textures. Sixty voluntary subjects chosen from faculty, staff, and graduate students at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University were tested experimentally and interviewed. The interior design of the Visualization and Animation Laboratory in the Advanced Communications and Information Center, which is under construction on the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, was simulated by the two types of computer simulation and shown to the participants. This study found that the simulation in the CAVETM was more effective than that on the PC in terms of communicating information about visual forms and spatial relationships in interior design. However, the PC was more effective in communicating information about colors. In terms of textures, no difference was shown. The simulation in the CAVETM appears to have more of a three-dimensional perception and makes people feel as if they were actually present in the space. Both technologies can have a role for general introduction to interior spaces. However, people gain more information in the CAVETM simulation.
A comparison of spatial interpretations of NASA's payload operations control center, Marshall Space Flight Center, using real world and virtual reality observations
Lindsey, Patricia F. (Virginia Tech, 1996-12-22)
Virtual reality (VR) is the latest technique to be used in the ongoing search for experiential simulation methods for evaluation of environmental designs. The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential for using VR to evaluate interior environments. The objective was to investigate whether observation of a VR simulation provides the same information as observation of the existing environment. A sample of 24 NASA engineers and university faculty members observed the Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Comparisons were made of observations of the actual POCC, a VR simulation, and a second VR simulation that was altered to test for ability to recognize changes. Participants evaluated the POCC for differences in general characteristics, object visibility, distance perception, ability to reach an object, and ability to share objects and conversation. Comparisons were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, and I tests. Findings revealed few differences among the real and the VR worlds. Changes to the virtual world were generally recognized.
Complex Spatial Skills: The Link Between Visualization and Creativity
Allen, April Diane (Virginia Tech, 2000-03-03)
The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between spatial skills and creativity in interior design students. Participants were subjects who took a visualization assessment and created the 33 projects used in the study, and 11 judges, professional design experts who rated the projects. The sample of subjects was comprised of interior design students at a FIDER-accredited institution in southwest Virginia. The judges included interior design educators and interior design graduate students having previous practice experience. Subjects completed a pencil-and-paper Visualization Assessment consisting of 36 questions using two-dimensional and three-dimensional drawings (Isham, 1997). A percentage score for spatial skills was calculated for each subject based on the number of correct answers. Design projects created by the students were assessed by subjective ratings on three Dimensions of Judgment taken from the Consensual Technique for Creativity Assessment (Barnard, 1992; Amabile, 1982). The three dimensions used in this study included Appropriateness, Creativity, and Novelty. Ratings were collected in two judging sessions at a local site. Interjudge reliabilities exceeded the established criterion level (.70 or greater) on all three dimensions, with coefficients ranging from .729 to .866. Interjudge reliability for the Creativity dimension was .866, indicating a high level of agreement among judges on creativity. Intercorrelations among the dimensions indicated a high degree of association between the variables with Appropriateness and Novelty both significantly correlated with the Creativity dimension. Pearson product-moment correlation was used to determine if there was a significant correlation between visualization and creativity in interior design students. No significant correlation was found.
Computer utilization in interior design: designer attitudes, function application, and equipment usage
Tang, Ruey-Er (Virginia Tech, 1985-11-05)
This research investigated the extent of computer usage in the interior design profession including attitudes toward computers, computer applications, and computer equipment usage. A questionnaire was sent to five hundred professional members of the American Society of Interior Designers across the nation. The frequency distribution was used on 169 usable data to describe the sample background characteristics and to determine the computer equipment utilization. Means and TV test were employed to examine if a significant difference of opinion toward computers existed between designers based on experience on computers, size of organizations, and type of projects. Findings which were statistically significant indicated that computer-experienced and non-residential interior designers had more positive attitudes toward computers. More computers had been incorporated into non-residential interior designers' offices. Overall, interior designers from various backgrounds had the same opinion in believing that computers were not cost-effective for drafting application for most interior designers or for their own establishments at present. The most popular computer applications in this study were billing, accounting, financial management, specification, and business correspondence. Furthermore, the IBM personal computer was found to be the most used microcomputer in this study.
Computers in the design process: comparing creativity ratings of interior design solutions using pencil-based and computer-based design methods in schematic development
Brandon, Lynn (Virginia Tech, 1994-11-12)
Computer-aided design has been integrated into the design process primarily in the latter stages as a drafting tool for detailing and accuracy rather than incorporated into the early stages as a design tool for enhancing ideational fluency. Pencil-based design (i.e., hand drawing and sketching) has traditionally been the graphic medium in the ideation process to aid in externalizing and manipulating designers' ideas. The early, creative design phases require the design medium that is used during schematic ideation yield to the deSigner's needs in generating, communicating, and evaluating ideas (Marshall, 1992). The integration of the computer-based method into schematic ideation may impact the design process by possibly affecting the designer's creative abilities and the resulting creative aspects of the design solution. This study examined the products of creativity to determine if differences exist in creativity ratings of design solutions generated using two design methods - pencil-based and computer-based - in the preliminary design phases. Interior design students (n=40) used the two design methods and generated design solutions for a small restaurant project. An established instrument was used by eight design educators to evaluate the design solutions on creathlity and six other design merit aspects. The process of creativity was also examined and the perceptions of the interior design students were assessed regarding the use of the deSign methods and the influences on creativity.
Consumer opinions regarding a flammability standard for upholstered furniture
Gardner, Mary Ann (Virginia Tech, 1977-10-05)
In an effort to determine consumer opinions concerning a proposed standard for upholstered furniture, a consumer survey was conducted in June, 1977. One-hundred-three women completed a self-administered questionnaire. Information collected by the questionnaire included background information, consumer opinions, and experiences with fire. Since no significant relationships were found among variables, the data were analyzed by the use of frequency counts. The sample of women respondents was found to be composed mainly of middle aged, middle class women. Education of the sample was fairly high, nearly the entire sample had at least a high school education. Approximately half of the sample was employed either full-time or part-time. Consumer knowledge revealed by the questionnaire was that most respondents had some awareness of at least one flammability standard for textile products. Generally, most felt that the flame resistant quality in texti1e products was important. Responsbi1ity for protecting consumers from flammable upholstered furniture was placed on fabric manufacturers, furniture manufacturers or the government. The sample also generally responded that the government should pass laws to protect consumers or educate the public about the hazards of flammable upholstered furniture. Although most respondents did not feel it was consumers' responsibility to protect themselves against flammable upholstered furniture, most were willing to pay extra for the protection when buying upholstered furniture. Yet very few were willing to pay the amount estimated to be the added cost of making upholstered furniture flame resistant. Results of this research indicate that middle class, middle income, fairly well educated women are in favor of a flammability standard for upholstered furniture, but are not willing to pay the entire added cost of this protection. Although most of them were aware of flammability standards, most needed to be better educated as to which products have standards regarding flame resistance and which do not.
A contemporary teashop design based on Chinese traditions
Dai, Hongwu (Virginia Tech, 1999-09-13)
Tea is the world's oldest and currently most popular beverage in the world. Tea drinking has long been an important aspect of Chinese culture and has evolved as an art form called the "tea ceremony". With the growing interest in Asian culture, ethnic food, and the health benefits of tea, the tea market in the United States has increased dramatically. These developments, along with the recent growth in coffeehouses/shops, indicate a potential for similar success for teashops. The purpose of this study was to design a contemporary teashop deriving design inspiration from traditional Chinese culture and teahouse design. An existing site in a university town was selected for the study. Historical factors were identified through review literature and visual records of historic teahouses and architecture. Photos of contemporary Chinese teahouses provided information on teahouse operation and layout of functional areas. Observation of four local coffee shops was completed to collect data on function and design. Data were used to determine the workable solutions for a teashop designed for an American market. Based on the data collected, a design concept and programming requirements were developed. Design solutions that were found to be suitable and advantageous to enhance the concept were incorporated into the proposed design. Interior space layout, teashop logo, lighting fixtures, and façade design were developed. The design solutions were presented through plans, elevations, detail drawings, and perspective drawings.
A Contemporary Turkish Coffeehouse Design Based on Historic Traditions
Oral, Timur (Virginia Tech, 1997-04-16)
The custom of coffee drinking in Turkey dates back to the sixteenth century coffeehouses of Istanbul, which were once important forums for community integration. Even though coffee drinking today is still an important custom in Turkey, traditional coffeehouses have lost their importance in urban areas and are rapidly being replaced by contemporary cafes that promote European themes. With the new generation placing less emphasis on traditional values and accepting a modernized lifestyle, the existence of Turkish coffeehouse culture is struggling to survive. The purpose of this thesis project was to develop a design concept for a contemporary Turkish coffeehouse franchise retaining important aspects of the traditional coffeehouses of the past. Historic features were identified through observations and visual recordings of historic Turkish coffeehouses and interviews with older patrons of traditional coffeehouses. Focus group discussions were held with graduate and undergraduate Turkish students enrolled at Virginia Tech to obtain information on their perceptions of traditional coffeehouses and responses to the idea of a contemporary coffeehouse. Based on the information gathered, design criteria were established for the design of individual coffeehouse components with a consistent image, adaptable to various sites and spaces. Coffeehouse logo, nameplate, and facade designs were proposed. Presentations for the design included detailed elevations, plans, sketches, and perspective views.
Design of Early Ordinaries and Taverns in Montgomery County, Virginia from 1773 to 1823
Duncan, Edith-Anne Pendergraft (Virginia Tech, 2000-04-07)
The Wilderness Road, starting in Big Lick (Roanoke today) was a primary route over the Allegheny mountains for travelers migrating to the Kentucky frontier. Ordinaries and taverns (referred to as public houses) were known to offer food and lodgings to travelers in the state capital city of Richmond, but little is known about what, if any, accommodations were available to these settlers headed westward through southwest Virginia. With the first stops along the Wilderness Road being in Montgomery County, this study sought to determine if public houses existed in this county between the years 1773-1823, and if so, where were they located and who operated them. Further, what was the typical design or plan of public houses and how would they have been furnished. What comparisons could be made between public houses in Richmond and on in southwest Virginia. County court records, including wills, appraisals, licensing records, and court order books revealed that public houses not only existed, but also there were often as many as 5 or 6 operating at one. A license had to be purchased each year from the court and names of proprietors were recorded. These listings also helped to identify structures standing today that once served as a public house. On site observations along with WPA (Work Projects Administration) reports and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources surveys documentation of historic houses in the county offered notable similarities in design and plan among five former houses selected for this study. Wills and appraisals provided some clues about furnishings. The result of this study adds an important chapter to the story of public houses in early Virginia history.
Design project: proposed international student center
Bulusu, Srinivas K. (Virginia Tech, 1991-06-04)
One of the important forums for cultural exchange on the campuses of most large universities in the United States is the International Student Center (ISC). These centers pen doors to the world by promoting opportunities to reach beyond cultural and political barriers so as to foster better understanding of humans, and their cultural differences and similarities. Even though these centers serve an important function on campus, they often are housed in spaces which have been adapted for the purpose rather than being designed specifically to meet the needs of the various ISC programs. The ISC at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI & SU) is such an example. The purpose of this project thesis was to develop a design program and design proposal for an ISC at VPI & SU, based on user needs assessment. The plans and renderings are to be used to seek support for building a facility on campus which has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the International Student Organization. Students, both graduate and undergraduate, and the staff of the ISC were surveyed to develop a design program. A site adjacent to the Hillcrest dormitory was selected and a new ISC was designed. The proposed ISC was designed according to the user needs assessment and design program. Drawings included conceptual sketches, adjacency diagrams, detailed floor plans, elevations, sections, and perspective views.
Development of a model of the interior design process
Aliyar, Vinitha P. (Virginia Tech, 1990-07-10)
The purpose of this thesis was a) to review the design process literature in architecture and urban planning, b) to develop a model of the interior design process, and c) to apply parts of the model in a case study. The genesis and evolution of design processes in fields allied with interior design was traced. The review of literature established that interior design has little documentation of the design process. Much of what exists is borrowed from architecture and urban planning.
Documentation and analysis of millwork: a method for mapping the evolution of Solitude
Ballard, Aleta Sue (Virginia Tech, 1992-05-06)
Solitude, a nineteenth century farmhouse and historic landmark, located on the campus of Virginia Tech is currently slated for preservation. The purpose of this study was to trace the architectural history of the farmhouse and adjacent outbuilding through its existing mill work, hardware, and other architectural features. Eighteenth and nineteenth century architectural pattern books and the knowledge of architectural historians were used to date the interior millwork and hardware in this building. The millwork and hardware produced evidence of at least three distinct design periods. To determine if mill work and hardware dates supported the approximate construction dates commonly thought accurate for the three major sections of this building. The 1801 and 1834 sections of the house exhibit Federal style. Greek Revival dominates the 1851 section, as well as the renovated 1801 section, and the later additions exhibit Victorian style details. The adjacent log and frame outbuilding contained mill work that mixed Federal and Greek Revival elements. Using this information, along with information obtained from researchers who previously studied Solitude, a sequence of floor plans was developed. These plans show the evolution of the house through two major additions, as well as three smaller ones. The evolution of the outbuilding was also noted.
The effect of plants on human perceptions and behavior within an interior atrium
Hillenbrand-Nowicki, Cathy (Virginia Tech, 1993-04-05)
Plants are frequently used as design components for various types of interior settings. Design professionals may specify plants because of a subconscious awareness of the human need for natural contact, or as in may cases, such as in a "sunspace", because it is traditional to do so. Past studies by behavioral and horticulture researchers have documented human preference for plants, and have shown that plants positively affect people psychologically, but little research has been done to determine whether the use of plants in interior environments can influence human behavior. Interior plantscaping is a vital and expanding type of agribusiness, with millions of dollars being spent each year to install and maintain plants specified by design professionals. Plants are frequently used for clients in industry, health care, hospitality, retail, education, and in personal residences. Demonstrating that plants influence human physical behavior in interior environments would increase their value as interior design components, and provide a powerful sales tool to the plantscaping industry. Because of the potential importance of understanding more about the influence of plants in interior spaces on human behavior, this research examines whether user behavior patterns and spatial perceptions can be changed by the simple addition of interior plantscaping. This study was conducted to determine whether the introduction of trees and plants into an underutilized area of a newly constructed interior atrium would affect user perceptions of, and/or behaviors in the space. User perceptions of and activities within the atrium were recorded on questionnaires and behavioral maps, both before and after the installation of Ficus trees and Chinese Evergreen plants. Surveys were used to collect demographic information, suggestions for improving the atrium, and to determine user perceptions via the use of 13 polar adjective pairs on a six point semantic differential scale. Maps were used to record user behaviors on the lower atrium level where the plants were placed. The majority of data were analyzed descriptively by frequencies and percentages. Semantic differential analysis was done using two-tailed t-tests at p = .05. T-tests did not prove to be significant. There was mean movement of perceived perceptions from pre- to post-test. User behavior on the lower atrium level appeared to be affected by plant installation. A preference was shown for napping under the trees, and users spent more time on that atrium level when the trees and plants were present.
Effects of Group Interactive Brainstorming on Creativity
Park-Gates, Shari Lane (Virginia Tech, 2001-07-16)
Corporations spend a great deal of time and money trying to facilitate innovation in their employees. The act of introducing something new, a product or a service that is viable and innovative is often increased by enhancing or nurturing creativity.This experimental study investigated the effect of group verbally interactive brainstorming (social interaction) on creativity, not by comparing the number of ideas generated on a simple task in a brainstorming session, but by assessing creativity in the final product of a complex heuristic task. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of group interactive brainstorming to individual brainstorming on individual creativity assessed in the final product.The hypothesis which was tested in this study was that participation in group verbally interactive brainstorming prior to developing a design solution would not facilitate creativity in the final product more than individual brainstorming. Indeed, it was hypothesized that individuals brainstorming in teams.Participants were 36 interior design students in a FIDER accredited program at Virginia Tech. The Multidimensional Stimulus Fluency Measure (MSFM) was administered before beginning the experiment in order to determine individual differences in creativity. Subjects were randomly assigned to either a treatment group than participated in group verbally interactive brainstorming prior to developing a product individually, or a control group that participated in an individual brainstorming session. All subjects then created a design project individually that was assessed for creativity by judges who were recruited from professional interior design organizations. Creativity was measures using the Consensual Assessment for Interior Design Creativity (Barnard, 1992). A post session questionnaire also was used to measure attitudes and perceptions of the subjects about the creative process.Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences when creativity scores were compared between two brainstorming groups. That is, projects developed by interior design students did not differ significantly in creativity systematically between the two brainstorming techniques. When scores on the two dependent variables of secondary interest (novelty and appropriateness) were compared between groups they also did not differ significantly.Responses to post-session questionnaires indicated that although students found it more difficult to generate ideas in a group, they still believed they would generate more ideas and preferred to generate ideas in a group rather than alone. However, when developing a project students preferred to work independently.This study supports past research which suggests that group verbally interactive brainstorming does not enhance creativity. In this study, interactive brainstorming neither enhanced nor constrained creativity in the final product. The creativity scores were higher for those in the individual brainstorming condition, although not significantly so. This study also supports findings which indicate that people still believe they will generate more ideas in a group and that they prefer to generate ideas as a group.
The history of the Railroad of New Jersey Maritime Terminal in Jersey City, New Jersey: commemorating its centennial 1889-1989
Keenan, Sharon K. Sommerlad (Virginia Tech, 1990-05-05)
It was the purpose of this study to develop an accurate and detailed documented history of the CNJ Maritime Terminal. The study sought to answer specific questions concerning the historical, construction, and architectural significance of this structure to Jersey City, Hudson County and New Jersey. The history includes the purpose for which the structure was built, why the site was chosen, how the terminus was built, how the structure was utilized, who used the facility, why the site underwent modernization, how the modernization was instituted, who were the architects for this building, why the structure was expanded, and what alterations have been made to this structure since the CNJ Railroad Company filed for bankruptcy in 1967. This history was developed after researching both primary and secondary sources. These sources included CNJ Railroad Annual Reports, CNJ Railroad Company Charters, Peabody & Sterns Original Architectural Drawings, personal journals and correspondences, maps, technical publications, photographs, illustrations, books, magazines, CNJ Engineering Department files, historical society collections, private collections, and direct observation. The history of the CNJ Maritime Terminal, as developed within this study, comprises the historical documentation needed to secure more state funding so that the restoration for the historical site can be completed. The information can be of great value when used to justify the monies needed to complete this restoration.
Home Dyeing Wool with Natural Fibers
Kalka, Beatrice; Bowker, Jeanette E. (Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, 1975-11)
A guide for dyeing wool with vegetable materials native to Virginia
Illumination Level as an Influence Factor on Proxemic Behavior
Laughead, Amy Louise (Virginia Tech, 1999-11-18)
This study used Michelson's (1976) Intersystems Congruence Model and Hall's (1966) theories of proxemic zones to guide in the investigation of illumination level's influence on proxemic behavior. This study attempted to determine potential influence of the effect of bright or dim lighting conditions on the personal space requirements within the behavioral setting of waiting/reception areas. Both a quantitative approach and qualitative approach were taken with this investigation. To control for various cultural, social, environmental and situational variables as possible, illuminated scale-models were constructed of three waiting/reception area scenarios and a homogenous sample of Americans participated in the study. Subjects interacted with these models by placing scale-figures within them, and answered a series of both quantitative and open-ended questions. Proxemic recordings of scale-figure placements were performed and statistically analyzed. The quantitative results showed that under general ambient bright and dim lighting conditions, there were no significant differences in personal space requirements in the waiting/receptions area behavioral setting. Thus, lighting does not appear to be a determining factor in achieving adequate personal space. The qualitative analysis agreed with these results, noting other factors as being more important, such as, the proximity to others, presence of tables (assuming they hold reading materials), and a view of the entire space. This phenomenon means ambient illumination level does not play a large role in determining proxemic distances between individuals in waiting area settings.
Impact of interior design on the dining abilities of the elderly residents in assisted living and nursing homes
Rylan, Elizabeth V. (Virginia Tech, 1995)
The purposes of this two-phase study were to identify and describe the problems in assisted living and nursing home dining areas, identify solutions, and offer design recommendations or guidelines that would be useful to those involved in creating the dining environment for the elderly. The study was completed in North Carolina, and was limited to facilities with a minimum of 40 beds. Phase I consisted of a mailed questionnaire to a random sample of 288 of the total 576 administrators of assisted living and nursing homes. The response rate was 32.6%, or 94 questionnaires completed and returned. Frequencies and percentages were examined to determine the most commonly occurring problems in dining areas. Findings of Phase I revealed the major problems and gave direction for the in-depth case studies of Phase II. The problems occurring most frequently were glare from windows, maintenance of walls and floors, noise, size of room, and instability of tables. From the 34 respondents who gave permission for further research, six facilities were selected for in-depth exploration of the target problems identified in Phase I. Methods used in Phase II included: (1) observation of the dining room, photographing the area, preparing sketches of the floor plan and furniture layout, and verifying the information submitted on the mailed questionnaires of Phase I; (2) interviews with staff members; and (3) interviews with residents. The participants of Phase II were a convenience sample of five on-duty staff members and five lucid elderly residents at each facility. The findings of Phase II revealed that staff and residents made adjustments to avoid glare. Maintenance problems concerning repair of walls and floors were, however, overlooked by staff and residents. Sound levels in the dining room were disturbing and confusing, causing irritation and loss of appetite among resident diners. Noise was often generated by both residents and employees. Restricted size of the dining space hindered staff from providing service, while residents accepted the given size. Many residents preferred separate eating areas for those who could feed themselves and those who required assistance in eating. Finally, the unlevel tables and instability of table bases were constant irritations to residents and staff. There were implications for designers of various disciplines as well as furniture manufacturers, administration personnel, and educators of design students. Design recommendations included suggestions that would be useful to the four groups listed above. Recommendations for further study include researching opinions of family members on design of facilities; exploring areas other than dining rooms of assisted living and nursing home interiors; and studying the comparison of assisted living and nursing home environments for satisfaction level of residents.
The impact of oil-related pollution on housing satisfaction of Kuwaiti households
Al-Najadah, Ali Saleh (Virginia Tech, 1996-05-07)
The 1991 oil fires that were set by the Iraqis as they retreated from Kuwait during the Gulf War are still considered the worst and biggest oil fires in the history of the world. An initial study was conducted in 1992 to investigate the negative effects of the pollution caused by the oil fires on the socio-psychological values of housing and the cultural meanings of home and homeownership of Kuwaiti households. In 1994, a follow-up study was conducted to examine how time between the two studies and treatments of residential interiors and exteriors might have affected Kuwaiti households' perceptions regarding the negative effects of ORP on the socio-psychological values of housing, cultural meanings of home and homeownership, and housing satisfaction. Three-hundred and forty-seven non-smoking and non-institutionalized Kuwaiti household members participated in the follow-up study. Only eighty-nine of the participants in the follow-up study has also participated in the initial study. All the participants were 18 years or older, and were randomly selected from 60 different cities and suburbs in Kuwait. Six trained interviewers collected the data via telephone using survey questionnaires constructed specifically for that purpose. A comparison of frequencies and percentages from both the initial and the follow-up studies showed that more than two-thirds of the participants continued to be very concerned about the unclear hazardous effects of ORP on their health and safety and the health and safety of their family members. There was a decrease in the negative effects of ORP on most of the socio-psychological values of housing and cultural meanings of home and homeownership. The overall housing satisfaction of Kuwaiti households with their contaminated homes remained high. It was concluded from this study that only time and treatment of residential interiors had significant influence on Kuwaiti households’ perceptions about the negative effects of ORP on the housing values, cultural meanings of home and homeownership, and housing satisfaction. The implications of this study could be beneficial mainly to Kuwaiti households who wish to solve their housing problems caused by ORP; to the Kuwaiti government to seek, through the United Nations, financial compensations from Iraq; and to Kuwait University and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to expand their research base and investigate the best methods to remedy the problem of ORP in the Kuwaiti residential environment.

Browsing by Author "Bowker, Jeanette E."

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