Designing a Lasting Change

Riley C. Fenton

doi:10.7273/000008030

"Design theory interprets the meaning behind spatial decisions and moves beyond just aesthetics to examine how each choice contributes to the overall human experience. According to Buchanan (1992), design theory provides a framework for connecting the physical qualities of a space to the intangible needs of people. The mental shift from “what looks good” to “what creates meaning” allows design to deeper social and emotional systems. Understanding design through a social lens leads to the realization that any detail, no matter how small, can influence behavior, comfort, and belonging. With Kopec’s (2018) human-ecological model, design is understood as an interconnected system linking people, environment, and emotions. This shows just how spatial and material decisions influence comfort, belonging, and well-being for its users. While traditional design education often prioritizes efficiency and convenience, design theory reframes these goals with a more human-centered approach. Applying this system to the foster care system offers a meaningful opportunity to study and improve how intentional design can support belonging and stability. This paper examines how design theory can help create deeper connections between space, care, and belonging. This especially applies to spaces that feel temporary. By applying theory to foster care living environments, design becomes an empathetic tool for understanding how environments influence human experience. "

Designing a Lasting Change

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