Throughout the Human Science building of Texas Tech University there are lounge areas for students. These areas give students a place to take a break from the classroom atmosphere and sit down next to one another in a social, relaxing setting. This lounge area in particular is filled with upholstered couches and chairs.
The fabric chosen to upholster the couches and chairs in this room is faux leather. Also known as “pleather”. Pleather is very durable and easy to clean. It is water resistant, meaning that Starbucks cups are welcome in this area (a very important function of student furniture). This is also a cost effective choice, however designers must be carful on the amount of “faux” fabric in a room because there is a risk of it looking cheap. Most people know the difference between leather and pleather, and this particular use of black and red screams “Our budget could not accommodate real leather!”
Black and red completely clash with the nature of this building. It is not pleasing to the eye to find a bold black and red (Wreck’em!) next to warm brown tones. However, these upholstered pieces stand a chance with aesthetics because of their silver (chrome-like) base. This material continues to the base of the surrounding tables to give the pleather some contrast, and it looks good. There are a few things that should be changed aesthetically to the upholstery of the seating in this space, but if we are only focused on function and durability, this choice of faux leather wins.
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