Our 21st century understanding of architectural acoustics is a bit more sophisticated, making the premise of Vitruvius’ work more relevant than ever. In today’s architectural environment, smart acoustical design is not a luxury. It’s a necessity. The aural aesthetics of any given space are equally as critical to its function as its visual influences. In an office setting, how we … Read More
3D Buildings: The Homes of the Future?
It’s been around since the 1980s, creating everything from car parts, to fashion accessories, to artificial human organs for transplant patients. In the construction industry, 3D modeling has become a popular fixture, affording both clients and design teams the opportunity to visualize a project on a smaller scale, avoiding miscommunication and errors down the road. So, the question: Is 3D … Read More
Open Plan Offices: The Next Step
The goal: Organizational health. The key: A workspace that promotes and supports the mental, physical and social health of the workforce. It’s as simple—and complex—as that. Faced with the task of creating environments that foster optimal achievement, today’s office designers are forced to think outside the cubicle and adapt to a new, more organic office culture. Pursuant to our deeper … Read More
The Emergence of the Open Concept Workspace
With the proverbial swing of the pendulum, 21st century office design did away with barriers considered a hindrance to the contemporary business model. Coming full circle, today’s office-scapes once again reflect Wright’s original open office concept, maximizing the use of large open spaces, and facilitating communal spirit, while taking advantage of natural light. That’s the good news. Consult a design … Read More
The Psychology of Workspace Design
While our tech gadgetry allows individuals to work from anywhere, it’s the office that engenders the team building and collaboration so vital to a company’s infrastructure. Office design must support this face-to-face interaction and provide plenty of diverse areas in which different sized groups can gather for large team meetings or small group conversations. Workspace feng shui also dictates the … Read More
History of Doors : Design and Usage
No matter who we are or where we live, doors around the world have consistently protected us from the elements and defined our comings and goings. These iconic structures are symbols of life passages; transitions, endings, new beginnings. As we move through them—literally and figuratively—every day, we are part of a shared human behavior that began as an instinct for … Read More
The Importance of Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Ironically, BIM is one case in which technology improves human interaction. In the past, with a myriad of plans bouncing back and forth between departments until all issues were resolved, the potential for miscommunication and finger pointing was great. The engineer would blame the architect for an inexecutable design. The construction crew would fault the engineer for unrealistic expectations. Everybody … Read More
Retail Architecture and Design
Among notable retail architecture trends is the emphasis on outdoor space that can be used as a venue for concerts, how-to workshops, lectures, and other events that will draw customers and keep them lingering longer. And speaking of green, research shows that consumers, especially women, respond positively to retail architecture that is more sustainable and creates less impact on the … Read More
Healthcare Architecture and Design
The benefits of natural light cannot be overstated. Incorporating large picture windows that brighten patient rooms improves both their physical and mental states. Taking advantage of new innovations in glass technology, more and more hospitals are adding smart glass that can be transparent, tinted or opaque at the flick of a switch to eliminate glare and improve patient comfort. This … Read More
It’s Clear Smart Glass has a Bright Future
Smart glass windows for commercial office buildings and universities are beginning to become a fixture on the architectural landscape. The technology is especially popular in hospitals where it has revolutionized the concepts of privacy and hygiene. With the flick of a switch, patients can maintain their dignity away from prying eyes. Residential customers are just beginning to scratch the surface … Read More