inside out design: June 2010

Thursday, June 24, 2010

So much going on

It is so exciting to see that there are so many conferences, seminars and events on at the moment for design. Quite a few are in melbourne unfortunately which makes it hard to get to, as well as a lot are during business hours.

However I have found two events I am interested in attending - Lightsource and First Thursday.

First thursday is on once a month and is a networking event in Sydney. Each month their a upcoming artists showcased, interesting speakers, networking and drinks and canapes. Its $60 but appears to be well worth it, especially for a graduate designer like myself.

Lightsource is an event for commercial and retail lighting technologies and new ideas. Its free for trade members and only $10 for public. It runs over thurs-sun so gives everyone the opportunity to pop by.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Designing for environments

This project is fabulous. Designed by Productora this project is located in Chihuahua, Mexico. I love the way the building has very clear lines of where it sits in the landscape. Yet, it has a real sense of flow from the external landscape into the the interior. It feels like a natural progression from the front lawn to the design of the building. It doesn't stick out like a sore thumb.

I also am impressed with how they have considered the local climate, landscape and conditions so that it would be a pleasant home to live in. Firstly and most obviously - the fact that it is built into the hill means that the temperature inside will drop several degrees, making it more pleasant for a climate like mexico. They have used the roof design and the angles of the sun to create natural awnings for balconies, instead of it being an after thought. They have positioned the rooms thoughtfully to maximise natural light in the living areas.

Im looking forward to seeing more like it.

Friday, June 4, 2010

ConnectED 2010

I want to go.

I was so excited when I found out about this conference a week or so ago. However with my new job I can't get the time off to attend! what a shame.

ConnectED is an international conference on design education, and how lucky are we that the 2nd ever one is in Sydney, our backyard.

I have been particularly interested in the design of educational spaces over the last year or so. So much so that my university major project was a multipurpose learning centre for secondary students. Schools should be designed more like universities and workplaces. Features such as breakout spaces, common areas with various spaces to conduct individual or group informal learning, meeting rooms that simulate real life business, multimedia points easily accessible and wireless internet. Students find it easier to apply themselves to their learning when they take ownership of both the tasks and the environments in which they inhabit.

I think there is so much to discuss and contribute about these types of spaces. It is not a simple solution but one that is definitely evolving. I am already seeing the design of informal spaces in schools and the exploration of the relationship between inside and outside spaces - extending the learning experience into its neighbouring landscape. I look forward to future conversations with likeminded people, and i'm disappointed it won't be this june 28 june -1 July. Lets hope I can download some notes from the conference.

Playing with light

Speaking of BKK Architects. I stumbled across this project of theirs called the 2Part House. I really like the way they have played with angles, orientation, storage and beautiful natural materiality. I want a lounge with a bookshelf like that! Imagine how comfortable it would be in that space. Warm from the use of natural timber and sunlight streaming in, light and airy from the windows on different aspects, spacious because of the high ceilings and good use of space and storage.

These pockets of light allow for an open yet private environment. It also means you don't get too hot in the summer, but you stay warm and appreciative of the light in the winter.

There is also something very pleasing to our mind and soul about rhythm in the environments we occupy. Rhythm in the lines created by sun streaming in through windows spaced evenly across a space, rhythm in the materials used, rhythm in the position of beams, doors and furniture. Subconsciously we feel at ease when we walk through a space that has features such as these.

Exploring landscape and boundaries

This week in Australian Design Review, I saw the article on the Boundary House, designed by BKK Architects. Wow, what a fantastic piece of design! - exploring the definition of boundaries, fluid connection of spaces, pod like accretions* and the relationship between inside and outside spaces.

It is so inspiring to see this kind of design. They have thrown out the definition of what a house should be, square, box-like, with a lawn, and made extensions that extrude to make more connections between not only each space but each space and its surrounds. My only complaint would be the view from the street. The architecture contrasts the old with the new, but the front view is let down by the landscape and facade. It is the perfect opportunity to subtly suggest this house is not ordinary, but it looks 'normal'. I guess the advantage is you are in for a surprise!