Space Design in Today's World
What is space design? Space design is how we use and manipulate the space around us. The fields of architecture, interior design, land planning and green building all incorporate it. In large part, it requires the professional to truly consider all the possible and ever far-out ways the space will be used.
Space design goes beyond thinking of which way a door should open. It does not require large expanses of space, nor is it limited by small quantities of space. Rather, it's a matter of ultimate functionality. Beyond that, it isn't merely a literal process; it's also a matter of social and environmental sustainability.
Interior architecture
Imagine being able to move easily about the kitchen even when entertaining 20 guests. That's what award-winning architect Jonathan Parks of Sarasota, FL., achieved in one client's major renovation. He transformed the boxy, claustrophobic area, originally segmented by walls into an open, airy space that includes a wet bar, dining area, breakfast bar and prep area. The newly renovated kitchen area is a space people can easily move about, even when the cabinets, the oven or the fridge are open. How did Parks do it? He used forethought to incorporate flow, process and design. Not only did he use the boundaries of the space — the surrounding walls — he also emphasized the center space, which amplified the possibilities.
Knocking down walls, using an L-shaped bar, building in a small wine bar, and using pocket sliders between the patio and the kitchen helped manifest the concepts. The wife can remove hors d'oeuvres out of the oven comfortably and entertain guests in the kitchen, while her husband comes in and out of the kitchen as he's barbecuing on the patio. And the best part, no one gets in each others way.
Mixed-use communities
Smart growth, often associated with New Urbanism, is a growing policy trend in residential development and land planning. It's often manifested in mixed-use projects. In the book,'New Urbanism: Comprehensive Report & Best Practices Guide," Edward Gramlich, a former Federal Reserve governor, says that implementing smart growth strategies rather than permeating sprawl would save the U.S. $250 billion over the next 25 years. Those costs would be saved mostly by lower development and utility costs for developers and lower reduced land and road costs to the government.
This type of development is a throwback to land planning before the prominence of the automobile. Before the advent of suburbs and the era of popular pre-WWII, small businesses occupy the first floor while residents live on higher floors. Curbside parking and courtyard parking are usually available to expedite and encourage the buildings use by those who live and work there. By their very nature, mix-used developments are green-oriented. These types of developments encourage their inhabitants to shop where they live and promote pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Residents and business owners become more interconnected, creating a healthy work-live environment. Smart growth projects like these also engender generational diversity. According to James Falbo, a marketing manager for Florida-based Waterford Companies, research indicates that both young professionals and downsizing seniors want to live in these mix-used communities.
Say no to bad design
The architecture profession has evolved boundlessly in the last century. Space planners, interior designers and architects have learned how to reconceptualize the space they're working with and are more likely considering long-term effects and usability in their design. They consider a wide variety of uses rather than simple, pragmatic ones.
Take for example my apartment – apparently unchanged since its 1920s construction. A radiator located in my bathroom proves to be a laughable impediment. Its permanent location negates the ability to completely open the bathroom door. Furthermore, getting burned is an immanent risk. Beware of bending down too much at the sink or ZING! Ouch! That radiator has been known to leave interesting (but fortunately temporary) tattoos in rather private places!
Had a designer with a good sense of space design created this today, she might install a pocket door rather than a fully opening one. But then again, she would have prevented the problem forthright by installing a contemporary heating unit toward the ceiling.
View more blogs by Nichole Reber at Spacedesignjournal.com
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