Design principles and methods: research design approaches

As a Spatial designer one must have knowledge on Architecture that takes care of the project management and also the development of new design skills. Renovation of internal spaces is also a must. The below design principles shall always be considered

• Circulation.
• Space organization.
• Sustainability.
• Aesthetics.
• Ergonomics.

The Methods used for creating a design are

• The site Analysis.
• Research.
• Concept / Sketches.
• Brainstorming.

A Designer needs to be always clear on the structure alterations, the placement of the furnishing, the fixtures and fittings, the lighting and the colour schemes. Another important aspect is that a designer works in a range of different commercial / company to have vast experience in different fields of work. Certain professional designers, practice their work as a second job as a private entity. Designers may choose to work at their own choice of leisure or domestic settings. However, they shall ensure that their work is efficient, have functional use of space, and clarify the wants and needs of the clients.

The Designer is also to lead the client through various questions and build up some ideas of designs to be discussed. Before choosing the design, one always needs to consider the materials, client’s budget and negotiate on the project fees. The design aesthetics require to be carefully studied and understood. Nowadays some designers are focusing more on the appearance rather than the structure of the building. In my opinion, one has to be careful on both aspects, since beautiful appearance may not be achieved without an interesting structure. Every designer always have to be responsible of his work.

I was inspired from many designers, who all came from different countries. One of the most interesting design was the ‘ Hemmelig Rom’, created by the ‘ Studio Padron’, which was a secluded library in the woods of New York State. The name of library means the secret room. US Firm Studio Padron created this tiny black cabin which served both as a library and as a guest house for persons on vacation. The guesthouse is not suitable for many people. To build this library they took a lot of time because they had to think of what material they are going to use. After consideration on various aspects, they chose the Oak Trees. After the trees has been cut into large rectangular log section, these were left to dry for several years on the place.

Another interesting successful strategy that Studio. Padron came up with, was to preserve the waste material from the built up of this design. After completing the structure, they focused on the interior part, in which logs were used to form the cabin walls. The gaps between the logs were specifically made to be used as bookshelves. Studio Padron wanted the guest to experience the feeling of being in the woods and thus formed a larger opening as a façade window for the view. Another important utility is the wood stove which is essential because the place is situated in a cold area and the reader shall be kept cozy. Another fascinating design is the ‘ Book House’. This design was made by the Japanese architect ‘ Nendo’. The interesting concept of this design is based on the Japanese houses, which in my opinion, is rare to find. This book house is made for private residents who are from Tokyo, Japan. It has unique features on the exterior part, because Nendo created exterior walls that look like a structure of a bookshelf. A good idea that the designer had was to combine privacy with public space, since the people who wanted to be in silence and in privacy could make use of the interior library, whilst the other visitors may choose to use the outside area. This structure is created on a protective platform, which is covered by the wooden screens and by the books. It is quite interesting to experience an outside library where one may read books with a beautiful view nearby.

Another interesting fact is that the interior is made of semitransparent walls, from which light may pass and create a connection between the inside and outside. The third design that inspired me is different from the previous two because it is a store design, which is called the ‘ Volume B store’. This design was made by Marcio Kogan, and is situated in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Kogan designed this building as a project for a store, however today it is used as the retail furniture store for ‘ Vitra’. The most motivating part of this project is that Kogan tried to create a visible concrete feature wall which was done in a precise way. The building was also surrounded from various layers of steel frame. Kogan`s concept is well setup, however the most thing that he didn`t like is the chalk markings, left on the interior walls by the workers during construction. Pebbles were used to create an innovative design on the external floors. These were also helpful to outline the concrete building. One may note that from the inside of the store in the direction of the façade, one will experience the outside view of the steel frames and the natural light coming from the façade. This store design is very eye catching for the viewer.

All mentioned designs are very different from each other, and one may notice that every designer has his own intentions. However, a common factor in all three designs, is the manner by which they treat their own work. Projects are built step by step from scratch, will communicating with other designers or clients to evolve the ideas. The most important thing that very designer keep in mind before doing the design are the site analysis, targeted audience, main functions, people attractions and how to relate to people, etc. These designs are really helpful and give me more room for taught and ideas on how a designer works. It shows me what I have to watch in order to learn and notice every important bit and pieces of every design.