Mindful Design Consulting Newsletter (May 2010) Latest Trends in Architecture.

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May 2010 Hello everybody! This is our May 2010 design newsletter. Today I will share some of the latest architectural design trends that caught my attention this season. Let me know if you agree and post your comments on my New Blog. In our Green News corner, take a look how furniture designers give a new life to recycled cardboard creating stunning furniture pieces for home. Last month several people have asked me to define the latest trends in architectural design. I am not an expert on architecture history or on different movements in architecture, but I do practice design on ongoing bases. Constant research on the world's greatest projects is a must for me while working on my projects. It’s intriguing to study projects from the perspective of why people are attracted to something more and why other projects lose public interest remarkably fast. It is also fascinating to identify common themes of all contemporary architecture around and to try to predict what will stay and what will go out of favor fast. Please give me your feedback on my ideas presented HERE. Truly yours, EKATERINA KOHLWES principal / designer
LATEST TRENDS IN ARCHITECTURE
"Architectural trends" is a very controversial term. A building style is not as easy to change as it is to buy a new dress or even a new car, buildings stay with us for generations. Various architecture styles have been coexisting for centuries complementing each other in fantastic ways. So whatever style you decide to go with would be ok so long as you create a quality sustainable architecture piece which can continuously grow and change with time, serving its occupants as years go by. Looking at what's being built around the world right now, I did see some common new "trends" I could point out. These are just a few trends which I liked personally and that I try using in my designs. Use these wisely and you can produce amazing results on your projects. Don't forget to tell me what your ideas are of the latest trends in architecture. Just Go HERE.

1. Being True to Materials

One of the most remarkable characteristics of contemporary architectural design is being true to materials used on the project. If you are building something of wood, don’t hide the beauty of it - make it exposed! You can stain it if you wish, but still show the beauty of the wood species’ grains. If it’s a metal frame supporting your ceiling - show it! Make it an accent of your space. It will give character and save you money on the ceiling finish. This architecture design trend all comes down to using raw materials and not covering them up, consequently using less chemical for finishes or paint and spending less money while still looking sleek!

2. Bold Colors

Be bold with colors! Pick one or two and make them strong. Use your logo colors if you are trying to brand your business space. Bold colors don’t have to be on walls, use them in furniture, lighting or any design elements in your space. Just a note: accent walls are not in style anymore, unless it’s a wall in your lobby with your business logo on it. Making accent walls in your office are dated just as bad as having vinyl base – sounds good in theory but shows bad design taste and your irresponsibility towards environmental and health issues.

Burger Lounge successfully uses the colors of its logo throughout its interior effectively branding itself.

3. Images on Glass Walls

Using images or phrases as a pattern on glass partitions have been around for a while. Creating a screen-like feel with words or images produces an intriguing design element while providing privacy and safety as opposed to using clear glass partitions. Also, our subconscious mind will read what you wrote on your walls, so be creative and positive. Images that show from heat or from light is something that appeared later. This type of user interaction with a living space is a trend you will be seeing more and more around you.

A Hotel room in Puerta America, Madrid, Spain - designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. This image of a Japanese geisha appears on the shower glass partition only when you turn your shower on and the steam warms up the room. Clever invention to keep the company of an occupant of this room.

4. Pedestrian Friendly

Making everything bike and pedestrian friendly so you would want to walk, not drive - is one of the largest movements related to the environmental impact of driving and our dependency on oil. I personally experienced bad design while living in an apartment in San Francisco where I wanted to drive across the street to a mini-mart. Why? I felt unsafe to cross the street as a pedestrian. The latest changes you will be seeing around are focused on making us feel safe being without our “car armor.” Designing your new building or a business, make it appealing to pedestrians. Read more tips on how to make your business appear more pedestrian friendly HERE

San Diego is getting more pedestrian friendly.

5. Creating the Mood

The last trend - and not the least - think about how your space, your building design or your house is sending some type of a message on a subconscious level. Humans are animals and react to most things on biological level. So whatever you bring to your space to expose to your clients or guests will create a reaction in their minds without them ever realizing it. It can be that wild color you choose for your lobby, or that dried up plant dying on the sill of your window... What is it saying about your business? This trend is something architects are becoming more and more interested in while seeing how good spaces make people feel good in them. Feng Shui is one of the forms of design manifesting this holistic approach. Read more on how to influence your clients’ behavior HERE.

The human brain monitors and regulates the body's actions and reactions. It continuously receives sensory information, and rapidly analyzes this data and then responds, controlling bodily actions, functions and thoughts. Try to feed your client's brain with positive thoughts about your business. It is within your power!

GREEN NEWS!

Who said there is no life after death? UK-based Lazerian Studio transforms simple sheets of recycled cardboard into beautiful furnishings, giving the material a new lease of life. A collaboration between furniture designer Liam Hopkins and artist Richard Sweeney, the duo showcased several stunning projects at Milan Design Week, including their Radioleria sofa, which is inspired by intricate natural forms such as wasps nests and sea organisms. See more HERE.

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