Posts

Manifesto - Design in Care Environments

Image
Since I can remember I was attending or visiting hospitals and care centres for myself and family. I, like most people found these places to be sterile, cold and uninviting environments. I found this confusing, as these are environments in which people are meant to recover both physically and mentally and although most people wouldn’t think about the effects the environment has on people, it fascinated me to think that we still lack basic design which can have so many benefits for not only patients, but healthcare workers too. The architectural design of public buildings such as hospitals and care centres has been overlooked for decades now, being made to be low cost, factory like environments. The focus and aim has primarily been on physical functioning, to simply treat individuals illnesses and health issues medically. This has often led to the neglect of patients other needs such as mental health and psychological, social and spiritual needs. Hospitals and places of care have, to ma...
Post a Comment
Read more

Is it just Architects who are Ethically Responsible?

Image
For many years now, there has been a question of architects political and social roles. With an increase in awareness of global warming, human population and environmental damage over the past few decades, architects have had to expand their knowledge, scope of their design values, and what they really care about. Now a vital part of architectural education, ethics have had a huge impact in architectural practices and how the environment around us is built. With buildings and construction alone considered responsible for at least 50% of all environmental waste, it is not a surprise that architects have an ethical responsibility for the design and function of buildings. It is difficult to define who is responsible for the built environment and it is estimated that for more than 95% of the built environment is 'not designed by professionals' but designed 'by the people for the people', therefore the ethical responsibilities  may not be purely the architects r...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hostile Architecture - why is it a problem?

Image
  People imagine cities as packed communities full of people and public spaces positively interacting with one another. However, often hidden in plain sight, it is clear that the environment is not as welcoming as it seems for all members of society. Even if it is as simple as a curve or arm rest on a bench… ‘Hostile architecture’ is an urban design strategy that uses elements of the built environment to purposefully guide or restrict behaviour. It is designed to be uncomfortable to those who rely on public spaces such as the youth and in particular, the homeless. Metal spikes under a sheltered area outside of residential flats in London. Hostile architecture can take many forms in infrastructure and installations (usually found in cities or densely populated areas) such as metal bars on benches, slanted perching seats and anti-homeless spikes. Hostile architecture sends out a very clear signal that certain people in the community are not wanted. Benches installed by Camden’s local...
Post a Comment
Read more

70s Architecture and Interior Design

Image
  ‘Brutalist’’ architecture emerged during the 1950’s and its style rose in popularity until it peaked during the mid 70’s. Hans Asplund, a Swedish architect created the word ‘’brutalist architectural style’ to characterise the Villa Goth in Uppsala, which he designed in 1949. It originated from the French word ‘Beton brut’’ meaning ‘ready mixed concrete’. It is also used by Le Corbusier to describe the type of material he uses for his architectural works. (Villa Goth pictured below). Known for its use of functional reinforced concrete and steel, modular elements and utilitarian feel, Bruutalist architecture was primarily used for commercial and institutional buildings however is seen a lot today still as was used for creating critically needed housing. Brutalist architecture declined in popularity heading into the 1980s, due to the cold and harsh nature. It also didn’t age well in British weather with concrete often showing signs of damage and decay that brought down the overall a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Carbon Neutral Architecure

Image
In recent years, the serious risks and consequences of climate change have become apparent to the world. With many people and corporations making significant changes in their lifestyles to minimise their carbon footprints. Raising temperatures, sea levels and changes in weather patterns will (and already have been) affecting plants, animals and humans and the quality of life, including the built environment. Natural sources of Co2 emissions: Decomposition Ocean release Respiration Human sources of Co2 emissions: Cement production  Deforestation Burning of fossil fuels (e.g coal, oil and natural gasses) A carbon neutral building is when greenhouse gas emissions are minimised at all stages, including the manufacturing processes, during construction and during use. Any emissions that are produced, are balanced by climate-positive initiatives so that the net carbon footprint overtime is zero. ‘Populus’ is a Denver hotel designed by Chicago based architecture firm Studio Gang. Develope...
Post a Comment
Read more

Japanese Architecture

Image
I have found Japanese architecture very interesting to research in this weeks blog as it differs in many ways to that of European architecture that i have been previously looking at… Japanese structures are traditionally built for the summer and therefore are very open and lack a sense of ‘security’. They typically may feature transparent, sliding doors as the main access into the house. The Japanese share spaces such as gardens with their neighbours. Traditionally, structures are built from wood and elevated off the ground with tiled/ thatched roofs. Spaces are extremely functional, for example walls can be partitioned by grooves in the floor to slide and allow easy change to the layout and therefore use of the space. This a clever use of material as it can create different environments in summer or winter depending on how the partitions are arranged, somewhat acting as ‘clothes’ for the house. The word ‘ shoji ’ is a term to describe the partitions between rooms. This can make the li...
Post a Comment
Read more

Accountability as a Matter of Concern

Image
' Epistemology ' is ultimately the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity and scope, and the distinction between justified belief and opinion.  In relation to history and theory in architecture, epistemology could suggest a cross-cultural and historical  evolution of architectural styles as seen through the branches of Banister Fletcher's 'The Tree of Architecture'' which originates from five periods (Peruvian, Egyptian, Greek, Assyrian and Chinese and Japanese).  Accountability as a Matter of Concern: As an act of care and concern in the histories and theories includes all forms of knowledge from every corner of the world. we should acknowledge and question where our knowledge comes from.   Application: Indigenous Knowledge  Recent years recent has demonstrated that many indigenous knowledge systems outside of the west have much to offer such as mathematics, sciences and humanities. I believe that understanding where knowledge...
Post a Comment
Read more