Salk Institute
image: TheNose | Flickr

I often use the term “lifestyle design” when thinking about the design of architecture. By this, I mean that architecture holds within it a great power to uplift the way humans live their daily lives — and it is “lifestyle” which is directly connected to human health, happiness and spirit.

Although many factors must be considered, architecture is ultimately for the occupant. And it is up to the architect to provide real and meaningful value for them.

When you stop to think about all of the things that make up an occupant’s lifestyle, the list is quite overwhelming. In many ways, simply understanding what your occupant really needs is an art. Translating those needs into a wonderful design takes a lot of ingenuity and forethought.

Asking the Right Questions Will Guide You Toward the Right Solutions

What I challenge you to do is to take their needs, in all of their complexity, and solve for them by incorporating and targeting their lifestyle. How can you improve it? What do you need to change about it? What do they want to change? What do they love about it? And so on.

Hone your ability to ask the right questions. Know where to look for Read more

image: Incase Designs | Flickr

Productivity. Collaboration. Mobility. Globalization. Socialization. Culture.

Such are the buzz-words which describe the more modern workplaces of today. But where is this all going? And why?

One thing is for sure, computers are spreading. They seem to be everywhere. They’re getting smaller, more helpful and their interfaces are getting more intuitive. It’s no wonder that the surrounding environments which inhabit them now often allow for more mobility, productivity and collaboration.

But what about creativity? It’s an important factor — and one that should be addressed head-on.

I think that fostering creativity within office cultures is both fundamental, and too often under-emphasized and overlooked. After all, it is creativity that is the glue for so many office cultures today. Just think Google.

Within Google corporate cultures you can see how having a creative work office design literally feeds the Google work culture — ultimately leading to more innovation, better employee satisfaction, retention and outreach.

Here is a quick look around the Google Chicago office so you can get a glimpse of what I’m talking about (before I go on): Read more

Can Music Increase Your Potential?

What role does music play in your work as an architect? Do you listen to it while you design? Or do you incorporate it into your architectural designs, for your occupants?

In an article recently published by The Boston Globe, Carolyn Y. Johnson writes about a surgeon who listens to music while he operates. Also, he is conducting various studies to really understand what effect music has on both doctors and patients. In addition to improving the results of surgery, he thinks music might also be used for other types of medical treatments. (1)

For example, while listening to Mozart, patients needed less sedation, had “reduced stress hormone levels and had lower blood pressure(s) and heart rate(s)” than those that heard nothing. Similarly, Mozart proved to be quite a success when measuring the performance of surgeons. Their accuracy was notably improved. (1)

Architects Take “Note”

This type of research will provide great information for architects to utilize for their work. Both in architectural offices and within architectural schools, you will most likely find Read more

Image: Steve Kay | Flickr

IT ISN’T WHAT IT USED TO BE

I discovered a site that has a thought-provoking section on workplace by design. Read this introductory quote to get you thinking about workplace design and what principles you use to create healthy and productive work environments.

The workplace today is a result of historical innovations that were designed to make the workplace a productive environment. However the world of work continues to change, and the design factors that once were helpful are adding less value than they once did. (1)

Today, workplaces must answer to a wide range of needs using various new technologies and design principles that not only foster productivity — but also creativity. In addition, workers want to work in healthy, stress-free environments that promote everything from spaces for focus to spaces for social interaction. Work environments need to meet a multitude of needs at once, and that is why Read more