THINK BOARD
Separate Service Functions from a Home Entry
Many homes across the country have the garage and home entry in direct competition with each other. Unfortunately, when this occurs, the homeowner is destroying the home’s personality, character and down playing the importance of the home entry. .
Perhaps not so obvious, is an outdated zoning code that squeezes homes together like sardines. This lackadaisical approach undermines the character of the home and functionality. In addition, it gives the vehicle free reign instead of treating it as a service function. In addition, having the garage continues a culture of a mass produced era of the ‘Levit home’. from its early days after the war.. Its astonishing that such an approach would continue.
One solution to the entry problem, is to establish a clarity of function. Through proper design, a language should be developed to establish a hierarchy of the home primary functions from those of service, In addition, the simplicity and ease of function can mitigate the mundane service areas. like the garage, These function if at all possible should be positioned away from more important areas such as the primary entry. It should not be diluted with less noble functions..
When the service functions are handled properly, this creates immense benefits to the form and function. This also creates a clarity about whats important. A home, can be designed to work together to form something much more than one function. In addition, a well thought out design, harmonizes the entire home ,creating good functionality and aesthetics that work together – not competing with each other. The solution at left depicts such a solution and provide meaningful valuable interface with human beings. This goes beyond the mundane and provides substantial value.
Information Kiosk @ Normandale Community College
The sketch at left depicts a design for a new information Kiosk at Normandale Community College. The design program entailed solving a design challenge that would require the use of raw materials that were available from school storage of left over materials.
The scope of work entailed designing a new ‘way-finding station’. The intended use was to serve as an information Kiosk. In addition, the project was driven by a design mandate to be 90% sustainable. (with the exception of a new computer system and any required fasteners.
The design solution provided a computer terminal and keyboard integrated with a combination of wood and acrylic panel system. In addition, an existing light and pole were incorporated to form the new Kiosk design. The Kiosk allows visitors or students to have direct access to the campus network and information system. The sketch at left provides a side view of the proposed design which was built at the entrance hall of Normandale college.
How to Improve Most Any Infrastructure:
At Arc Castle Studio, we use a design mindset that places emphasis on creating a systems approach toward design. We believe this is the most important aspect of setting the project on the right track, In short, this ‘work’ happens at the ‘front-end’ of the project. This is about seeking to understand the true nature of the problem or scope. Its about clearly defining how it works, and uncovering challenges. This is also about asking questions, and envisioning solutions with a design mindset approach. (What does this mean?) Briefly:
Utilizing a Design Mindset:
1. Establishing order out of Chaos: There is a natural way of human endeavors associated with building often advances chaos when its unchecked. A design mindset approach will establish a clear set of goals, program and uncover or mitigate risk, This forms a guardrail early , long before building, and set the direction with a passion to uncover the fuller potentials..
2. Multifaceted Approach: its never a one size fits all approach. This requires an envisioning, once the due diligence has been established. This is what differentiates one design from another. Its a compilation of the technical issues, code requirements, site etc. and put it all together. this serves as the backbone and art of our approach.
3. An Envisioner’s Work : putting the project together, seeing the big picture is strictly speaking, a human endeavor.– Its an art and science. This also begins to solidify a project. This begins to delineates a design mindset — to problem solve and bring shape and meaning, while also providing solutions that create value. In a sense it becomes something more than just physical.