ARTICLE : DESIGNING SPACES FOR PEOPLE

 

DESIGNING SPACES FOR PEOPLE

Designing the ‘In-between' is critical to delivering quality spaces that is truly responsive to end users. 

WRITTEN BY CEDRIC K. H.GOH, CGD Art Studio - September 6, 2023
© All Images Copyright 2020 by CGD Art Studio

Designing spaces for people is not just about how much money we put into beautifying the place, it is also about how we plan the functionality of each space, the efficient use of circulation spaces, how designing each element can affect the overall outcome. Designing spaces essential crosses multiple design disciplines in its delivery. Between architecture, interior, urban context and landscaping, we are constantly moving between various man-made spaces. Our interaction and usage of these spaces is the key to how designers can understand and shape the experience we have with it.

Understanding the ‘in-between’

There is always something profoundly inspiring about the in-betweens. If we look closely, against the extremities, we will be able to see the value of what is in between. In most instances, we tend to be attracted to what is extreme like the most beautiful and the ugliest, but what is truly meaningful is unsurprisingly right in front of us - that which is “between”. We stay away from direct sunlight, but yet we want and we need the light. We are afraid of the dark and yet we must face darkness every night in our lives. What is enlightening is that we want spaces that which is not too bright and not in complete darkness. In essence, between light and darkness hides the perfect space. A perfect Living Space. That philosophy permeates the values and thought process that goes into how we approach our work. Some key principles are described below :

Between luxury and economy :

DESIGNING FOR AFFORDABILITY

Why affordability? Designing for people involves all levels of the society. In truth, we do not discriminate or define who can or cannot have quality design services. We strive to provide affordable creative renovation for homeowners, allowing accessibility to quality space planning and design assistance to those who yearn to own a home but find the cost of making that dream happen unapproachable. There are certainly compromises which has to be made when luxurious materials are ignored in favour of durable affordable materials. In place of that, we approach the challenge with creative design strategies to elevate design outcome with subtle and effective detailing without the use of expensive materials and products. 

Between architecture and interior :

QUALITIES OF SPACE

Designing quality spaces for people begins with understanding the intertwining relationship between the building envelope and the spaces it defines. The inside and outside becomes an interesting dialogue where one crosses with the other.  With examples like courtyard homes, shophouses with air wells and roof with skylights, we can find opportunities to design better spaces for people, bringing natural light and landscape indoors. Conversely, we can extend living spaces outdoor with terraces, and semi-outdoor spaces to encourage new activities.

Walls are not just walls, a roof is not just a roof, they are demarcated to facilitate appropriate activities within those spaces. The size and shape is planned appropriately to allow specific activities to take place fluidly. Walls have well placed windows that act as air and light facilitators. In a way, it is rather simple to say that four walls are constructed to define a space. Though what makes a space comfortable, functional and authentic requires an entirely different set of design criteria. We attempt to decode the complexity of the task and help homeowners find simple solutions to quality spaces for their home.

Between light and darkness :

COMFORT

Between exterior building and interior, the space is brought to life with light. Where there is quality light, there will be comfortable space. Without light, all spaces fall into darkness where no expensive materials or design elements can reveal its true beauty. Whether natural or artificially designed lighting, we value the importance of light and will make great effort to bring spaces to life with the right lighting. The most important thing to understand is knowing what activities are required for each space, that way lighting is planned in accordance to the needs of each anticipated activity within that space. Providing absolute brightness to each corner of the house is not the best example of good lighting. That would be perhaps a more typical condition required in a hospital. The flexibility to switch between varying intensity and types of light will enhance the usability of each space.

Understanding people :

When we are fully cognisant of how people move between and inhabit spaces, we will then be able to design and plan according to the needs. By focusing on the in-betweens, we force ourselves to examine closely the rarely noticeable but critical design elements that affects the functional quality of each space.