The energy efficiency of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) over incandescent bulbs is a scientific reality. But at what cost to good design? Designers and architects have not often been sold on products that solely address function without incorporating aesthetics.
During a recent dinner at a resort restaurant, I mused over the impact CFL fixtures would have on the ambience of the restaurant. It didn't take long to decide that something, a lot of something, would be lost in the translation. A trained eye would admit that purposeful lighting is the finishing required touch on good design.
CFL fixtures that do a better job at matching incandescent lighting (with dimming capability) are in our future, but may not be here quick enough to be an option before the use of CFL's is mandated. Add incandescent bulbs to your weekly grocery list. They will be gone soon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/business/energy-environment/30iht-green30.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&sq=zeller%20and%20light%20bulbs&st=cse&scp=5
Friday, May 29, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
COMMODITY - FIRMNESS - DELIGHT
"Good design is a Renaissance attitude that combines technology, cognitive science, human need, and beauty"
Paola Antonelli MOMA Architecture and Design Department
Renaissance is a word that reinvents itself by its very meaning, rebirth. A Renaissance is a cultural movement associated with widespread educational reform. It is often a rebellion against conventional learning of the time.
There is a revolution in the air against the attributes of the last building boom. The current economic situation has left many architects and designers reflecting on the poorly designed and built homes of recent times. The question that needs to be answered is how can we build intrinsic value in our homes? True value comes from usefulness and beauty.
Roman architect Vitruvius wrote "Ten Books on Architecture" in which he defined the essence of architecture as having three essential qualities: utilitas, firmitas, and venustas. Translated as commodity, firmness, and delight.
Commodity: Basic human shelter
Firmness: Building and engineering
Delight: Man's spiritual, psychological and aesthetic needs
By bringing the Vitruvius standard to the 21st century we can give our houses real value. But this Renaissance needs to incorporate contemporary sensitivities such as the relationship of the house location to the site, floor plans that reflect our lifestyle, style defined by the design process not history, and attention to detail that reflects the care of intentional design. The end product will reflect the way we live, and that is more valuable than the economic value that drove the disappointing structures of the late 20th century.
Paola Antonelli MOMA Architecture and Design Department
Renaissance is a word that reinvents itself by its very meaning, rebirth. A Renaissance is a cultural movement associated with widespread educational reform. It is often a rebellion against conventional learning of the time.
There is a revolution in the air against the attributes of the last building boom. The current economic situation has left many architects and designers reflecting on the poorly designed and built homes of recent times. The question that needs to be answered is how can we build intrinsic value in our homes? True value comes from usefulness and beauty.
Roman architect Vitruvius wrote "Ten Books on Architecture" in which he defined the essence of architecture as having three essential qualities: utilitas, firmitas, and venustas. Translated as commodity, firmness, and delight.
Commodity: Basic human shelter
Firmness: Building and engineering
Delight: Man's spiritual, psychological and aesthetic needs
By bringing the Vitruvius standard to the 21st century we can give our houses real value. But this Renaissance needs to incorporate contemporary sensitivities such as the relationship of the house location to the site, floor plans that reflect our lifestyle, style defined by the design process not history, and attention to detail that reflects the care of intentional design. The end product will reflect the way we live, and that is more valuable than the economic value that drove the disappointing structures of the late 20th century.
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