epression through architecture

EXPRESSION THROUGH ARCHITECTURE

Man’s existence, time and again, has been defined by and dependent upon his ability to conquer and control his physical environment.
As he learned to co-exist in harmony with nature and the environment, towns developed, commerce was created and people survived to prosper.
Architecture as an art form emerged as early primitive shelters gave way to dignified permanent strucutures blending the best of both art and science. Thus arose, distinctive designs and and style characteristics that would eventually define definitive architectural periods and styles, thereby influencing art and design for years to come.
The ultimate benchmark by which a person’s intellect, social status and professional success was measured was by one’s choice of personal dwelling and the statement made by its architectural style.
Whether we realize it or not, we judge a home by the three dimensions of interior space. These are…
• the frame of reference….the architectural envelope.
• Contrived space-the division of space within a room. This is where furniture arrangements are created.
• Integral space-the intimate space within the contrived space. This is where accessory and room details flourish.
The three dimensions of interior space are based on the principles and elements of design that the ancient Greek discovered more than 2000 years ago. These principles were used to create their magnificient architectural structures that are universally acknowledged as models of excellence in classic proportion and scale.
These rules directly influence all furniture furniture arrangements, drapery treatments, fabric selection, color distribution, accessorizing etc.

The frame of reference of interior space refers to the six planes that enclose a room…the four walls, the floor and the ceiling. Each plane or surface contains important elements that defines the whole.
A dining room ceiling, for instance, could become the focal point of the room by showcasing a beautifully detailed, classical medallion from which a traditional chandelier could hang.
Basically, each room should have one main focal point.The larger the room or the higher the ceilings, the more dramatic the focal point should be.
In a family room, the fireplace is usually designed to be the main focal point. Its architectural design sets the tone of the room and even determines the style and placement of the furniture around it.
Walls can be given greater presence with layered, multi piece crown and base mouldings, detailed cased openings and raised block paneling. In entrance foyers and living rooms, one sees beautifully carved wood pilasters attached to the walls for architectural enrichment or as paired columns. Traditional mouldings and trim details add immensely to the visual enrichment of a home.
Staircase design has also become an art over the last few years. Gracefully proportioned, intricately detailed iron railings in faux finishes or classical, iron balusters with brown glass beading. A staircase is the focal point no matter where it is located in a house, so careful consideration must be given to its design and construction.
Doors play a crucial role in establishing the overall character of a home, on the exterior as well as the interior. In fact, the front door is the main focal point so its style, design and finish must be carefully adhered to. From richly carved, wood panel doors to beautifully detailed beveled glass designs set into walnut or mahogany frames, frontdoors and their accompanying sidelights and transoms add a distinctive touch to the architectural envelope.
Windows These important design elements come in an endless variety of sizes, shapes, colors and styles, ranging from traditional to narrow, vertical single pane panels to the classical Palladian arches and the newly popular French windows.
Floors are often overlooked and their design potential underestimated. They alone connect and can unify all areas of the house so it is important that if different flooring materials are used, they harmonize well in tone and style.. Wood is generally the best choice because it is adaptable to all design styles, from traditional to transitional. Limestone and marble are wonderful style setters that add character and warmth.

The important aspect while designing a space plan is to establish the main focal point in each room. At times one might need to redesign, remodel this point of reference to give a room more character and impact. For example, if a family room fireplace has a short, shallow mantel above it, adding a longer, wider mantel with a deeper overhanging profile and decorative brackets underneath would provide a more dramatic anchor for accessories as well as draw more attention to the fireplace. In addition, adding low voltage recessed lighting in the ceiling above the fireplace would further enhance the focal point by highlighting the accessories on the mantel. Proportion, scale, balance and focal point is the key to planning as given to us by the Greeks.