Modern Architecture » Decorative Elements

Architectural Landscape Elements

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:50:30 +0000

Modern beautification of urban environment uses more and more often along with greenery planting installation of architectural landscape elements in the city area. What are they? The notion “architectural landscape elements” appeared long time ago. It implies constructions, equipment and decorative elements of outside beautification that supplement the main building-up of populated areas. Architectural landscape elements include stalls, vending machines, outside lanterns (otherwise called “landscape lanterns”), advertising stands, stairs, fences, garden and park constructions, fountains, obelisks, memorial plates, urban street furniture, litter bins, etc. The notion is old, but if in the past beautification of micro districts ended with asphalting, paving and installation of several litter bins, nowadays the mayors (for instance, Krasnoyarsk mayor) pay great attention to aesthetic modification of cities. All this results in the fact that beautification of urban environment uses architectural landscape elements.

In most cases architectural elements bear not only functional meaning, but lately also decorative meaning. Thus, installation of architectural landscape elements in squares and parks lets separate the area on various zones with various purpose or emphasize necessary places. Not long ago there appeared a tendency of unified decoration of micro districts in the cities. The style of architectural landscape elements also should (in the theory) suit urban areas design and match harmoniously with the building-up concept.

Landscape elements can be either assembled of prepared details on site or delivered to the installation site bodily.

There are a lot of requirements put forward to finished architectural landscape elements. They are standard (such as economy, aesthetics, safety, functionality, technological properties) and non-standard (the main one is universality). Customers (as a rule they are city governments) mostly want a standard set of architectural landscape elements to be assembled into a non-standard, more functional urban furniture combinations. Use of such combinations leads to uniqueness of the decorated areas, they become more comfortable for rest and, consequently, more popular with people. This, finally, brings positive impressions on city government.

Unfortunately, there are very few companies working on creation of architectural landscape elements and unification of urban furniture components. They prefer just making cheaper street furniture and, thus, work up the market. Moreover, according to modern law the regional governments must choose the cheapest offer while declaring tenders on architectural landscape elements purchasing. But low price not at all means high quality and, which is more important, aesthetic correspondence of architectural elements with the already established image of urban building-up. That is why in these conditions the main responsibility lies on architects and designers who work out this or that project of building-up or urban environment beautification.

By: Alexey Skorobogatov

Design of An Apartment: Space, Color, Style. Part2

admin — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:15:33 +0000

It is characterized by a coldish color scale (elements of water and air, here-from transparency and fluidity of lines and forms), floral (flower or vegetative) and geometrical directions, neoplasticism (the so-called “alive architecture “). Unlike other styles, the modernist style has developed from technological household things and was expressed in the most different forms. For example, sofas and chairs which “are twisted” and asymmetrically creep away to the corners are also typical of the modernist style, as well as sofas of a strict geometrical style with harmonious, extended backs. By the way, well-known “Viennese” chairs, which are now on their way out almost in each summer cottage, appeared during this period.

For the art deco style straight lines or zigzag-bent lines are typical, as well as clearness and graphics of forms. It is distinguished from the rest by application of decorative elements in the form of zigzags, circles, triangles, suns, as well as rounded corners and strict vertical lines which recede from the form. The materials used in interiors of this style, fabric, glass, bronze, ceramics, carpets covered with cubic patterns. Besides, as an ornament fans are often used, wrought-iron lattices, light wood, leather, marble and chrome plated details. It is the last “smart” style of the European capitals, ” the style of stars “.

The modern interior in the style of minimalism can be characterized by the use of only necessary objects. The most important thing to remember while creating such interiors is a competently planned space, which contains a lot of diffused, quiet light and air.

To create a sense of breadth and open space, premises are freed from internal partitions whenever possible. The color palette used is light, based on a play of semitones; there is a lot of white color in an interior, graphically underlined by black or grey.

Here simple natural finishing materials are used, often raw, with rough texture: bricks, concrete, wood or plaster. A sense of space is achieved both by means of color of the floor, a translucent fabric, sliding partitions made of glass, by means of local lighting in walls, a floor or a ceiling.

The forms of furniture are simple, too: sharp corners, no plastic lines. Sofas with rectangular pillows and rigid armrests, as well as armchairs and chairs of a rectangular, almost cubic form.

The upholstery is light, self-colored with rare contrast “spots” – for example, pillows.

Use of metal in an interior gives it sharp modernity: metal table-tops in the kitchen, legs of chairs, rack posts. Modern interiors of the hi-tech style are created on the basis of combination of space and light, propagandizing aesthetics of the applied material and structure.

Of the hi-tech style dashing, direct lines are characteristic, as well as abundance of glass and metal details. Here the designs typical of industrial buildings (metal frames and technical communications are deliberately displayed) are applied.

Hi-tech, by itself, uses the most modern materials. They are glass, metal (these materials are the basic ones in finishing of premises), sometimes concrete, stone and natural wood are added. Complete absence of ornaments of interiors in the hi-tech style is compensated by “work” of a material when high quality of plastics is shown, easy alloys, new composite materials, color glossy and transparent surfaces (acryl stretched ceilings, crosspieces).

By the way, the hi-tech style is appropriate for small apartments. All the elements of an interior create a sense of economy of space here.

The last thing to point out is that very few people create an interior in one style nowadays. “Celebration of eclecticism “, a courageous combination of different styles, especially in different “zones” of one and the same apartment in such a way it is possible to characterize a mainstream in modern design.

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By: Arthur Prudent

Incorporating Scandinavian Design in Your Home

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 02:20:05 +0000

Scandinavian Design enjoyed a brief rise in popularity during the 50s, but it has recently received a great deal of attention from designers around the world. In fact, Scandinavian Design is finding its way into major trend setting cities all over the world. So, what is Scandinavian Design and why are so many people finding this style to be appealing?

Understanding Scandinavian Design

Scandinavian Design has a very unique and easily recognizable look. One of the key components of this aesthetic is the fact that it is inspired by nature. This does not mean that Scandinavian Design is nothing but antler chandeliers and coat racks, though these decorative elements can certainly be part of a Scandinavian inspired décor.

In addition to being inspired by nature, Scandinavian Design also utilizes lines that are very clean and simple. At the same time, it incorporates graphic patterns and pale colors. As a result, this style is often looked upon as being a “modern classic” since it utilizes classic design elements with a modern flare. When you think Scandinavian Design, words such as “simple” and “uncomplicated” should come to mind. At the same time, these items are meant to be functional and inexpensive to mass produce.

Exploring the Appeal of Scandinavian Design

There isn’t just one reason for the popularity of Scandinavian Design. For some, this type of design is particularly appealing because of its modern design roots. At the same time, it offers a natural look that has clean and simple lines. The growing popularity of green living is one reason for the appeal of the natural look. With green design, home décor decisions are based according to the impact they have on the earth. Those materials that can be easily replaced and that won’t have a negative impact on future generations are used with green design. Scandinavian Design fits nicely with green design and with the growing awareness of nature and the environment.

Getting to Know Scandinavian Designers

There are a number of Scandinavian Designers that are developing products for home décor. One Scandinavian design team, Front Design, consists of four female designers by the name of Sofia Lagerkvist, Anna Lindgren, Charlotte von der Lancken, and Katja Savstrom. The company has only been around since 2003, but has already captured a great deal of attention within the design community. They have designed furniture and home accessories such as hooks, wallpaper, lamps, and more.

Arne Jacobsen is another well-respected Scandinavian designer. Although Jacobsen passed away in 1971, his influence is still seen in Scandinavian Design today. Jacobsen was known for being very quick to pick up on international trends and transferring them into his own designs. Since Jacobsen was also an architect, he was able to successfully merge architecture and creative design into his works.

Scandinavian Design has been around since the 1950s. Although it has enjoyed some popularity in the past, it has really become quite popular in the 21st century. It simplicity and modern look are both perfect complements to today’s eco-conscious society.

By: Claire Campbell