green, green, green

Y

ou've heard all about it, but do you really understand it? Green. Is it possible to be truly green?

As designers we have an obligation to ourselves, our clients, the environment and all the people who live on this earth to be responsible in our recommendations of products, materials and finishes.

But one doesn't have to stop there, recommending energy efficient equipment, using products with recycled content or recyclable, no chemical finishes or low-VOC emitting products, etc. are all part of the big picture.

So, how does one become "Green" minded? Below is a list of things we can do to help our families, clients and the place we live in to be safer and greener:

1) Use materials and products manufactured within a 500 mile radius of the projects locations.
2) Use energy efficient light fixtures and equipment (ie: kitchens, laundry areas), keep energy/resource conservation in mind
3) Use green interior finishes such as certified EPP carpet or recycled carpet
4) Use sustainable materials/rapidly renewable materials such as cork, bamboo, etc. and consider the manner that they have been harvested, and consider how they will be used.
5) Use only low-VOC, non toxic paints, adhesives
6) Use furniture which respond to the issue of sustainability (ie: using recycled fabric, alternative construction materials such as recycled fiberboard, recycled laminates)
7) Consider alternative materials such as solid surface materials with recycled content, tile, concrete, etc. for kitchen counter tops, vanities.
8) Utilize natural sunlight to its advantage
9) Create green standards in your projects; setting goals will help you achieve 'green'
10) Educate people on green options. As confusing as it is for professionals, the average person doesn't understand the variety of possibilities on the market.
11) Choose green products first, if you've been hired to design, be responsible and design green
12) Offer green services as part of your design services, soon green will be as important and common place as providing a structurally sound structure

The list could go on and on, but this gives you a pretty good idea of where to start. Keep in mind that safety, durability and resource conservation are among the most important factors in designing and recommending 'green'.

Unfortunately, today there's a lot of 'green washing' going on in the world today (similar to 'brain washing' and indicates deception). By implementing some of the recommendations above into your projects you join the rank of responsible, educated designers in saving our planet and our resources for future generations to come.

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a toilet is just a toilet until you find one thats unique

N

ormally I wouldn't give a toilet a second look, but while traveling in Japan, I recently did just that!

So I'm like any normal person, you check into your hotel room, you set your stuff down, you start looking around at the room; taking in the design, the fabrics, the materials used throughout the room, the layout, etc. (ok, maybe normal for designers) and there, in a small corner of the bathroom is a very high tech looking toilet in its own room.

I look at it, I see theres an arm like piece coming out of the right side which resembles a remote control. There seem to be flushing options, water control options for cleansing, a deodorizing section with fan levels, automatic lid movement, blow drying and even a section with heat levels. I moved on, I guess you could say it was interesting but not yet fascinating.

Later I come back into the room and give the toilet a test run, to my surprise the amazingly warm seat has grabbed my full attention! I am suddenly hooked on this idea, no more startling cold seats in the middle of the night; this adds a whole new dimension to the water closet and its purpose.

It should be noted that the Japanese must take their toilets very seriously, as various versions of the heated electronic toilet could be found in restaurants, the train station and pretty much everywhere you can imagine. Ok, there are also some weird versions of a urinal type "squat toilet" installed in a few locations,
but we won't talk about them, as I still haven't figured these things
out yet! But I do know this, once you see the two options, you quickly
start looking for the electric one!!

Other things I noted were that each stall contained a wall mounted motion sensor for 'no touch' flushing; another really good idea since I always use my foot to flush-who in their right mind would want to touch anything in a public stall? Another thing was the wall mounted anti-bacterial unit with towelettes to clean the surface. Lastly was a high powered heated air unit with some sort of ultra-violet light to dry and sterilize hands after washing. Now do you see why this was so fascinating? I feel like I've been missing out!

Back home, I see my simple, regular toilet and feel disappointed. No more warm seats, how boring!! Can I survive without it? I mean really, why should I live like this any longer?

These upgraded toilets and public accessories certainly gave me something to think about, this obviously is not a luxury item, it's more like a sanitation necessity. It appears to be the standard in this country, why should our standard be any less?

Trust me, a toilet is just a toilet until you find one thats unique.....
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inspirations of japan

W

e just returned from a family vacation to Japan and

I have to say WOW!! What a wonderful place to be if you enjoy being visually stimulated and have a desire to soak up details, sounds, smells and don't mind being in constant close proximity to lots and lots of people.

We arrived into Narita Airport outside of Tokyo and quickly headed by bullet train to Kyoto, a small but exciting town full of temples, shopping and Geisha's.

We stayed at the Hyatt Hotel in Kyoto, which was recently featured in Hospitality Design Magazine. The hotel is gorgeous, the restaurants and bar are well designed and all areas featured numerous unique design details, requiring both time and sometimes a keen eye to really get it. I especially loved the 'library' room off the bar which features walls stacked full of magazines and books (see photo above).

Photos: Top left to right: bullet train, Louis Vitton-Tokyo,
Middle: interesting chandelier in shopping mall, Japanese Restaurant-Hyatt/Tokyo
Bottom left to right: Private dining room, Lobby Restaurant, Sushi Bar/Hyatt Kyoto

As one imagines of Asian cultures, organic materials are plentiful and are utilized with great skill in local design; these materials definitely add to the charm and mysticism of the culture. After only a couple visits to temples you begin to appreciate and understand the inspiration behind Asian design in general.

Photos: top left to right:on temple grounds Buda statue in green vegetation, stone pagoda
in natural setting, peering through the trees at the bridge over lily pond
bottom left to right: large rock which was split to allow the road to pass through-full of gold,
brown and red, 100 year old bonsai, waterfall on temple ground

Around town: top left to right: design found at the entrance to a store,

sake barrels/each with a unique label, center: restaurant sign
bottom left to right: paper lantern at temple, fabric panels, origami

Probably the most exciting portion of the trip was spotting Geisha's. It was an experience like something from Hollywood and the paparazzi. At approximately 6 to 7:00pm all the Geishas leave their homes made up and ready to start working, some leave in groups by taxi to unknown locations others walk to private rooms at restaurants where they entertain their awaiting clients. It became obvious when one was on the move as photographers and tourists were literally chasing them down the streets.


Seeing Geisha's up close was truly spectacular, there is something mesmerizing about them as well as very curious. Only after studying the Geisha photos can one see all the intricacy and layering in wearing a kimono; also of significance are the ornaments and up sweeping hair do's.

In an out of the way place, I found a store that carried new and vintage kimonos and obi's and purchased one for a fair price. As luck would have it, I also found the wonderful paper and wood umbrellas. I now have all on display in my home and they are breathtaking pieces of art and design as well as a wonderful reminder of our trip.

My mind continues to race from all the inspirations and ideas formed while traveling and I hope you find some inspiration from the collages I've shared with you. Remember to always bring your camera and sketchbook with you when you are out and about, you never know what might strike up an idea for later!

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chinese new year

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year begins on the 24th day of the 12th lunar month, and lasts up to three weeks long. This year is the year of the pig.

The first indication that something is happening is the stringing of red lanterns all over city streets, shop fronts and temples in preparation for the Lantern Festival. The bustling of people on the streets and malls is similar to that what we are accustomed at Christmas; people are hurriedly moving to and fro, discounts create shopping frenzies and special food items are purchased to prepare for family feasts.

Fireworks begin to sound day and night and are said to scare away evil sprits which are sensitive to loud noises and the color red; a big reason why red is seen everywhere in Taiwan and China year round.

Festivities begin by worshipping ancestors at temples and house hopping to visit friends and relatives. A common ritual is the burning of paper money to provide for deceased ancestors in their afterlife; this is also seen throughout the year but at New Years there is a definite increase of small sidewalk ritualistic fires during the New Year celebration.

Another common New Years sight are paper scrolls hung on door fronts, inscribed with blessings and auspicious words such as ‘good fortune’ ‘wealth’ and ‘longevity’.

The common goal during this period is to reunite with family, the pilgrimage back home is said to be one of the largest human migrations in the world as Chinese from all over the world return home to be with family. In Taiwan, the majority of people head south and the northern sections such as Taipei are almost ghost like; you can just imagine that highway traffic is nothing less than horrific.

On New Years Eve, family members return home and share a large family meal.
Food during this period is full of symbolism, and dishes are made with particular means of good luck-ie: fish represents ‘having enough to share’ turnips for ‘good omens’ and fish balls and meat balls representing ‘reunions’.

The tradition of red envelopes continues here, these envelopes are filled with money and older children will give to their parents as a show of gratitude.

Negative superstitions are also observed, it is said that sweeping floors during the first five days of the lunar New Year is unlucky as you might sweep away good luck and wealth, and garbage must not be disposed of for fear of throwing out riches.

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inspiration of taipei

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feng shui part 1:

The more you read about it, the more curious you become. The principles of Feng Shui can be complex, but are actually quite logical with a common sense approach to them. I won’t go so far as to say it’s simple, but it is intriguing.

We recently relocated to Taiwan, upon our arrival we began to experience how real the concept of Feng Shui is for the people and its culture.

The Hotel where we stayed was the first example of feng shui we encountered, the Hyatt Hotel, is an enormous, beautiful hotel; it was built on top of a former wartime execution ground and cemetery and is said to be haunted. You can just imagine the amount of Feng Shui needed to make this property worthy of such an investment as well as acceptable to the community and to be prosperous.

One thing I’ve learned is that the Taiwanese people are very superstitious so I’m certain there’s a very interesting story about how this was achieved. You got it; this is definitely a story worthy of an indepth article…..and I will get back with you when I can dig up more information.

The second encounter was Taipei 101, this building is located right next to the hotel and is the tallest building in the world. A Feng Shui Master was consulted in every aspect from location, construction, to layout and design elements.

The buildings design is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with a shape resembling a pagoda. The sectioned tower was inspired by the bamboo plant, which is a model of strength, resilience, and elegance. (I think it looks more like Chinese take out boxes stacked one on top of the other…but that’s just me)

The tower's design specifications were said to be based on the number "8", a lucky number in traditional Chinese culture because it rhymes with the sound of money; and features 8 upward flaring sections, and is supported by 8 super columns.

The tower is sheathed by a wall of green tinted glass and grows upwards like a plant reaching for the sky and is embellished with traditional Chinese symbols; spoon-like figures which signify fulfillment and contentment as well as round coin like circles and lotus flower designs. The building is also south facing, which is considered a very auspicious direction for this buildings orientation. (auspicious, thats another word you hear alot in Taiwan)

The only feng shui problem found was a perpendicular road that ran straight into the building's site, which could bring sickness or bad business to occupants; an easy fix was adding a fountain to block off the road. The fountain, as it turns out, is one of the coolest I've seen, it's made up of numerous holes in the pavement spurting water while keeping the beat with music. At night the fountain features lighting for a more dramatic effect; its quite spectacular.

Fortunately for everyone, in feng shui there are simple ways to rectify defects, even if the defects are in the terrain.

The last experience I had was moving into our newly constructed apartment-we were the first to move into the building. The owner was so proud of the unit that on our first day of moving in with a dozen workers unloading the containers, wood crates being unhinged and boxes everywhere; he was conducting tours. My favorite was when he brought his father through and he commented and it was translated to us, that with the mountain behind us and the direction of the building we would be happy and rich…..sounds good to me, but I'm still waiting!

Feng shui has been part of the Taiwanese culture since 1949 when General Chiang Kai-Shek fled China to Taiwan and brought several old feng shui texts. Since then it has been incorporated into the interior and exterior of buildings at both the workplace and homes, so that people are healthy and feel lucky.

Look for a continuation of this article....
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color trends 2007

Colors from Left to Right, reading side to side:

Sea Kilt-a fresh blue-green inspired by the sea; cool, youthful interiors will embrace this new young color.

Valor-a darker version of the above with a smoother feel that lowers your temperature just looking at it

Godiva-rich chocolatey goodness is one of the foundation colors for 2007; harmony is created by complementing corals, botanical greens, deep pinks and aquas with in the home setting.

Dawn Sky-a softer version of the deeper toned "Coralite" in the contract palette.

Spruce It-soft and warm, a deeper green; another foundation color, warm neutrals pair nicely to produce a relaxing restful space.

Aegean-the most vibrant of the 2007 colors, liquid and calming, a true luxury color.

Stratus-a mid-toned neutral that blends easily with gray, brow and purple; complex yet soothing.

Claret-deep and full bodied with cool undertones that screams luxury. Pared with neutrals, warm golds or botanicals greens, its the bridge to harmonizing your space.

Regale-shimmering soft metallic, elegent, this muted tone has a touch of purple.

Cinnamon Glaze-warm mid-tone with strong influences of red, the visual effect is rich and sweet creating visual fulfillment.

Vanilla Creme-a touch of yellow, this color will be everywhere to balance out the deeper tones of 2007; a big winner, mark my word!

Pennywise-soft and calmer than 2006 its a global color, this color brings warmth, hope and optimism, whether used matt or metalic.

Iced Citron-organic and restful with rejuvenation qualities softer than seen in 2006.

Positano-forecasted to debut in 2006 finally to fulfill its destiny. Sunny golden and deep, reflecting inspiration-sun drenched Positano on Italy's Arnalfi Coast

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Getting Started...

Getting started seems to be the hardest part; what to do first? There are so many possibilities so I'll start with what's in my head at the moment: Color.

Yes, I said it, Color! Don't you often find your mind wandering to what the color trends will be for the new year? I imagine you do if you're reading this blog since I'm certain you have a keen interest in the world of design.

I've always wondered who picks out the new colors for each year, do they just pick colors that haven't been seen for a while in an effort to rotate them back into style or invent new ones? ....Or do they just assign new catchy names to those old rotating colors?

You know what I'm talking about, off the top of my head I can think of half a dozen fluff names used to describe the range of greens out there right now. I'd love to have the time to sit down and match the mixing codes to see how many are actually the same color but given a new name; that could be a full time job for someone seeking work out there, dont you think?

If you think about it, those people making these decisions have a lot of influence in the world because color trends affect everything from fashion to fabrics, carpets, paint, accessories, appliance design, cars, shoes... I could go on, but I think you get the picture!

An article I recently read said that people tend to seek comfort colors for their personal spaces during times of uncertainty and global discord and that natural materials become more popular during stressful times.....that explains the last few years of my life! I guess there are worse things I could be doing, don't you think?

Back to color, ahem, color trends for 2007 are clearly showing a need for calm in personal spaces to balance the negatives of everyday life. In 2006 colors were slightly brighter than what enters the market in 2007; the new trends are defined as comfort colors with optimistic lights and brights, with patterns and textures (natural or faux) becoming as prominent as color itself.

These colors are from the 2007 projections


If you want to read more about color, one of my all time favorite sites is pantone, check it out and get lost in time if you want.

Until next time, keep dreaming in color!!
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