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How Architectural Walkthroughs Sell Projects on Their Own

June 16, 2022

Architectural walkthroughs have been something like science fiction for a long time. But in just a decade and a half, we’ve seen them become legit tools that real estate professionals can use to bring potential buyers closer and more involved in a property.

Since walkthroughs are relatively new, there are a lot of impacts, influences, and features about them to discuss. However, we want to look at it from a single most crucial perspective: how do walkthroughs help lead to sales?

After all, this is the most critical question skeptics have about them. The main benefit of walkthroughs is that they make it easier for potential buyers and help convince them to make purchases.

They offer an amazing visual experience

Compared to static 3D renders, architectural walkthroughs offer a far more superior visual experience. Instead of having images, this medium is made out of 3D animation. These animations let 3D artists take viewers on a realistic and immersive visual journey.

Interested parties can see all of the rooms individually and walk from one to another as if they were doing it in real life. The same applies to all the exterior, including pools, gardens, terraces, or patios. All of the elements are presented truthfully with a high level of detail.

In a way, these walkthroughs are starting to look like movie CGI. Of course, there aren’t a lot of explosions going on, but the level of quality is there. On the other hand, artists constantly add new elements and special effects and rethink their approach to create a better visual experience.

Why is the visual impression so important?

Visual impression and presentation are highly beneficial if we look at a property like a product you intend to sell. Most consumers today choose products based on visual appeal, which is one of the key factors they consider.

Creating a unique visual experience will help customers distinguish your product. In architecture, 3D walkthroughs can change perceptions of a space, make it more attractive, and give that adrenaline rush to buyers, making them visualize living in or otherwise using that space.

Companies like Apple have built themselves on their visual experience and branding. When you combine great animations and useful information that walkthroughs can provide about a property, it’s clear how they can impress customers and bring them closer to a purchase.

Viewers can learn about space, proportions, and dimensions

We just mentioned that walkthroughs deliver “useful” information. They’re not just about dazzling viewers for a short time without any long-term usefulness. These visuals have the power to give viewers all of the required information they need about a property.

They can learn about the layout of a property, how many rooms there are, which materials there will be, proportions between different elements, dimensions, how they can furnish the space, and so much more. In other words, potential customers can get a complete picture of the space without missing anything important.

What worries most clients when it comes to walkthroughs is that they won’t get important information that can affect their future decisions. But there’s no need to worry about this, especially if the real estate agent can give additional information about the space and help interested parties understand all of the essentials.

For example, if someone wants to move into a property, they might want to know if there’s room for all their furniture. Walkthroughs can give them accurate information about how big or small a particular space is.

They tell a great story

Experienced real estate agents are often great storytellers. The better storytellers they are, the better they are at their jobs. Why? The reason is quite simple. Selling residential real estate isn’t that much about being technical and delivering the right features customers are looking for.

It’s about selling a story about what new owners’ lives will look like after they’ve moved in. 3D animation can also tell a fantastic story while showcasing the design to potential clients. Combining a story, amazing visuals, and technical information can make viewers fall in love with the presentation.

CGI offers a lot of variety when it comes to storytelling. It’s possible to include many camera movements, music, text, voiceovers, special effects, and so much more. In other words, apart from telling a story with the design, the walkthrough itself further gives context to viewers.

Here’s a simple example of how this works. If you want to emphasize the light fixtures or the amount of natural light the space has, 3D artists can easily zoom in on those essential details. When it comes to concepts, people sometimes like to see the step-by-step process of designing.

On the other hand, if it’s vital to showcase the size of a property, you can do it with a flyover walkthrough 360-degree video. That can also let viewers compare the size of the property to the surroundings. These ideas help sell projects more quickly and tell an engaging story.

They present a property in different/dynamic settings

Modern customers want only the best. We are long past impulsive purchases when people don’t care much about a particular product’s details. Customers are more informed today, and they have specific needs that showcase their personalities.

A part of 3D visualization, in general, is to give all of the information possible to buyers. Help them understand every single detail of space, potential solutions, different variations, and different settings. That is what walkthroughs can also do effectively.

For example, CGI animation walkthroughs can easily show how a space looks when it’s snowing, during the day or night, or in any other situation. 3D artists can even create a quick time-lapse to showcase a property’s transition in a single day cycle.

In other words, this type of content gives you the ability to present to your customers all the details they want to know. Additionally, you can create different walkthroughs for properties that haven’t been built yet.

It’s possible to present different design solutions and ask the clients what they like better. That will help engage them even further and get them involved in the property they’re interested in buying.

Viewers can understand how the property will fit in with its surroundings

In most cases, static renders are all about a property’s interior and exterior. There’s no real focus on what’s surrounding that object, how it fits in, and where it stands compared to other buildings. That might matter to some people, and they might like to get to know their street at least before moving in.

That is why virtual tours are a perfect option. It’s easy to take the whole 3D walkthrough around the property and the neighborhood. That gives clients more context about living there and what they will actually see every day.

On top of that, it’s possible to get aerial footage of the surrounding area to give a better perspective. Some 3D artists will also use drone footage to include the actual property within the 3D presentation and provide a highly realistic image of the whole property.

All of this can be genuinely appealing to customers, help them understand where the place is, what surrounds them, how they will function on a day-to-day basis, and more.

No need for customers to actually see the property

The main idea behind architectural walkthroughs is to create a medium through which interested parties can learn about a property and buy without physically visiting it. Even though this was initially the goal, it wasn’t quite possible at first.

The whole industry quickly rejected this idea because it failed initially. But after years of improvement both in technical and creative terms, we can finally say that this is entirely possible today. Customers can buy a property without even visiting thanks to various camera angles, unique details, materials, 360-degree videos, and other superior visuals.

Not only can they buy, but they can make the right buying decision. That is one of the most impactful ways walkthroughs lead to sales. Lots of people are busy and don’t have the time to travel across the country to check out a place.

Instead, they often hire real estate agents that purchase on their behalf. Unfortunately, that isn’t enough. Buyers need to see the property themselves to determine if it has everything they need. 3D walkthroughs let them do this easily from the comforts of their home and spend only about 20 minutes before they can make a decision.

Easy to showcase all of the essential details

Before architectural walkthroughs, customers looking to buy a property that hadn’t been built yet had their work cut out for them. The same goes for people who planned on building something from scratch. Here’s why walkthroughs are better presentations.

They’re easier to understand

As we mentioned, it was all about reading architectural plans or sketches in the past. That might be good enough for architects and people who have experience and knowledge with such documents. But for an average client, that barely means anything.

Of course, they can try and understand the plan, but they won’t be able to get the whole picture. On the other hand, everyone understands videos. There’s no particular skill or knowledge required.

Easier demonstration

With 2D architectural plans, the architect or the agent had to play an active role in presenting and explaining the project. Yes, they still have to do this with walkthroughs, but it’s more about filling in the blanks or giving additional explanations that can help people understand important details.

This presentation method gives professionals the option to answer questions more quickly and see how the client is reacting along the way.

Showing the layout

As we mentioned earlier, 3D presentations move through all rooms and different parts of a property. That makes it super easy for viewers to understand the layout, where everything is located, consider functionality, and how they can use all of the rooms according to their needs.

Focusing on essential details

Walkthroughs can be as detailed as necessary. With various camera angles and movements, it’s easy to show all of the details and highlight unique features. The camera can zoom in on smaller design elements to make them more visible. On top of that, voiceovers can give explanations to support what’s being presented.

Presenting the surrounding area

2D architecture plans never included the surrounding buildings or houses. Walkthroughs can feature them and help customers understand the scale, proportions, and how the property fits in with its surroundings.

They can impress clients

In the end, walkthroughs can be super impressive and leave an unforgettable first impression on the potential buyer. All of the things we mentioned above can have a massive impact on the viewer and make them excited about a specific property.

The whole presentation, visual experience, and amount of information delivered can be crucial in helping someone decide to buy. But on top of this, modern consumers love technology. CGI is all about technology, and it has a particular “cool factor” that can impress potential buyers.

Even some of the most demanding clients will be impressed when your presentation tackles all of the details, answers their questions, and provides an immersive visual experience.

Conclusion

Telling a coherent story through this medium can reflect in many positive ways including increased sales. Not only are walkthroughs compelling in bringing people on board with a project, but they can also be used for marketing, as portfolio material, showcasing your expertise, and so much more.

The main thing to remember is to find a professional visualization artist that can execute animations according to the latest standards. These presentations can be valuable to architects, construction companies, real estate agents, and other professionals in the field.

Interior Décor

The Importance of Interior Design In Restaurants

April 19, 2022

Chloe Taylor

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Every restaurant tells a story through its interior design and architectural elements. No matter what the theme of your restaurant is, or what kind of food you serve, you have to pay attention to the design and try and match it. The appearance of the restaurant is crucial to your brand and it will be an integral part of your marketing strategy, too. As soon as someone enters your restaurant the first thing to notice is the interior design and that’s when the first impression comes in. Based on that, they will decide whether they will sit and dine or just leave.

Architecture and Design

This is a critical component of the overall interior design of your restaurant. You should pay attention to the way you are going to arrange and actualize the features of the interior and this is critical to determining the overall look and feel of your business. The layout will most certainly impact the customer experience and that is why you have to be careful when considering the layout and decoration of all the features.

Lighting

Lighting is almost the most important element of the design. If your lighting is poor, then it doesn’t matter how much effort you put into the layout, seating, decorations, etc. Without lighting, there is no impact and there is no ambient. That is why you will have to have several sources of light.

Besides overhead lighting, you will also need ambient lighting. This will provide the feel and definite the overall appearance of your restaurant. It will characterize your business and it will be something to identify the restaurant. So, if you have an elegant and more relaxed idea in mind, the ambient lighting should be quiet, and vice versa.

Another type of lighting to consider is task lighting. This one will be used for specific tasks. For example, you will need lights that allow servers to do their job and customers to read the menus. Place this type of lighting strategically so it won’t interfere with other sources of light.

Lastly, you will need accent light for more ornamental purposes. Also, consider wall lighting for accent lights since they provide a better feel and decorate the walls.

Seating

You can never neglect the seating, the materials you use, and its arrangement. The type of seating you want to choose should influence the psychology of your customers and their experience. Take fast-food places, for example, they have seats that are comfy, but not those that would want you to sit on for a longer period of time. So, decide how long and how comfy and relaxed your customers should be and choose the seating accordingly.
Also, consider the theme of your restaurant. If you are opening a fine dining restaurant, you want your seats to be comfy, cozy, warm, and relaxing since people will sit at your place for a longer time. Also, if you have a restaurant on the beach, you can’t use such seating because it would become way too hot way too fast. That is why you can rely on wooden chairs and tables with some cushions for padding just like the new restaurant in Bayshore did. This provides a relaxed atmosphere and air to flow around the place nicely.

The Colors

Believe it or not, colors are crucial to interior design. When you are deciding on the colors you wish to feature, consider your brand, its colors, and your desired customer base. Also, specific colors can elicit different emotions and moods in different people. For example, warm colors like red and orange are powerful stimulants and that is why a lot of restaurants try to include them. But, make sure not to overdo it so the interior won’t look too busy.

On the other hand, blue has a suppressive effect and it can soothe and calm the diner and people will tend to order less food. And for more elegant solutions you can use both blue and turquoise colors to create a sense of royalty and elegance.

Scent

Last but not least, pay attention to the scents inside the restaurant. If you use the right ones, you can enhance your food sales. If you want to stimulate appetites, make sure to allow the smells from the kitchen to seep into the interior. So, opt for an open kitchen layout or regulate airflow in a similar fashion. Also, you can use artificial smells to elicit different emotional responses from your customers.

The interior design of a restaurant has many different elements. And all those elements should work together in your favor to create the desired effect, brand, and atmosphere. So, when designing the restaurant, make sure to pay attention to all these elements and your success is halfway done.

What is Modernist Architecture? What You Need to Know About Today’s Style

March 25, 2022

Mike Johnston

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Modernism design isn’t a design style that’s set in stone. It evolves over time and it’s highly influenced by what’s going on in today’s world. But when it comes to choosing a design style for your home, there’s a difference between “modern” and “modernist.”

What is modernist architecture?

Modernism isn’t a strict set of rules that one must follow to the T when you’re designing. It’s more of a mindset and it’s always evolving, thanks to current cultural trends, technology, new materials, our geographical location, and sustainability principles, like rules for dealing with construction waste.

When you hear the term “modernist architecture,” you’re probably thinking about clean lines, stark white decor, glass, and metal elements. It all sounds so new, right? But did you know that this type of architectural design has actually been around for the past century? The style originated in the 1920s and was most popular between the 50s and 60s. Its popularity cooled off between the 70s and 2000s, but it is making a comeback.

So… Think Frank Lloyd Wright combined with touches of Germany’s Bauhaus School.

The rise and fall of modernism in the 20th century

At the conclusion of the Second World War, modernist architecture was in its prime. The early 1950s saw a second wave of architects who embraced modernism. Paul Rudolph, I.M. Pei, and Phillip Johnson took ideas from Bauhaus and injected it with regional inspiration that drew heavily from their local landscape, climate, and (of course) the culture. Other architects like John Lautner and Alden Dow actually studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and you can see that influence in their designs.

Once the 1970s hit, modernist architecture wasn’t in much demand due to maintenance problems. Modernism design was ahead of its time, to be sure. However, no one could anticipate the problems they’d experience due to the designs and materials used to create these signature designs.

An example of this is the flat roof. They may have looked cool, but at the time, roofing materials weren’t the greatest and leaky roofs were a common issue. By the time there were improvements to roofing material, modernism fell out of popularity. In its place, homeowners, designers, and architects embraced postmodernism’s bold use of color, ornamentation while drawing on historical design elements to break free of the limitations of modernism.

Modernism is back in action in the 21st century

While people’s interest in modernist architecture waned during the late 1990s, modernism began its glorious comeback in the 2000s. Once again, people fell in love with the minimalist lifestyle (often thought of being sterile, cold, and unfriendly) while still embracing mid-century design.

People often associate modernism with white boxes sitting on top of concrete slabs. This is true for many homes that employ this design style, they aren’t the de facto design elements. Modernism is about using regional elements to create a home that feels like it belongs there. Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic style seamlessly blends minimalist design with functional design elements that respond to natural elements like the weather, sun orientation, and the like.

What are the most common elements of modernist architecture?

One modernist home can look very different from another modernist home, but they almost always have similar features like:

Open floor plans
Flat or low-pitched roofs
Lots of natural light
Glass walls
Clean lines with very little ornamentation
Geometric and asymmetrical structures
Visible structural elements like beams, reinforced concrete, and steel frames
Elements that blur the line between indoors and outdoors

What to know if you’re thinking about owning a modernist home

If you’re drawn to modernist architecture and your dream home would look like something out of Wright’s portfolio of designs, there are some things you need to know.

First of all, it’s going to cost a lot to maintain the temperature in the house. Since this design style often features a lot of glass and open spaces, you’re going to have to think of energy-efficient solutions. Walk around the house and pay attention to the temperature and airflow, as they will impact your energy efficiency and overall living comfort.

You’ll also want to remember that if you’re looking at an older modernist home, you’ll want to get the roof inspected. Not only will you want to look for leaks (old and new), but also if there are ways you can make the roof less likely to leak in the future.

Modernist architecture is making a comeback and people are embracing the philosophies that go with it. Gone are the days of busy wallpapers, bold colors, and closed floor plans because it’s time to embrace the cleanliness and functionality that modern design offers!

Mentor and Protégé: Lessons in Philanthropic Architecture

November 30, 2016

Lillian Connors

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When Odysseus set sail to fight in the Trojan War, he left Mentor to look after the household and his son Telemachus. Little did they know that the name “mentor” would evolve so much to denote a wiser, more experienced person helping a younger, aspiring one.

Inspiration

Top 10 Strangest Buildings In The World

November 10, 2015

Zoe Clark

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Architecture can amaze you in many ways. There are buildings which beauty leaves you breathless, as well as those that seem strange and sometimes even ridiculous. These structures cause you to look at them from different angles and are bound to leave anyone in awe.

The Dancing House – Prague, Czech Republic

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The Dancing House, or Fred and Ginger, was designed by Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. Its common nickname given by the citizens is ‘Drunken House’. It was built from 1994 to 1996 on the Vltava River, at the site of the building that was destroyed during the bombing of Prague in 1945. Its unusual appearance initially provoked controversial reactions and opinions of not only experts, but the local population as well. The former Czech President Vaclav Havel, who from childhood lived in a neighboring building, supported its construction, in the hope that it will become a center of cultural events, and he wasn’t wrong.

The Crooked House – Sopot, Poland

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Crooked House was built by the design studio ‘Sotinská and Zaleski’ in 2004 in Sopot. Zaleski found the inspiration for this unusual structure while flipping through children’s picture books. Some describe it as a ‘tired’ building, while others say it looks as if it is melting. This house is a must-see tourist destination, and therefore it is not surprising that it is the most photographed building in Poland. In this three-story house there are pubs, restaurants and a few shops.

The Corpus Museum – Netherlands

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Enormous human body – The Corpus museum is undoubtedly one of the strangest buildings in the Netherlands. It is located near the highway linking Amsterdam and The Hague, and was opened by Dutch Queen Beatrix in 2008. The building actually consists of 35-meter high transparent structure that represents a portrait of a man in a sitting position. Inside it was used fiberglass, in order to more realistically display the insides of the human body and its functions. Visit to this unusual museum is primarily the educational journey, during which, among other things, people can find out why we sleep and what happens when we sneeze.

The Hole House – Houston, USA

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Houston residents were stunned when in the summer of 2005 they saw the consequences of the strong tornado that swept through their town. The storm passed through a house, and a strong wind made the swirl hole that only apparently acts as a horizontal chimney. The hole, later decorated with graffiti, can be seen clearly on the front of the house. Dan Havel and Dean Ruck have made it public artwork. It is a unique architectural project ‘Inversion’, which unusual optical illusion attracted many visitors not only from the US but also from around the world.

Hotel ‘Marqués de Riscal’ – Elciego, Spain

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Hotel “Marqués de Riscal” was made by design of Frank Gehry, one of the most successful American architects of all time. It was built in the area where the wine growing is a tradition, with the aim of attracting tourists. Rather than fitting it into the existing environment, Gehry wanted an unusual appearance. The structure consists of elements made of steel covered with huge panels of titanium, gold and steel. Each room in this hotel is different and has a view of the vineyard, so staying in it is a unique pleasure.

The Blur Building – Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland

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Located near Neuchâtel Lake in Yverdon-les-Ben, this hotel is built as an exhibition pavilion of the Swiss Fair in 2002. The modern meteorological system monitors the shift of climate changes in temperature, humidity, wind direction and speed, and sends the data to central computer that regulates the pressure of the water that creates the mist. Immediately upon entering, the ‘fog’ and all the visual and sound elements disappear, leaving the optical ‘white noise’ of pulsing nozzles.

Hotel Tianzi – Hebei, China

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Hotel Tianzi immediately after construction (2000-01) entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest image-building in the world. The building, 41.6 meters high, represents Fu Lu Shaw, a deity that brings good luck, prosperity and longevity. The official name of the hotel is Tianzi, but the locals call it the The Emperor Hotel and Son of Heaven Hotel.

Hospedería del Errante (Errante apartments) – Chile

This unique structures apparently looks as a dilapidated building that will collapse in any moment. Most of the guests thought at first that it was shaped by a hurricane or an earthquake, and its sloping surfaces are a noticeable tourist attraction.

National Architects Union Headquarters – Bucharest, Romania

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The structure of this unusual building, situated in Bucharest, combines the old building, which is linked to the restored modern glass building. It was built in the second half of the 19th century for politicians, and it quickly became the center of the intellectual elite of the time. The building was destroyed in the fire during the anti-communist revolution in 1989. Although dilapidated, over the next ten years it was a symbol of the Democratic victory, later to be altered by the best Romanian architects.

The House Attack – Vienna, Austria

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The renowned Austrian artist Erwin Wurm made in 2008. ‘House attack’ – the installation of the house hanging upside down from the Museum of Modern Art. According to him, this work symbolizes the families that are faced with problems and challenges.

A few hundred years ago it was easy to list the most beautiful buildings in the world; there had to be the Parthenon, the Hagia Sophia, the Taj Mahal, etc. Now it’s much harder to find architectural universality – buildings that tourists will surely visit for years to come.

Inspiration

The innovations in sustainable architecture

June 4, 2015

Lana Hawkins

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The concept of sustainable building primarily involves the harmonious relationship between ecology and economy in order to preserve the natural wealth for future generations. In real life, sustainable construction is based on many principles of which are the most important: reducing the negative impact of the construction site, the integration of renewable energy sources in the design phase, the use of secondary materials in the construction process in order to preserve natural resources, reducing CO2 emissions, reducing energy consumption and generate their own energy.

GT Tower East

One of the most interesting sustainable building is the GT Tower East in Seoul. This skyscraper with its elegant building facade brings a significant change in a very sharp and orthogonal architecture of Seoul. The tower is 130 meters high, and what makes it specific is its pure organic form. Wavy effect exterior creates an optical illusion when viewed from the side of the building. Designers have integrated many sustainability measures such as solar panels to collect energy, a good ventilation system, well insulated facade and lots of natural light to reduce energy consumption and to make pleasant working environment.

The Hearst Tower

Another interesting and sustainable building, the Hearst Tower in New York. This 46 stores high tower is the first commercial building that has won LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council. Building meets the highest level of the sustainable construction requirements. It is made from 90% recycled steel, with fascinating ventilation system, heating that can be adjusted on each floor. There are light and humidity as well as the VOC and CO2 sensors installed. Next to these fascinating features, the building has a rainwater-collection tank and the water is mostly used for the air conditioning system and watering plants

Pixel building

There is another example of architectural environmental solutions in Australia known as Pixel building. The building is a fantastic example of sustainability since it generates all its energy with the help of roof wind turbines and solar panels. It is equipped with a so-called smart window that opens automatically during the night to get enough air ventilated without excessive cooling of the building. In addition, building has its own rainwater harvesting system. The building is made of a special type of concrete, which is called Pixelcrete, which contains half as much carbon than conventional concrete. Pixel is known to be visually attractive because of the colourful sun shades that are not there just for decoration. They are set to allow maximum utilization of daylight while helping preventing overheating of the room.

TMB building

The capital city of Turkey, Ankara is home to Turkish Contractor’s Association headquarters. The outer part of the façade of this building is composed of two layers. The first layer consists of frameless glass to glass and glass to metal panels, while the second layer is made of stainless steel wire mesh. This type of construction gives a sense of connection between the building and its surrounding, while on the other hand limits sun exposure which reduces the temperature during warm days. Many local natural materials were used during construction which decreases ecological footprint. TMB building is also equipped with solar panels and rainwater tanks.

What most distinguishes this building from all the above mentioned is specific air-conditioning system in the form of underground labyrinth cooling system. During the night when the temperature drops, cooled air is stored in labyrinth cells, and is distributed afterwards through the building. On the other hand, during the winter, heat from the soil is used for passive heating of day-time air.

Exterior Décor

Top 10 Best Working Architects And Their Designs

January 12, 2015

Lana Hawkins

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Since ancient times, architectural development has followed the development of a society. You will remember a place by the looks it has, and great works of architecture will influence the look of a city in great amounts. This is the list of the ten greatest award-winning people standing behind great buildings.

Zaha Hadid

(born October 31, 1950)

Hadid is an Iraqui-British architect of neofuturistic buildings characterised by ‘multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry to evoke the chaos of modern life’. Her greatest works include the Bridge Pavilion and the Third Millennium Bridge in Zaragoza, Spain; the Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck, Austria; and the Central Building of the BMW Plant in Leipzig, Germany.

Frank Gehry (born February 28, 1929)

A number of this Canadian-American deconstructivist architect’s buildings, including his private residence, have become world-famous tourist attractions, such as the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles; and Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, France. It was the aforementioned Gehry’s private residence that lift him from the status of ‘paper architecture’.

Renzo Piano (born September 14, 1937)

The architest of the Nemo Science Centre in Amsterdam and the Living Roof of the California Academy of Sciences, this Italian architect was selected by TIME as ‘one of the 100 most influential people of the world’. However, his world-famous building is the Shard London Bridge, an 87-storey skyscraper in London, standing approximately 309 metres, and currently being the tallest building in the European Union, and the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom.

Leogh Ming Pei (born April 26, 1917)

L.M. Pei, a Chinese-born American architect, is often referred to as ‘the master if modern architecture’. His most famous buildings include the Louvre Pyramid in Paris; John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, USA; and the National Gallery of Art East Building in Washington DC, USA. His most recent jewel is the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.

Santiago Calatrava (born July 28, 1951)

Calatrava is a Spanish neofuturistic architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter. His greatest architectural achievements include the Liege Guillemins railway station, Belgium; the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, Greece; and the Bridge of Strings (or the Chords Bridge) in Jerusalem.

Tom Wright (born 1957)

This British architect is the designer of the Burj Al Arab hotel, the synonym of Dubai. The yacht-sail-shaped hotel, causing the ‘wow effect’ in any viewer, reflects the seafaring heritage of Dubai in a combination with ‘a modern aspect moving forwards into the future’. On its rooftop is a helipad and the world’s highest tennis court.

Jean Nouvel (born August 12, 1945)

This French architect is the designer of the future Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum. His famous buildings include the Arab World Institute in Paris, France and the Culture and Congress Centre in Lucerne, Switzerland; and the Philharmonie de Paris, France.

Moshe Safdie (born July 14, 1938)

Safdie is an Israeli/Canadian/American architect, urban designer, educator and author, most famous for Habitat 67, a model community and housing complex in Montreal, Canada; as well as the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum in Jerusalem and the Khalsa Heritage Memorial Complex in Anandpur Sahib, India.

Adrian Smith (born August 19, 1944)

This American neofuturistic architect’s best works include the Burj Khalifa, – the world’s tallest skyscraper in the world, in Dubai, UAE, and the Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai, China.

Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron (both born 1950)

These two Swiss architects are world famous for the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, and the Bird’s Nest in Beijing, China, also known as the Beijing National Stadium built for the 2008 Olympic and Paraolympics Games.

Interior Décor

Impressive Green Home Opens Doors For Holiday Tour

December 21, 2014

Lana Hawkins

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Nowadays, as the negative effects of the global warming have finally started showing up and endangering our existence, many people realized how important the preservation of natural resources is. There are numerous controversies about the possible solutions that could help us save our planet, and some of them should be taken really seriously.

Some people have decided to use the materials that can be recycled or not to use the substances that can endanger the ozone layer. However, those with more creative ideas, and of course, with large amounts of money, undertake some more extreme ventures, such as building eco friendly houses. One of such people is Diane Cheatham, a renowned builder and contractor.

images credit: dallasnews.com

Life In Harmony With The Nature

Diane Cheatham’s home is situated The Lake Highlands, a residential area that is built around streams and pounds in order to conserve water. The main purpose of this luxurious, 4,500-square-foot house is to present all its positive effects on the environment.

The materials used it the construction of the sole house are concrete and steel, with geothermal heating and cooling, high-performance windows and spray-foam insulation.

The interior of the house is really amazing. The rooms are immense and classy, designed and organized by many eminent architects and designers. As Cheatham stated, the most prominent part of her house is the kitchen since she loves to cook, but also to throw parties and have dozens of people around. Natural materials, such as walnut cabinets and gray-veined statuary marble counters make the kitchen look upscale.

Another enormous and beautifully designed room is the dining room, with the astonishing view from floor-to ceiling windows. However, there are many details in the room, such as a long custom table or simple leather chairs that are simply charming. The bench by a famous architect Christian Liaigre takes up a special place in the room. The vivacity of the whole place is achieved by adding elements such as tiny vases that hold fresh orchids.

Moreover, the exterior of the house is also fascinating. In a luxurious patio, which was completely sheltered from the sun, takes one’s breath away. Apart from furniture, there is a beautiful koi pond. Also, the house has large pool and the outdoor kitchen.

The Touch Of The Nature

All in all, there are many facts about the house that simply have to fascinate us. Firstly, the house looks magnificent, and undoubtedly resembles one of those houses from a fairytale. On the other hand, it has refuted beliefs that the eco friendly houses have to be plain, and probably uncomfortable.

Cheatham herself stated that this house is the most worthy and the best of all her residences. Well, you didn’t misunderstand anything. She has several residences, and believes that there isn’t anything wrong about it. Since she doesn’t spend much time there because of the nature of her work, she decided to make the house accessible to everyone who wants to visit it.

So, if you are interested in a tour around this beautiful house, here are several pieces of information. The price of the ticket is 15 dollars in advance and 20 dollars at the door.

So, if all these facts impressed you, don’t waste your time and visit it.

Exterior Décor

Artistic Examples of Exterior Design

December 8, 2014

Lucas Bergman

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Whether it is for houses or buildings, exterior design is very important. Precisely because it doesn’t have to be in unison with the interior, architects have the freedom to do what they want and create what they want, with the permission of their clients of course.

Whereas most people design and build their houses so as to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood, there are some who just purposefully stand out.

Exterior in modern architecture is trying to break out of the cookie cutter design, and instead strive for something new and unexpected, and inspired by layout, location, function, texture, etc.

Here are some intriguing exterior designs to make you think and wonder if you would ever have the guts to pull those off.

Colorful Mykonos

This house situated in Mykonos, Greece represents a wonderful mixture of traditional architecture characteristic for this region and naïve playful painting.

Even with the design that is very traditional for this region, using blue color to cast away evil spirits, this example is a very bold one, with a bold choice of color.

Clear Cut

Most people hire an architect to build their dream house. The couple from this home did the entire job almost entirely by themselves. This is a classic urban style from northern countries, a bit closed off from the exterior world, but inside sheltering an intimate atmosphere.

It is meant to interpret nature in a way, with its rough edges, stone-like shape, materials used etc.

Seashell Seashell By The Sea Shore

In areas close to the sea architects sometimes get all sorts of inspiration. Coming from Mexico, this is a house formally known as the Conch Shell House on the island of Isla Mujeres, the house of the famous artist Octavio Ocampo.

Using pretty traditional materials as well as old recycled and found materials, this house stores a pretty unusual design. It heavily interprets nature in the sense of organic formation of objects.

A Bold Design

This house was designed by a famous Mexican artist Juan O’Gorman, and it is known as the Diego Rivera/Frida Kahlo house.

The style is industrial modernism, and it uses the bright color as an architectural tool for point out the form of the shapes and flat surfaces. The repetitive use of nature with the cactuses and trees in the background is used to sustain the symbiosis with the object.

Old And New

Geometric is sometimes good and sometimes bad, but it’s never good to carry it out at any cost.

In a broad mixture of styles, cubic forms are combined with broad glass surfaces look very modern and are there to point the vision in the direction of good vistas, but the choice of material is not good for this as it is rustic, and doesn’t complement the contemporary build.

Transparency Is Key

Once again, a design that is not very fitting next to its neighbors. Nonetheless, this house in Japan is very bold and transparent. It seems the architect has decided to completely cut out privacy by bringing in transparency in everyday life with so many glass surfaces.

What is visible in the inside shows a contrast between the dynamic of the interior and the down-to-Earth exterior.

There’s Something Fishy Going on Here

This is Hus. Ett, a Swedish micro designed house.

Even though small, this haring shaped house the elements on the inside of the house, as well as the vast window area create an atmosphere full of light. It is a contemporary interpretation of traditional architecture.

Tin Man House

This house sort of reminds us of a metal container. Even besides the good form and the very interesting arrangement of openings such as windows, doors, etc, the selection of finishing materials is not the best.

In this case, concrete and wood would be a much better combination than the present metal and wood.

Lego Blocks

The use of shipping containers for living purposes is something that greatly sets the Trinity Buoy Wharf house in east London apart from many others. This is actually a home for an entire community which is where these containers come in great use.

Furthermore, the architect did a wonderful job to show off the playfulness of the design by combining different colors and geometrical shapes.

The Little Green House

The first thing that is apparent when seeing this design is that it is trying to go back to nature. The architect is giving us the message that he is trying to give back to nature what was unrightfully taken from her by building this house.

The mixture of geometric wholes is apparent.

architecture

They offer an amazing visual experience

Why is the visual impression so important?

Viewers can learn about space, proportions, and dimensions

They tell a great story

They present a property in different/dynamic settings

Viewers can understand how the property will fit in with its surroundings

No need for customers to actually see the property

Easy to showcase all of the essential details

They’re easier to understand

Easier demonstration

Showing the layout

Focusing on essential details

Presenting the surrounding area

They can impress clients

Conclusion

Architecture and Design

Lighting

Seating

The Colors

Scent

What is modernist architecture?

The rise and fall of modernism in the 20th century

Modernism is back in action in the 21st century

What are the most common elements of modernist architecture?

What to know if you’re thinking about owning a modernist home

Life In Harmony With The Nature

The Touch Of The Nature

Colorful Mykonos

Clear Cut

Seashell Seashell By The Sea Shore

A Bold Design

Old And New

Transparency Is Key

There’s Something Fishy Going on Here

Tin Man House

Lego Blocks

The Little Green House

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