For many children, the library was their first glimpse of the future freedoms allowed by adulthood. They can obtain a card that provides access to entire worlds of knowledge and fun. As adults, those who maintain that adoration may want to have their library.
While having some bookshelves at home is nothing unusual, making a proper personal library-like nook or room is a more involved process. It can also be gratifying, especially if you plan and prepare for its creation and use properly.
Find a Spot
To create a personal library, you will need a place to put it. That can mean a nook, a corner of a larger room, or, ideally, a room all to itself for the ultimate home library experience.
This is an excellent chance for home designers to personalize their constructions but also offers plenty of room for home DIYers to find the ideal location for their books and a cozy place to read them.
Establish the Needs of your Library
Having selected a spot, or even before you find the ideal location, you should consider what it is you want the library to be when it’s done. Do you want a cozy corner to read when you can? Or do you want a place to showcase and enjoy your collection in an organized fashion?
The answer determines not only how much space you need but also the design setup and the size of the library when it is completed. How many books you have or intend to have in the library are major factors to consider when designing the library.
The same is true for the furniture involved. While obviously, you will need bookshelves, the type of shelf may vary depending on space and size requirements. Many luxurious home libraries feature an authentic Amish bookcase due to its capacity and beauty.
There’s also the potential for other pieces, like a writing desk and a few chairs. If you have room, a few rustic wood chairs made by the Amish might be the perfect pair to your solid wood bookcase and personal touch to your home library.
Ensure Even Flow
When considering the library’s location, you might want to consider the flow of your home. The best way to do that is to plan your library’s site with the front entrance. This will make reaching the library easier and ensure a strong foundation for your collection.
Traditionally, that would be the far left corner from the entrance door or the northeast if you’re using cardinal directions. If you’re trying to create a personal library in your home, that is a good place to start. It’s also a great base to work on if you plan to design your home and include a personal library.
This might be tricky if you don’t have a large room near the front door, so aligning as close as possible will do if you need to make some accommodations for limited space or unusual design choices in the home.
Avoid the Bedroom
You might be tempted to place your library in the bedroom, especially if you have a larger room and want to fill in some space. This can be a bad idea for a few reasons.
Having the books in the bedroom can take up space better suited to activities more in line with actually sleeping, and if you’re the type to get caught up in the book, it might be tricky to sleep when surrounded by distractions.
On the other hand, if relaxing with a book before bed sounds like a great idea and helps you relax and get ready for bed, why not try it? This is especially helpful for people in apartments or mobile homes where space is premium and an optimal location for a personal library is hard to find.
Keep it organized
No matter their size, personal libraries can be prone to cluttering if you aren’t careful. Whether by adding knick-knacks to the shelves or just not cleaning up very often, it’s important to keep the space organized and tidy.
Keeping it organized all the time will help reduce stress and ensure that the library focuses on spending quality time with your books rather than constantly having to keep the space clean and sorted.
A home library should be a fun, cozy place to relax, read, or study as needed. Whether that space is the corner of the living room or an entire room in its own right, you want to research how to make it yours.
Proper research and planning will help ensure you have the ideal design and direction for your home library, providing reduced stress and a perfect reading environment.
Conclusion
Building a personal library enhances the aesthetics of our living spaces and provides us with a constant source of intellectual stimulation and emotional solace. From selecting the right bookshelves to organizing books effectively and incorporating cozy reading nooks, every aspect of designing a personal library contributes to the overall experience of exploration and self-discovery.
So, unleash your creativity, explore new literary realms, and embark on a lifelong learning journey by creating your own personal library at home.
For many homeowners who want to bring the movie theater experience inside their homes building a home theater room is their ideal. Comfort technology and style should all be combined when creating the ideal home theater regardless of the size of the room. All of the information you require on designing a home theater room including layout lighting soundproofing and much more will be covered in this guide.
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Introduction
Envision enjoying your preferred film in the comfortable well-lit surroundings of your house with crystal-clear audio and captivating visuals. That is the power of a well-designed home theater! Whether you are designing a large entertainment room or a small space a well-designed home theater can elevate your movie nights.
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Home Theatre Room
Home Theatre Room Design
What is a Home Theater?
Replicating the immersive atmosphere of a commercial theater a home theater is a dedicated area within your home. Good audio-visual equipment cozy seating and lighting designs are all included to create the immersive theater experience that comes with watching movies TV shows or playing video games.
The goal of designing a home theater room is to create a private haven where you can escape into shows games or movies rather than just focus on luxury. In addition to offering countless hours of entertainment a dedicated home theater enhances the value of your house and creates a cozy space for entertaining friends or family during movie nights.
Any home theaters heartbeat is its sound system. Example is given above a surround sound system that offers an immersive sound experience that draws you into the action on screen. For the greatest audio effects think about arranging speakers in the room in a strategic manner.
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2. Video Systems
Depending on the size of the room your video system should come with a large 4K TV screen or a high-quality projector. The ideal viewing distance between the screen and your chair is determined by the screen size.
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Planning Your Home Theatre Room Layout
1. Choosing the Right Room Size
During the design process the rooms dimensions are very important. A minimum 12-by-15-foot room is required for a true home theater experience. Smaller areas can however function well with astute design adjustments.
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2. Room Shape and Acoustics
Because they allow for better sound distribution rectangular rooms are the ideal shape for home theaters. Rooms with irregular shapes may reflect and distort sound.
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Best Home Theatre Design Ideas
1. Modern Home Theatre Room Design
The clean minimalistic aesthetic is the main focus of modern designs. Imagine smart technology integrated into minimal furniture discreet speakers and lighting.
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2. Luxury Home Theatre Room
Consider adding acoustic panels fiber optic ceiling lighting bespoke leather recliners and cutting-edge equipment to create a truly luxurious home theater experience.
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3. Small Home Theatre Room Design Ideas
With a few clever design choices like multipurpose furniture and small audio-visual equipment you can still create a comfortable and useful home theater even in a small space.
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Home Theatre Room Design for Small Spaces
You can create a great home theater even with a small amount of space. You can design a setup that is both practical and fashionable with the aid of wall-mounted speakers small projectors and space-saving smart furniture.
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How to Design a Home Theatre Room in India
In India home theater room design entails adjusting to regional aesthetics budgetary restrictions and space requirements. In India creating a home theater that seamlessly integrates into your living room or combining traditional interior design elements with contemporary technology are popular design concepts.
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1. Seating Arrangements
Its important to have comfortable seating. Depending on the size and design of your room bean bags couches and recliners can offer the utmost in comfort.
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2. Lighting and Ambience
The ideal viewing experience is set by the lighting. A dramatic effect can be achieved by installing LED strips behind the screen or by considering ambient lighting that you can dim.
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3. Color Schemes for Home Theatre
Dark color schemes like those with lots of grey black or deep blue help to cut down on light reflection and improve the viewing experience.
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Home Theatre Room Soundproofing Tips
In order to keep sound inside the space and make sure outside noise doesn’t disturb you soundproofing is essential. Carpets thick curtains and acoustic panels can all help absorb sound and keep your room quiet.
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You may improve your home theater experience with accessories like popcorn makers cup holders for chairs or even themed décor.
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Home Theatre Room Design for Budget-Friendly Setups
A large budget is not necessary to design a home theater. To get a great result without going over budget go for mid-range audio-visual systems do-it-yourself soundproofing techniques and chic yet simple décor.
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Custom Home Theatre Design Ideas
A bar a gaming console setup or even a vintage theater theme can be added to customize your home theater. Personalized details give your room a distinct look that suits your tastes.
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Home Theatre Room Renovation Ideas
If youre remodeling an existing area think about installing new furniture changing the lighting or upgrading your sound system. Your entire experience can be greatly affected by small adjustments.
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In Conclusion
It takes careful planning to create the ideal home theater room but the outcome is well worth the effort. You can create a space that transports the magic of the movie theater into your home by selecting the appropriate furnishings and layout.
FAQs
What is the perfect size room for a home theater system?
A decent home theater setup requires at least 12 by 15 feet of space though smaller rooms can still function with careful design.
Is it possible to create a home theater on a tight budget?
Yes you can build a working home theater on a budget by making wise decisions like using mid-range audio-visual systems and doing your own DIY soundproofing.
Which color combination suits home theater rooms the best?
Deep blues greys or black color schemes are examples of dark color schemes that help reduce light reflection and contribute to an immersive viewing experience.
To what extent is soundproofing crucial for a home theater system?
Maintaining the sound within the room and avoiding outside noise disruption during your movie-watching experience is contingent upon soundproofing.
For a home theater room what is the ideal seating configuration?
For optimal home theater seating choose comfortable sofas or recliners that are positioned to provide a good sound distribution and a clear view of the screen.
Office lighting is more than just choosing light fixture types. Most of the office staff spend almost 8-10 hours of their day in the office. Office lighting can make or break an employee’s zest for working. So having a pleasant, habitual, and comfortable work environment for them is very important.
Here is an office lighting design guide to help you in your office interior in the most efficient way.
Ergonomics is concerned with designing and arranging lights in such a way that light and people interact with each other in the most efficient and safe way.
Ergonomics is a very important part of every architectural lighting office design. Ensuring sufficient lighting around your workspace is the most important part of good ergonomic lighting. Inadequate lighting forces your eyes to work overtime to make sense of the task, creating eyestrain and headaches.
It’s proved that more exposure to natural light helps employees to be more productive, creative, and healthy. Workers deprived of natural light are more tired, have headaches due to eye-straining, and are less active.
Adequate lighting meaning is well-designed office lighting that can help in keeping the workers healthy, productive, and motivated at the same time.
The lighting in any office should provide a wide spread of illuminance of light. The layout should be planned in such a way that there are a smaller number of shadows cast in any of the spaces.
The most ideal choice for office lighting is LED.
Benefits of LED Lighting
LED can be dimmed as per the daylight and eyestrain.
It is an energy efficient alternative because of its longer shelf life.
LEDs don’t use energy in the form of infrared radiation.
They can last for up to 50,000 hours.
LED panels help to eliminate glare, which can improve comfort and workability.
Natural Light is the best source of lighting for any space. In an ideal situation, natural light should act as primary lighting and all the artificial lighting should be secondary. The work environment feels welcoming and brighter in the daylight.
Positioning the workstations or cubicles such that they face north or south can also help. By this, you can avoid direct sunlight as it can create glares.
Using more natural lighting sources is also very cost-efficient as we save on a lot of energy. With new technologies like daylight harvesting systems, we can now have automated dimmable lights in accordance with the natural light present.
Office lighting is not just limited to overhead or desk lighting. Lighting is also used for visual appeal, particularly in corporate offices where companies would like people who visit to get a good first impression, much of which can be achieved by good lighting.
Indirect lighting can help in subtly illuminating the workspace and relieve eyestrain.
Non-reflective background surfaces, like a matte finish or muted colour furniture, can positively influence a work environment.
The best way to save energy in an office is by using LEDs and setting up motion-censored lights.
Dimmers are also an efficient way of energy saving.
Install Lighting Control Systems
This system helps in utilizing lighting sources more optimally, saving power and thus saving money.
With this technology, lights fixed in the office will be included in that one system and will make the entire process of monitoring and using the lighting much simpler.
This system makes the most out of natural daylight by regulating the lighting in different areas of your office.
Areas that aren’t in constant use, such as corridors, toilets and meeting rooms, can benefit from this as the system will ensure these areas are only lit when they are in use.
Dimmable switches can be installed to control light levels in meeting rooms where projectors are used.
Ergonomics is involved in not just the lighting design of a workstation but the whole office that is, from the reception to the communal spaces. Here is a guide for you to help you have a clear idea of the requirements of each room in an office.
First impressions matter a lot so the entrance lighting has to be impactful. Lights in this area can give a dramatic and soothing effect. So, if you think that they are not in good working condition; consider stage light repair and services.
Use downlight for accent lighting and glare control.
Light fixture types like pendant lights can be used in a group of 2-3 lights to enhance the ambiance.
Corridor and Stairway
These are challenging areas to light as most of the time they don’t have any natural light. These are also low-traffic areas so you have to find the balance between over lighting and making the space so dark that people feel unsafe when in that area.
Ceiling or wall-mounted lights and recessed lights are the perfect fit for stairways and corridor spaces.
Use of strip lighting on the floor or along the walls to serve as a guide for people passing through the office.
It requires high illuminance of light to maintain a workable, positive atmosphere. Daylight harvesting is the most efficient solution for an open floor plan.
Recessed ceiling-mounted lights help to light up the workspace homogeneously.
Add spotlights or downlights to avoid any dark spots.
Ergonomic is an integral parameter for any office lighting and it should not be neglected under any circumstances.
Even if you have ceiling lights for the workplace, having a fully adjustable task light on the desk can never go wrong. Desk lamps at individual workstations provide both direct, task-oriented, and indirect background lighting which helps reduce glare.
Ensure that the task lights are placed on the opposite side of the writing hand to avoid casting shadows.
Office Desks and Task Lighting
When considering office interior lighting design, don’t overlook the importance of lighting at individual workstations, especiallyoffice furniture Sydney. Task lighting is essential to provide focused illumination for tasks such as reading, writing, or using the computer. Desk lamps with adjustable arms and brightness settings can be placed strategically to minimize shadows and reduce eye strain. This localized lighting not only enhances productivity but also allows employees to personalize their lighting preferences, contributing to a comfortable and efficient workspace. Proper task lighting on office desks is a key component of a well-rounded lighting strategy, contributing to the overall success of your office lighting design.
Meeting rooms are spaces where presentations, important work-related discussions, and workshops take place. The lighting here should ideally combine warm and cool light to balance the atmosphere of the space.
Accent light and ambient light, when used in collaboration give an aesthetic effect to the meeting room.
Kitchen Area
The light above the cooking counter should be sharp and shadow-free. Whereas the serving island can have warm lighting.
In the realm of office lighting guide, the options are plentiful, but the right choice depends on various factors – from the layout of the space to the desired ambience. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored a range of lighting solutions, with a special focus on the versatility, mood-enhancing capabilities, and sustainability of high bay LED lights. Remember, the ideal office lighting design seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetics, creating an environment where productivity and well-being thrive side by side.
FAQs
Q.What is the importance of office lighting design? A. Office design lighting is crucial as it directly impacts employee’s productivity, health, and well-being. A well office light design scheme can create a pleasant and comfortable work environment, enhancing employee’s zest for working.
Q.How does office interior lighting design affect ergonomics? A. Ergonomics in office interior lighting design ensures that light and people interact efficiently and safely. Sufficient lighting around workspaces is essential to prevent eyestrain and headaches caused by inadequate lighting.
Q. How does office lighting design guideimpact productivity and quality of work? A. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can increase employees’ productivity, creativity, and overall health. Well-designed office lighting design guide can help keep workers healthy, productive, and motivated.
Q. What is the ideal source of architectural office LED lighting? A. Architectural office LED lighting is considered the most ideal choice for office lighting. It is energy-efficient, can be dimmed according to daylight, and helps eliminate glare, improving comfort and workability.
Q. How can natural light be maximized in an office setting? A. Natural light should be the primary source of lighting in an office, with artificial lighting serving as secondary. Positioning workstations to face north or south can help avoid direct sunlight and glares.
Q. How can different light sources be used in office lighting design? A. Office lighting is not limited to overhead or desk lighting. Indirect lighting can help illuminate workspaces subtly and relieve eyestrain. Additionally, non-reflective background surfaces can positively influence the work environment.
Q. What is the recommended color temperature for office lighting? A. Cooler bluish and white lights are ideal for spaces where concentration is required, while warm, yellowish-toned lights work well in spaces where people come to relax.
Q. How can energy be saved in office lighting? A. Using LEDs, setting up motion-sensored lights, and installing dimmers are efficient ways to save energy in an office setting.
Q. What are the benefits of installing lighting control systems in an office? A. Lighting control systems help utilize lighting sources more optimally, saving power and money. They can also make the most out of natural daylight by regulating lighting in different areas of the office.
Q. What is the importance of office lighting design in different rooms? A. Office lighting layout should consider the requirements of each room, from the entrance and reception to communal spaces. Adequate lighting in the workplace contributes to a comfortable and efficient workspace.
Foyer design or entryway. And reception. Wait, what about the hallway? And the vestibule, doesn’t it belong to this group? Aren’t they the same? Not really, but partially yes. Let’s settle the dispute first.
The entryway, foyer, and vestibule are all used interchangeably. However, all the 3 spaces indicate an entrance space, a transition from outdoor to indoor. Foyers are generally associated with large houses while entryways are associated with apartments, relatively smaller. Foyers could be more than just transitional spaces or entrance corridors. Foyers can also be halls with extensive decoration and house a variety of furniture. The vestibule is the space between two entrance doors, usually found in commercial spaces and hospitals to avoid leakage of air conditioning despite repeated opening and closing of doors. This article explore various foyer design ideas and identifies more than 20 such foyer design trends.
Embracing a Raw Cozy Foyer Design
Just keep it simple, casual, and transparent. Open shoe cabinets with as many pegs and umbrella holders that could possibly be placed. Opt for natural wood furniture systems. Leave the wall bricks exposed. Keep everything raw. This foyer design will be ideal for brutalist-style houses. However, if the rest of the house is pretty modern and sleek, this raw foyer design might stand odd and unfinished.
According to Vastu, placing idols or photos of Lord Ganesh or Lordess Lakshmi at the entrance is auspicious. Further, lighting oil lamps, candles, and incense sticks in front of the idols adds to the serenity of the space. Placing flowers in a traditional brass uruli, a type of wide vessel filled with water in the foyer is advised. The Vastu Shastra outlines many do’s and don’ts regarding the foyer area design of homes to ensure the well-being of the residents and also make the space appealing.
Articulating the Space Behind the Door
It is quite convincing that moderate-sized apartments lack a dedicated square foot of space for a foyer due to the shortage of land and high population density in urban centers. But this need not rob the apartments of a foyer, or an opportunity to make a first impression, serve as a sample for the architectural style throughout the flat itself. Utilizing the space behind the door is an efficient way to declutter the entrance, make the home appear appealing and a clever foyer design idea when space is limited. A console table, artwork, and mirrors can adorn the wall behind the door acting as a small foyer.
Storage cabinets are inevitable components of a foyer. Shoes, flip-flops, sandals, umbrellas, hats, towels, keys, sports equipment, and toys, all go in the storage cabinets clearing the cluttered floor space. Storage cabinets help in organizing a foyer and making it welcoming. A combination of closed and open cabinets is desirable. While the open cabinets can act as display shelves showcasing craft works and sculptures, they can also serve as closed cabinets hiding mundane items if the items are placed in baskets kept in open shelves.
Enriching Foyer designs with Floating shelves
Add a contemporary touch to the foyers with floating shelves. Floating shelves embody sleek and smooth finishes, evoking awe, and creating spaces for the storage and display of aesthetic items. Floating shelves are ideal solutions in foyers with ample wall area but limited floor space. And hence floating shelves can be categorized as inevitable design elements in small foyer designs.
Lighting fixtures transform the character of the space drastically. Add grandeur to the small foyers with artistic lighting fixtures like pendant lights and chandeliers. Make bold statements with lighting fixtures in foyer area design.
Creating Optical Illusions with Mirrors
Mirrors are ideal elements that promote the illusion that the foyer is more spacious than it actually is. Mirrors with golden or silver frames give a classy look. However, Mirrors are controversial elements according to Vastu as they reflect both positive and negative energy. Hence, Vastu experts recommend placing mirrors at an angle to the main door instead of placing them right in front of it. A whole mirrored wall is another way to create a visual appearance that the foyer is bigger than it actually is.
Cherish memories at the doorway with family photographs adorning the foyer walls. Door spaces are full of nostalgia, witnesses of not only arrival and departure but also of goodbyes, demises, marriages, farewells, etc. Family photographs are better placed in the foyer reminiscent of the good old memories.
Incorporating Rugs and carpets
Rugs and carpets are strong design elements capable of emphasizing a particular space and drawing all the attention towards them. They are useful in demarcating spaces. Rugs in foyers make it a cozy place and the natural soft material of the rug along with its organic shape juxtaposed with rigid straight furniture provides balance in the foyer.
Adding life to the foyer with greenery
Potted indoor plants complementing the natural lighting in the foyer evoke a serene feeling and welcome the guests. Plants and shrubs, besides being a visual delight and a mental health booster, add a pleasant scent to the space. Greenery in the foyer elevates the overall sensory experience.
Upgrading the walls
When there is not much space for furniture, a wall upgrade will enhance the character of the foyer. A bright tropical wall mural. Or a printed wallpaper. All adds to the ambiance of the foyer and substantiates the thought process behind the foyer area design.
Applying wooden textures
Wood is a versatile material suitable irrespective of the space or function of space. Wooden furniture, wooden shelves, and wooden slat walls all add warmth to the foyer making it welcoming. Further wood enhances the tactile experience in the foyer.
Highlighting the stairs
In many cases, the staircase to the upper floors is visually and physically permeable from the foyer in individual houses. This is another unique circumstance and there is a need to make use of the staircase as a sculptural setting in the foyer and treat the area beneath the staircase as a storage space to keep the foyer area chaos-free. The staircase could be accentuated with carpet runners and wall lights.
Don’t disturb the window
While it’s a luxury to afford a foyer in current circumstances, a window in the foyer is a boon. It is necessary to acknowledge the window in the foyer and design the foyer area accordingly complementing the window and the natural lighting. Anything that overpowers this window or blocks the natural light in the name of decor is unnecessary. In this case, projecting the window as the hero could be the concept behind the foyer area design.
Adding colors to the window glass in the foyer
Tall stained glass windows at the end of a passage-like foyer, dispersing colored daylight is a dream come true. The feasibility of such a window is questionable but if it is constructed, the ambience of the foyer raises beyond description. Such an element would instantly attract the visitor and evoke a mystic feeling.
The brighter the better, adding skylights to the foyer
No one appreciates a dark gloomy space. A skylight only feasible in houses not apartments brings an ample amount of light to the foyer. The skylight cheers up the guests and raises the spirits of the residents.
Placing semi-permeable partitions
Allocating space for a foyer in open-plan layouts can be challenging as the expansiveness of the design will be lost if the demarcation of spaces is too strong and the foyer may be inefficient if it provides no privacy. Porous partitions can be saviors in such scenarios. Adding a semi-permeable partition between the living space and the small foyer would maintain the openness of the space simultaneously providing adequate privacy.
Making it multifunctional
Like all other spaces, it’s time to add flexibility to even small foyers. Foyers can turn into home offices, study spaces, reading nooks, guest rooms, kids’ play spaces, etc. depending on circumstances. It should be planned and designed to be functional.
Fitting in a receiving room
The receiving room or formal lounge is an outdated space however when there is ample space in the foyer, an opportunity for such a space arises. Evaluating the flow or circulation, the foyer can be upgraded into a receiving room with appropriate furniture swap and seating furniture influx.
Showcasing Personality and Preferences, Turning the Foyer into a Gallery
There can’t be a better space than a long narrow foyer, that can be converted into an art gallery. For art lovers, this is a worthy hack, to hang all their close-to-heart art collections on the hallway walls exhibiting their passion and personality to the guests.
Incorporating a reading nook in Foyer Design
A bonus tip for passionate readers! Adding a few elements can transform the foyer into a mini-home library. Fill the storage cabinets with books and magazines, sort out the lighting, and upgrade the seating with upholstery and cushions to facilitate reading in the foyer. Adding that aspect of flexibility and adaptability pushes the foyer design, even that of small foyers a step ahead.
The law of nature is that only the fittest survive and the old must give way to the new and young. A similar transition was witnessed on 10th December 2020 when Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament Building in Delhi. A prominent component of the Central Vista Project, the triangular building now sits adjacent to its predecessor on the 9.5-acre plot.
The Central Vista is a 3.2 km stretch in the National Capital which houses the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Block, India Gate, National Stadium, and National Archives, among many other structures. India’s central administrative area located near Raisina Hill was originally designed by Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Since 1927, the structures designed by Baker and Lutyens have housed the country’s governing body and have faced countless, historical decisions.
In 2020, the Central Vista redevelopment Project was announced which is scheduled to be completed by the year 2026. The opportunity to redevelop the Kartavya Path fell into the hands of the architectural firm HCP under the guidance of Ar. Bimal Patel and was commissioned by the CPWD.
Kartavya Path
The Kartavya Path extends from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the India Gate. Inspired by the Washington National Memorial and Paris’s Avenue de Champs-Elysees, it also doubles as the venue for the Republic Day Parade as well as numerous other ceremonial functions.
Flanked on both sides with green spaces and water channels, it’s an exemplary urban planning project that flows along a central axis, has strong focal points, and a well-executed initiation and termination point. Initially named the King’s Way in post-independence India, its name evolved to Rajpath and finally to Kartavya Path- the ceremonial boulevard.
Need of The Hour
The 3.2 km stretch has gone through multiple revamps since its inception. While it remains one of the busiest streets in Delhi, the path has its drawbacks. The heavy traffic as well as heavy public use called for better arrangements that were pedestrian-friendly and in favor of the vendors. Originally the path didn’t have facilities for the pedestrians, leaving room for improvement. These concerns were addressed in the revamping and have materialized in the form of defined paved pathways which were integrated into the landscaping of the area. The new Kartavya Path has increased lawn space by around 40,000 sq. m.
Features of the Central Vista
At present 51 ministries are scattered across New Delhi, with 150 sq. km between them. Loss of time and wasteful travel due to VIP movement is one of the problems the New Vista is aiming to eliminate. An attempt to house all ministries in one complex, essentially minimizing movement in the Central secretariat has been made via well-planned drop-offs and pickup zones as well as central courtyards and meeting rooms in each building. Underground and ground-level shuttle service, which is also connected to the existing secretariat metro station have been provided for ease of transport.
The new Vista also includes a new vice president enclave, the Prime minister’s office and residence, new museums, and a national biodiversity arboretum in addition to the prized Parliament Delhi Building.
Legacy of the Old Parliament House
The original Parliament House of India is a circular building that housed the Parliament of India for over 70 years and holds great symbolic value. Being a heritage structure, it witnessed the change of power in 1947 as well as the drafting of the constitution.
The original building was designed as a “Council House” for British India and post-independence it was repurposed to serve as the Parliament House. The chamber for the Council of State became the Rajya Sabha Chamber and the Legislative Assembly became the Lok Sabha Chamber. The colonial structure was never designed to accommodate a bicameral legislature for a full-fledged democracy, thus creating the need for a new Parliament House.
The old Lok Sabha Chambers and Central Hall were full to their capacity and could not be further expanded. The office and meeting facilities were inadequate, and the natural sunlight and ventilation were compromised as well. All these concerns needed to be addressed, which resulted in the inception of the new Parliament House.
Currently, the old Parliament is being retrofitted as per Heritage Conservation Standards and being refurbished to be earthquake-proof. It will continue to be used for parliamentary functions as well as its library.
An Intro with the New
The New Parliament House is a triangular-shaped building adjacent to the old parliament house on plot no. 118. The form evolved from its peculiar site, need to sit in harmony with its historic surrounding buildings, and demands of a primary shape. Inaugurated on 28th May 2023, the designers attempted to keep both houses in sync, as part of the same complex which complements each other. The building took 2.5 years to be built and is the first purpose-designed parliament building in India.
The 9.5-acre plot is utilized to the maximum potential with multiple facilities such as a central foyer, offices, and quarters of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, a central lounge, a library, and eating areas. With 6 entrance doors, all paying homage to nature in their ways, motifs and statues adorn the building, showcasing India’s rich heritage.
The building’s architecture is inspired by the existing parliament house and the other buildings in Central Vista as well as the classical, folk, and tribal arts and crafts of India.
The Lok Sabha Chamber, also known as the House of the People, now seats 672 members, which can be expanded to 768 members. The entire chamber is designed as a homage to the National bird of India, The Peacock. Covering an area of 1315 sq. m. the new Lok Sabha Chamber is twice the size of the old chamber.
The carpets and upholstery which bear the motifs of the peacock and its artistic interpretations were sourced from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh while the white marble featured inside was brought from Gujarat. The ornamentation is inspired by traditional crafts of India and sacred symbols such as the wooden Ashok Chakra are present in both chambers.
The Lok Sabha Hall can hold up to 1272 members in case of joint sessions of the parliament.
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha Chamber, which houses the Council of States, now seats 396 members. The chamber’s design is based on the National Flower the Lotus. Motifs featuring the flower can be seen on the ceiling, walls, and floor mats. The new Rajya Sabha is 1.5 times the size of the old chamber and has audience seating available, to all viewing of the proceedings of the legislature.
Both chambers are fully digital, featuring a biometric lock as well as a translator supporting all 28 languages. The Lok Sabha features a multi-media display for viewing of poll results as well as other activities. A command room has been created for the smooth functioning of the sessions.
The central courtyard represents the diverse flora of India. With the Banyan tree at the center, the open spaces play an important role in the structure.
In the Constitution Hall, a central skylight features a hanging pendulum that connects the cosmos to the Earth. The decorative pattern on the floor beneath it depicts the precise location of Delhi on the globe.
The building has more than 1700 doors and windows and has over 3.5km long building corridors. The building has been designed to withstand seismic activity for seismic zone V even though Delhi lies in the Seismic zone IV.
Tokens from throughout the Nation
The entire nation stood on standby, supporting the construction of the new Parliament. The building was a beacon of hope, a symbol of better times approaching during the dark hours of the Covid pandemic. Shri Narendra Modi, our prime minister rightfully said “If the old Parliament House gave direction to post-independence India, the new parliament architecture building would become a witness to the creation of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.”
The diversity of India is appropriately represented in the following ways:
Sandstone sourced from Dholpur, Rajasthan which was used to create intricate fenestrated screens which decorate the interiors of the building.
White marble sourced from Gujarat is used in the façade and on the floor of the pendulum clock.
Extensive use of wood in the exterior as well as the interior is done, the wood is sourced from Nagpur, and artisans and craftsmen native to Mumbai were employed to create authentic Indian woodwork. Both the assembly rooms enjoy an Ashok chakra fashioned from the same wood.
Hand-knotted carpets from Bhadohi, UP used to adorn the interiors.
Bamboo wooden flooring featured which was specially brought in from Tripura.
Indian architecture served as the primary inspiration for the contemporary new parliament house of India. While preserving the existing landscape and built environment, the structure has succeeded in paying homage to the past, the history of our country, and India’s rich heritage. A mix of Indian cultures, the building houses components and representative tokens of the entire subcontinent, reflecting our rich democracy and our roots, a reason for pride for every Indian.
FAQs
Q.New parliament building design based on which temple? A. The architectural inspiration for the design of the new Parliament building in India comes from the ancient Laxmi Vilas Temple (also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple) in Bhopal as well as the triangular form of the Shree Yantra a symbol of cosmic energy in Hindu philosophy.
Q.New parliament building built by which company? A. One of India’s top infrastructure firms **Tata Projects Limited** built the country’s new parliament building. Aiming to modernize the country’s administrative buildings the construction was a part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Beginning in December 2020 the project was finished in 2023. This famous buildings design and construction were carried out by Tata Projects.
Lighting has a deeper impact on our moods and emotions. Lighting can create visual stimulation and put emphasis on a specific feature of your home, you want to highlight.
Lighting for home decor is a very underrated feature of any interior design project. Whereas lighting, if done correctly, can amplify the interior of your home even more.
Choosing the right light fixture types for your room décors can be confusing. So, we have here an ultimate lighting guide that will help you in deciding while finalizing your lighting décor.
As the name suggests, general/ ambient light illuminates the space to make everything visible. Typically, this type of light provides suitable illumination with a broader overhead light cast in lighting for home decor.
Ambient Light Fixture Types
Ceiling lamp
Wall-mounted lamp
Recessed or downlight fixture
Track light
Floor lamp
Table lamp
Chandelier
Task Lighting
Task lighting helps in carrying out specific tasks like reading, sewing, cooking, studying, and working. This type of lighting gives you an option to adjust the lighting of your space as per your needs.
Task lights should be bright enough to avoid eye-straining and they should be positioned in a way that it doesn’t cast distracting shadows.
While selecting a perfect task light, keep in mind the activity you need it for and also the age of the person it is for. The glare and harshness affect our eyes as we grow older.
Task Light Fixture Types
Recessed or downlight fixture
Pendant lighting
Portable lamp
Tape and track lights
Slim line bar and under cabinet
Accent Lighting
Accent lights are used to highlight specific features or elements in a space. It adds a dramatic effect to the room. This lighting can change the mood of the space completely. The best example is the spotlights used over a painting.
Accent lights should direct at least three times as much light on the focal point as compared to the rest of the space. If done right, this accentuates the focal point subtly.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) uses 90% less energy than incandescent lights. The last 25 times longer than halogen and three times longer than CFLs and are pocket-friendly. LEDs are 100% recyclable and cooler to the touch.
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) is more energy-efficient and less hot than incandescent light. But it has a shorter lifespan than LEDs. They fade over time and reduce their illuminance. CFL contains mercury, so one has to be very careful while disposing of it.
Halogen is more energy-efficient than incandescent light but less than both LED and CFL. Its cost of running and lifetime cost, both are very high.
LED bulbs will be the ideal choice of light today. Along with being an energy-efficient and economical option, LED has a vast variety of lighting effects, perfect and different for every room. With the entry of smart led bulbs, the lighting solutions have changed drastically.
The Colour Temperature of light can extensively effect in setting the mood of the room.
CCT (Correlated Colour Temperature) is the measure of the light’s colour appearance. Light is differentiated into three distinct categories (measured in Kelvin)
Warm
Neutral
Cool
Warm Light
It fills the space with a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for bedrooms and living areas.
Neutral Light
Neutral light is used in spaces where more concentration on the work is required, like the kitchen.
Cool Light
This light works best in spaces that need some additional focus like reading or working area or a bathroom.
The kitchen is a very active space where all the food preparation takes place. It is also a gathering spot. As you handle several utensils, some of them sharp, shadow-free, sharp lighting is exactly what you need. The lighting decor for kitchen requires a perfect consideration of task and ambient lighting.
Install LED strips on the wall units.
Illuminate the countertop using undercabinet.
Provide pendant light for the kitchen island or breakfast bar.
Dining Area
Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels
The dining area is more than just a place to eat. It is also a place for entertaining and socializing. It has the potential to be the most aesthetic part of your home, so invest in good fixtures.
Most people make the mistake of placing a chandelier above the table and keeping it as the only source of light.
Adding layers with wall scones, pendant light, etc can enhance the ambience of the space.
Install dimmers to control the illuminance level.
Mount undercabinet light to highlight your China cabinet.
Living Room
Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels
The living room is an all-purpose area where you will watch TV, read books and chat with friends and family. The lighting decor for living room needs to be more diverse, to reflect the tasks that are carried out in the room. As we spent most of our time in living rooms, the lighting in this room has to be suitable for your scheme of work.
The lighting needs to a perfect combination of all lighting and light fixture types.
Use multiple lighting layers with dimmable light.
Use portable lighting for more flexibility and control.
Use wall washing for bookshelves and artwork to make the space seem more spacious and luxurious.
For the sofa/TV area, uniform indirect light is recommended, so as not to affect the vision or cause annoying reflections on the TV screen.
Bathroom
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels
Bathroom lighting should emphasize more on safety and aesthetics. It requires careful consideration of lighting placement.
Light both sides of the mirror. Vanity lighting is perfect to light up the mirror.
Make sure neutral or cool light is directed towards your face.
If you have a small bathroom, go for wall mounted light fixture types.
Ambient lighting, wall scones and recessed lighting work well in a bathroom.
If you have a tub, add dimmable lights over the head area.
The light in the bedroom cannot be the same as in a kitchen or a home office. As a general rule, the lighting scheme should be definitely warmer and cozier. On both sides of the bed, there should be no more than a 1-Watt adjustable light source, allowing you to read or get up at night without disturbing your partner.
Consider the scale and height of the room.
Use direct lighting for desks, vanities, etc.
Consider coloured bulbs to change the mood.
Install dimmers and other lighting controls.
Create ambient light with downlights and pendant fixtures.
Control glare for tasks like reading.
Consider lights that can be changed from up light to downlight.
Try to use light bulbs of lower wattage.
Don’t install lights directly over the bed.
Use softer, shaded fixtures for sitting areas.
Use flexible lamps for your reading light.
Kid’s Room
While choosing the light scheme for your kid’s room, keep in mind the age and gender of your child.
If your child is a toddler, ensure that the light fixtures cannot be touched.
An Introduction to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
Guggenheim Bilbao the museum, officially inaugurated in 1997 by King Juan Carlos I of Spain, is among the most recognizable museums globally due to its bold architecture and edgy structure. It offers a thrilling setting for its wide-ranging collection of art. (Koons & Lee, n.d.) Situated by the river this landmark has been hailed as a turning point in architectural culture because as architectural Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Paul Goldberger has noted it represents a rare consensus among critics scholars and the general public. (Tyrnauer, 2010)
What Frank Gehry achieved at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is extraordinary, insofar as it has held more than 100 different exhibitions and received over ten million visitors, redefining how both the general public and architects look at the concept of a museum and providing a massive economic boost to the city.
Indeed, this phenomenon of change a city undergoes after having created an extraordinary architectural work is today referred to as the “Bilbao Effect.” The museum, to this day, twenty years later, challenges conventional wisdom about the relationships between architecture and art. (Pagnotta, 2013)
Spatial layout and interior design
The Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry constructed the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao as the best instance of the most original 20th-century building design. This 24,000 m2 area, out of which 9,000 is devoted to exhibition space makes visitors enter the Atrium, which is the real heart of the museum and a peculiar feature of Frank Gehry’s architectural style. (Meet Frank Gehry, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
The atrium is a spacious area that is well-lit by a big skylight and has curving volumes and wide glass curtain walls that connect the interior and outdoors. (Inside the Museum, Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
The building’s three floors are arranged around the atrium and connected by curving walkways, glass and titanium elevators, and stairs. The Atrium, which doubles as an exhibition area, serves as a hub for the 20 galleries, some of which have organic, asymmetrical lines and others that are orthogonally formed and have classical proportions.
The museum’s organizational hub is the spacious, light-filled atrium, which spans 11,000 square meters of exhibition space over nineteen galleries. These ten galleries are distinguished from the outside by a limestone finish, which adheres to a traditional orthogonal layout. From the exterior, the remaining nine galleries may be recognized by their swirling, organic shapes covered with titanium. The biggest gallery, measuring 30 by 130 meters, is home to a permanent Richard Serra installation titled “The Matter of Time.” (Pagnotta, 2013)
The use of varying volumes and viewpoints creates interior environments that prevent visitors from feeling overpowered. Under the skilled hands of curators and exhibition designers, who have discovered the perfect setting to showcase both huge works in modern mediums and smaller or more intimate exhibits, such variety has proven its immense adaptability.
The ship-like profile visible from the river recalls the area’s industrial heritage, while from above, the building’s plan resembles a flower, with petals spreading out around a central atrium. The museum’s galvanized steel framework is clad externally in limestone and glass, along with titanium panels, chosen for the way the metal reflects natural light. (Griffiths et al., 2022)
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was constructed from October 1993 to October 1997. The location, which was selected on an abandoned dock with industrial and port uses on a bend in the Nervión, symbolized the city’s reclamation of the riverbanks and their development for recreation and culture. (The Construction of the Building | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
Gehry chose to use CATIA, a sophisticated program that was first created for the aerospace industry, to accurately convert his concept to the building and aid in construction because of the mathematical intricacy of his design. After ruling out alternative materials and seeing the behaviour of a titanium sample posted outside his office, the architect decided to use titanium for the building’s exterior skin.
The around 33,000 very thin titanium sheets have a rough, organic texture that adds to the material’s colour shifts in response to light and weather. The building’s other two elements, glass and limestone, work in unison to create an architectural design with a striking visual impact that has already established itself as a true global symbol of the city. (Pagnotta, 2013)
Owing to their mathematical complexity, the twisting curves were created using CATIA, a 3-D design program that was not conceivable just a few years ago. In essence, Gehry’s hand-built models are digitized by the program at the edges, surfaces, and intersections to create on-screen models that may be adjusted in a similar way to animated cartoons. (Griffiths et al., 2022)
The load-bearing walls and ceilings of the building have an interior framework made of metal rods arranged in triangle-shaped grids. The number of bars needed at each place, together with the positions and orientations of the bars, were determined using CATIA. (The Construction of the Building | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.) Apart from this framework, many insulating layers and an exterior titanium coating are present on the walls and ceilings.
The dynamic shapes that characterize the outside of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao were made possible. by computer modelling software produced by the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation (Dassault CATIA, 2023). Each component is unique in its placement, as defined by the CATIA program. (The Construction of the Building | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
The Role of Deconstructivism in the Museum’s Architecture
Gehry is perhaps the best representative among architects who realized themselves in works created in the style of deconstructivism, such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. With its elaborate and fragmented form, as well as iconic titanium cladding, the building addresses the traditional ideas of architectural symmetry and balance. (Gehry & Koshalek, 2019) There is a prevalent feeling of movement and dynamic in the museum’s asymmetrical shape. Gehry’s buildings aren’t mere static structures but dynamic entities that enter into an active conversation with their surrounding cityscapes. (Cohen, 2023)
The Guggenheim Museums peculiar appearance—a disorganized assembly of non-rectilinear volumes—became representative of the deconstructivist architectural movement despite Gehrys denial that he belongs in that genre. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which Gehry developed in response to the then-dominant postmodernist architectural style is the culmination of his design language in his opinion.
Rejecting postmodernism and its pastiche of historical architectural styles, he said he would rather gaze back 300 million years at forms that existed before humans. Fish, in particular, captivated him. (Griffiths et al., 2022)
The Museum’s Relationship with Its Surroundings: The River and the City
The building’s metallic design seems almost floral when viewed from above, but when viewed from below, it more closely resembles a boat, evoking memories of Bilbao’s previous industrial port. Made of glass, limestone, and titanium, the exterior’s seemingly haphazard contours are intended to collect light and respond to the sun and weather. The shallow centre depression that fixing clips produce in each 38-mm titanium tile gives the surface an incredible iridescence and ripple pattern that changes with the light.
From above, the building’s metallic shape appears almost flowery; nevertheless, from below, it more closely resembles a boat, bringing to mind the port of Bilbao’s former industrial activities. Made of glass, limestone, and titanium, the exterior’s seemingly haphazard contours are intended to collect light and respond to the sun and weather. Each of the 38-mm titanium tiles has a shallow center depression created by fixing clips, which gives the surface an amazing iridescence and a ripple effect in response to changing light. (Griffiths et al., 2022)
The museum is situated in a recently built part of the city, leaving its industrial background behind, and is surrounded by lovely avenues and squares. One of the main streets that run diagonally through Bilbao, Calle Iparragirre, is directly in line with the museum’s main entrance and plaza, extending the city centre right up to the museum’s door. (Pagnotta, 2013).
Once in the plaza, guests reach the hall by descending a wide stairway—a unique design element that effectively bridges the elevation difference between the museum’s location along the Nervión River and the higher city level. Gehry was able to design a stunning tower in this fashion without making it higher than the other structures.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the architecture, the huge skylight shaped like a metal flower covering the Atrium, crowns the highest point of the museum.
The whole museum may be explored on foot, where one can view many arrangements from every angle as well as several outdoor artworks by artists including Jeff Koons, Fujiko Nakaya, Yves Klein, Eduardo Chillida, and Louise Bourgeois. (Outside the Museum | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
La Salve Bridge, which has supported the artwork Arcos Rojos and Arku Gorriak, a commission from Daniel Buren, since 2007, spans the museum site at one end.
The Museum’s Impact on Urban Regeneration
The Guggenheim Bilbao has become an important element in the urban generation process of Bilbao in Spain. (Koons & Lee, n.d.) Before this museum was constructed, the town was unable to recover from economic decline and industrial decay. Its unique architecture, together with rich cultural acquisitions, transforms Bilbao into a dynamic and vibrant centre of culture, business, and investment that attracts new tourists.
The Guggenheim Bilbao has regenerated the area, provided jobs, and increased property values, thus raising the standard of living for the people residing in that area. It has also tended to act as an agent of community engagement and cultural development for its citizens by engendering a sense of pride and belonging among its inhabitants. (Pagnotta, 2013)
Its success has inspired other cities to view cultural institutions as instruments of urban regeneration. It is proof that the model of the Guggenheim Bilbao works elsewhere in the world: culture has a magic touch that could alter the urban face of a city and the fate of its people.
Another very salient aspect of the design of the Guggenheim Bilbao is its relation to the urban environment. The museum lies on the banks of the Nervión River and is surrounded by public spaces and green areas that have revitalized the surrounding neighbourhood and attracted visitors from all over the world. (Gehry & Koshalek, 2019)
Cultural and Economic Influence on Bilbao
The museum’s influence on society and the economy has been remarkable. About 4 million people visited the museum in its first three years of existence, bringing in roughly $500 million in revenue. (Kivlehan, 2021)Additionally, over $100 million in taxes were received from the money tourists spent on lodging, dining, shopping, and transportation, more than offsetting the building’s cost. But the “Bilbao Effect” promise also led to a global “statement” architecture construction boom, which turned out to be unwise after the most recent financial crisis. (Koumari, 2021) However, the museum is known for its complexity and design.
Energy efficiency is one of the prime factors embedded in the Guggenheim Bilbao’s design. The museum has modern, effective HVAC systems, uses LED lighting, and uses natural ventilation to make sure energy consumption is at the minimum rate. In addition, large skylights and windows bring in a large volume of natural light, reducing the use of electric light almost to zero. It also uses water-saving measures: it collects rainwater and uses efficient irrigation to curtail this vital resource. (Environmental Sustainability | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
Material selection at the Guggenheim Bilbao reflects its commitment to making it sustainable. It also follows sustainable construction procedures, and second-hand materials are placed wherever possible. This helps in not only reducing the environmental impact on the museum but also providing a more sustainable future. (Environmental Sustainability | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, n.d.)
Comparisons with Other Guggenheim Museums
The term “Bilbao effect” describes the tendency of towns all over the world to establish prominent cultural structures to emulate Guggenheim’s success. Numerous projects have failed to provide comparable advantages to local populations as a result of this tendency. Frank Gehry, the architect of the Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi, does recognize that the project changed the social and economic dynamics of the city, but he doesn’t give a flying fuck about worldwide imitations or the trend that his building set in motion. His intention, he feels, was to blend into the city rather than to change it. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in 2025.
This remarkable iconic structure is the Guggenheim Bilbao. Although it has dominated Bilbaos symbolic landscape the building has been a real failure as a public space failing to support and celebrate the vibrant local culture. The museum, designed by Frank Gehry, interrupts the city’s life and insults pedestrians who would like to use the space for anything other than gawking at the building. The museum may bring people to Bilbao, but it only degrades the civic and cultural life that makes people proud to live in the city. (Kent, 2024)
The building’s design and approach to design and development are an affront to public spaces everywhere. The public spaces around Guggenheim Bilbao are a void in the civic life of a great city. It has drawn attention to Bilbao, but it has also obscured and pushed the city’s vibrant social scene and rich cultural heritage, so the total effect has been a temporary sugar high.
Guggenheim Bilbao Images
Although they should go hand in hand, beautiful public spaces and architecture rarely do. The arrogance of the Guggenheim Bilbao and its approach to design and development affront public spaces everywhere. The museum not only ignores context but also pushes away and hides Bilbao’s rich culture and social life, making it a net loss for the city. (Kent, 2024)
Conclusion
The Guggenheim Bilbao, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, has left an indelible mark on the city and the world of art. Its innovative design, coupled with its transformative impact on Bilbao’s urban regeneration, has solidified its status as a global icon. (Cohen, 2023)
Recently, its world icon status has been raised by its innovative design, together with touching urban renewal in Bilbao.
Guggenheim Bilbao Center
This museum has been, from the very beginning, an overt challenge to traditional notions of architectural form and function—a bold, imaginative design that shows what can be done. Its unique blending of art and architecture has drawn millions of visitors, revived the city’s economy, and inspired countless architects and artists.
Although the Guggenheim Bilbao is seen as excessively exclusive to the cultural and collective life of the city, one thing really cannot be denied: this museum has elevated its unquestionable impact on the urbanistic development of Bilbao and its position among the cultural objects with a capital letter. The museum’s success stands as a testament to the power and potential of cultural institutions to remake cities and inspire new ways of thinking about art, architecture, and urban development.
FAQs
What are The Guggenheim Bilbao opening hours?
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is generally open to the public during the following hours: –Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM –Closed on Mondays, except for certain holidays
References
Cohen, J. (2023, July 4). The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry: A Symphony of Shapes. Arch Eyes. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
The construction of the Building | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. (n.d.). Guggenheim Bilbao. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link –
Dassault CATIA. (2023, May 3). 3DFindit. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Environmental sustainability | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. (n.d.). Guggenheim Bilbao. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Gehry, F., & Koshalek, R. (2019, April 8). Frank Gehry Paintings, Bio, Ideas | TheArtStory. The Art Story. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Griffiths, A., Ortiz, A., & Rundle, T. (2022, May 18). Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is “the greatest building of our time”. Dezeen. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Inside the Museum | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. (n.d.). Guggenheim Bilbao. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Kent, E. (2024, May 1). Guggenheim Museum Bilbao | Hall of Shame. Project for Public Spaces. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Kivlehan, N. P. (2021, October 6). Buildings that elevated cities: Bilbao’s Guggenheim | Modus | RICS. MODUS | RICS. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Koons, J., & Lee, R. (n.d.). Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Wikipedia. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Koumari, L. (2021, November 29). Uncoverd 02 – Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (Frank Gehry). Parametric Architecture. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Meet Frank Gehry | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. (n.d.). Guggenheim Bilbao. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Outside the Museum | Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. (n.d.). Guggenheim Bilbao. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Pagnotta, B. (2013, September 1). AD Classics: The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao / Gehry Partners. ArchDaily. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Sharma, A. (n.d.). Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry: United the Critics, Academics, and the General Public – RTF. Rethinking The Future Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
Tyrnauer, M. (2010, June 30). Architecture in the Age of Gehry. Vanity Fair. Retrieved August 25, 2024, from Link
We always prefer natural lighting over artificial lighting. Any home which is flooded with natural lighting sources seems pleasant, positive, and warm. The interior spaces look larger and more aesthetic with natural lighting.
Artificial lighting can cause eye-straining, as you have to keep on adjusting to the illumination at all times. Dopamine is produced when we expose our eyes to the sunlight. This helps in reducing vision problems like eye-straining and also makes reading easy.
Regulates Sleep Cycle
Artificial lighting confuses the body with the amount of illumination at any time of the day. Less exposure to any natural lighting sources can make the body lethargic. By regulating the sleep cycle, sunlight can make you more productive, active, happy, and motivated.
Keeps Body Healthy
Vitamin D is primarily obtained from all the natural lighting sources. Vitamin D helps maintain body weight, asthma symptom control, and build a good immune system.
Increases Concentration
Sunbathing can increase your attention span and make you more alert. This focus helps while completing tedious assignments.
Improves Mental Health
Exposure to daylight increases endorphin (happy hormones) production. This also helps in increasing the memory functioning of the brain. Natural light plays a crucial part in coping with stress and anxiety.
Good For the Environment
The bonus of using natural lighting for home decor is that it helps in saving energy and money at the same time. But apart from this, using more natural lighting sources means producing less carbon which is good for the environment.
This is the reason why many times people are more comfortable in natural light rather than artificial light.
Now that we know the benefits of natural lighting, here are some tips and tricks that can help you amplify illumination in your homes with the help of natural lighting.
Add Mirrors
Rooms look bigger by adding mirrors on the walls. Adding a full-length mirror on walls opposite to the opening will make the room look bigger and it will reflect and double the amount of light entering the room.
If you do not have a wall side for a full-length mirror, try putting a mirror on the surface of the wardrobe door. Choosing the correct angle for these mirrors is very crucial if you want the light to travel even to the darkest corner of your room.
Spaces like the hallway function well with mirror placement. It is unnecessary that there has to be a direct sunlight reflection on the mirror. The light is partially distributed throughout even if only a medium amount of natural lighting sources are available.
Reflective Surfaces
Apart from mirrors, there are many new reflective surface ideas for lighting up space. Installing glossy tiles in the kitchen and bathroom can help in increasing the illumination of light in these spaces. Metallic decors or finishes on the furniture or ceiling also help in elevating the light entering the room.
Glass blocks are another effective solution as a reflective surface to enhance natural lighting for room decor. These blocks can work efficiently even as partition walls as they are opaque.
Natural Lighting for Room Decor
No room is complete without placing furniture in it. The Interior of space can increase or decrease the propagation of light.
When it comes to choosing home décor, always go for compact minimalist furniture. The more furniture you place, the more clustered the room looks. If the décor is compact, there is more room for light to enter.
Try having low-height furniture as much as possible. If you have to have some tall furniture, make sure it is not blocking the direct light entering from any of the openings. If the number of shadows created is less, then the circulation of light will be more.
Partition walls are another reason for the obstruction of light via openings. Avoid having solid wall partitions, instead of that, having glass partitions will help the light to flow.
Having a higher ceiling can help in bringing in more natural light as there is more space for sunlight to circulate.
Dark colours absorb light whereas lighter colours reflect it. Choosing light pastel or neutral colours for your wall can help to make the room look brighter. It also helps to have light coloured furniture and flooring to disperse the lighting.
Having the same colour on all the surfaces might look monotonous. So, while choosing the right colour for the furniture you can have lighter colours for the heavy decors like cabinets and a shade or two darker for small accent pieces or artworks. This will add some contrast to the interiors. Metallic accessories and translucent furniture can also help in reflecting light.
Make sure the ceiling is either matte white or two shades lighter than the wall colour. Matte finish suites well for the ceiling because it reduces glare.
This is a very effective but expensive solution for natural lighting. This is only for the people who are planning an overall (internal and external) renovation. A larger opening or even increase in the number of openings can bring in more natural light into the home.
Installing glass openings can also increase the light flow in a space. But if you do not want any transparent material for the openings, you can also opt for frosted glass.
You can try having high window openings in spaces where regular window openings are not possible like a bathroom.
A skylight can also bring in natural light in a room without openings. They are very useful in walk-in closets and hallways. If you are planning to install a skylight, make sure that it is properly sealed to avoid any leakage.
Select the right Blinds
Photo by Max Vakhtbovych from Pexels
It is not always possible to keep our window or balcony door open. Natural lighting is important but so is maintaining our privacy. Blinds help in keeping our privacy, but dark curtains will again absorb the light and make the room darker.
Sheer curtains can resolve this problem. They are light and allow daylight to penetrate through them while maintaining sufficient privacy.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, home offices have made their way into house planning. We have already established that having a good amount of natural lighting helps in productivity and concentration. With that said, here are some tips to improve natural lighting in your home office.
Place your desk near an opening with less interior obstructions for more daylight.
To avoid creating glare on the screen, try placing the desk perpendicular to an opening. This will create a perfect balance between the natural lighting sources and the shadows.
Bonus Tips
Cleanliness
Keep your home openings clean to ensure that maximum natural light is entering your home at all times.
Natural Lighting Sources and Greenery
Check if the landscape in your surrounding is obstructing the light entering your space. Trimming these trees, plants, and shrubs from time to time can help in having unobstructed natural light.
Surface maintenance
Be careful that the daylight doesn’t fade or damage any surfaces of the home décor.
Transforming your living environment not only enhances its visual appeal but can also uplift your mood and productivity. A few strategic adjustments can make your space more inviting, functional, and reflective of your personal style. By tailoring your environment to your needs and tastes, you can create a sanctuary that feels exclusively yours. Keep reading for insightful tips on how to improve your living space, starting with the essential task of organization to the joy of incorporating nature indoors.
Incorporating Plants for a Touch of Nature Indoors
Adding greenery to your living space is a proven way to breathe life into your surroundings. Plants do more than just beautify; they can improve air quality and create a sense of well-being. However, maintaining real plants might be demanding for busy individuals or those without a green thumb.
In such cases, integrating a fake plant can offer visual benefits without the upkeep. Today’s artificial plants are incredibly realistic, and they allow you to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of greenery without worrying about watering or light conditions.
While selecting plants, consider the size, scale, and type that best fits your space and complements your decor. Large-leafed plants can make a bold statement, while a collection of smaller plants can serve as subtle accents. Remember to place them where they can be enjoyed from different angles and locations within the room.
Lighting Techniques to Brighten and Enliven Your Home
Proper lighting can transform the mood and allure of any room. It’s key to create layers of light that can be manipulated according to the time of day or desired ambience. Start by maximizing natural light, which not only saves on energy costs but also contributes to a general sense of well-being.
When natural light isn’t enough, the right selection of artificial lighting makes all the difference. A well-positioned floor lamp can add warmth to a reading corner, while pendant lights can offer a modern touch above a dining table. Always consider the tasks performed in each area to customize your lighting choices effectively.
Lastly, proper fixture selection can address both practical and stylistic concerns. A statement chandelier, for instance, can serve as a centerpiece while providing substantial light. For specific needs, consulting with an electrician Wylie TX can ensure that your lighting is both beautifully appointed and safely installed. Finding a trusted technician also ensures that you’ll always have access to reliable electrical services.
Maximizing Your Living Space Through Clever Organization
Effective organization is the cornerstone of any well-maintained living space. Employing space-saving solutions such as wall-mounted shelves and multi-purpose furniture can significantly diminish clutter. The objective is not simply to store items out of sight, but to create systems that make the most of your space while keeping it easily accessible and orderly.
Besides the practical benefits, a well-organized room can contribute to a peaceful state of mind. Arranging your belongings in a manner that makes sense to you should come naturally and functionally. To achieve this, consider the flow of your space and organize based on how you move and utilize each area.
Do not underestimate the power of downsizing. Periodically reassessing your possessions to determine what’s essential serves dual functions—it declutters your living environment and simplifies your lifestyle. Although it can be challenging to let go of items, the results are invariably rewarding, affording you more space and less visual chaos.
Investing in Quality Furniture That Combines Style and Function
Choosing the right furniture is crucial to elevating the look and functionality of your home. The key lies in selecting pieces that balance aesthetic appeal with practical use. This means favoring items that serve multiple purposes or fit perfectly within the scale of your room.
Quality should always take precedence over quantity when it comes to furniture shopping. Premium pieces not only withstand the test of time but often feature timeless designs that can adapt to evolving trends and personal tastes. It’s an investment that enhances the present and preserves value for the future.
Furniture can also dictate the flow of movement within a space. Consider the arrangement of each piece, ensuring there’s enough room to navigate comfortably. Adequate spacing contributes to a sense of order and spaciousness even in more compact areas.
Altogether, the transformation of your living space can be a gratifying journey. These tips not only elevate the aesthetics but also contribute to a harmonious and efficient environment. Overall, it’s about creating a sanctuary that resonates with your values and provides a retreat tailored to your lifestyle.
