The question of what constitutes «good» design, is also addressed by the
comparatively young science of «environmental
design». It examines what we
feel when we see a building or enter a
room. One of its findings is that we perceive
a building or a room as «beautiful»when the first impression promotes our
sense of well-being, i.e. when it touches
us pleasantly in our innermost being. It
has also been proven that bright, lightflooded
rooms also contribute to this,
as does a pleasant room temperature
and the feeling of being in a safe place.
But it would be too short-sighted
if we were to limit our demand for good
design to the purely functional aspect.
What is design and how do you recognise
good design? SCALE has asked experts
the following question:
In terms of architecture, façades and windows: What does good design mean for you?
Good design...always goes beyond the mere fulfilment of the function. The look and feel of the material should be appropriate to the task and as sustainable as possible. If a detail is particularly eye-catching and triggers a positive reaction in the user or observer, everything has been done right.
For some time now materials and materiality in architecture have been experiencing a significant paradigm shift. Innovative bring with them new aesthetics and often better material performance. One of the hallmarks of good and progressive design is that it explores and expands the possiblities that these developments offer us for more sustainable building.
Good design is particularly evident in its unobtrusive presence. If the eye always seeks a connection with the building and a subtle symbiosis between the shell and the inner core is created, the special nature of the structural product becomes appartent. If we fathom the aesthetics of a building, all components such as façades and window elements, their design in terms of materiality and colouring, and the positioning are therefore involved in this process.
Façades, windows and glazhing of all kinds are an integral part of the building envelope. Design is reflected in them as a symbiosis of maximum function and optimum aesthetics, in order to combine maximum functionality and practicability, optimised manufacturing processes and compliance with strict standards and legal requirements.
For me, good design is sustainable, timeless, restrained and relates to the essentials. It is in balance with nature and respects it. Good design is not flashy, the beauty and quality is in the detail. Keep it true, simple and clean and the beauty will last forever.
Good façade design today is complex - sometimes screamingly quiet, sometimes whisperingly loud. Meaning is created through a convincing attitude to independence, which is understood and, ideally, loved by its addressees.
Windows and façades are the outer finish, the skin of an architecture, so to speak. We understand the skin, the surface, as «the inside carried to the outside»
Good design refers to a good understanding and knowledge of the rules of nature and their effects, which is taken into account when designing a space that meets the needs of the users. It is related also with the appropriate use of materials and systems that make up a specific building.
Windows are an essential design element. They provide light and thus determine the atmosphere both inside and outside. A window can surprise and seduce by drawing the eye to a certain view. Windows should be carefully matched to the façade in terms of proportion and profile.
