Space Design

A Reflection Through Jean Nouvel’s Louvre, Abu Dhabi

May 8, 2018

When I started writing this article, I was going in the direction of walking our readers through the Louvre, Abu Dhabi. Then I realised that, thanks to the Internet, any one curious enough could see the multiple YouTube videos and documentaries that exist on the subject, so why bother.

It then hit me that apart from the beauty and splendour, what is it that is so amazing about this feat? What can we all learn from this?

HOW TO DREAM BIG

There are many lessons from Jean Nouvel’s bold attempt at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. For us at Zeitgeist, it’s about dreaming, challenging the norms and pushing the boundaries, yet being sensitive to the context, and, in fact, embracing it – something Pritzker Laureate, Jean Nouvel, holds dear to his heart and is at the forefront of all his works.

He doesn’t believe in a particular style; the style is derived based on its surroundings. He once wrote, “The future of architecture is not architectural” and has followed what he then stated: architecture is not an autonomous discipline; one must look beyond architecture to push the boundaries and the future of architecture.

MAKING THE BIG DREAM A REALITY

So how do I process this magnificent creation? When you dream big, you allow yourself to be free; free from the shackles of norms, society, discipline – of the conventional way. Achieving this is no easy task. Fear of the unknown, fear of being judged, and most important, fear of failure govern all of us; a common trait within all us “common folk”.

And this is one of the fundamental differences between us folk and those that have achieved such greatness. Awareness is a very handy tool; be aware at every point when you hear that inner voice warning you or stopping you. Don’t use the words “but”, “no” and “not possible” because when you do, you are holding yourself back. Be open minded and let the creative juices flow.

Passion and pride are also traits that sit at the forefront of creative geniuses like Jean Nouvel. Passion drives you to explore, to study, to discover. Knowledge and the willingness to constantly learn and grow will open more doors in your journey to greatness.

“I am mad, mad about architecture… But, I suspect many of my friends and heroes who have preceded me on this stage suffer from the same affliction.”

– Jean Nouvel

Pride, although sometimes looked upon as a sin, can actually be an asset if applied in the right mindset. Humility helps govern this “sin” to a very powerful place, as with dedication, commitment, and effort – characteristics sought out by the greatest firms and the need of the hour for entrepreneurs trying to “make it in the big world”. With pride and humility come collaboration, without which nothing is possible. As Nouvel said, “Architecture means the adaptation of the condition of a place to a given time by the willpower, desire and knowledge of human beings. I could never do this alone. That’s why I’m not here alone, but with many of the companions who have done this with me…”

LESSONS FOR DESIGNERS

Bringing it all together finally, is Jean Nouvel’s mantra of respecting the context; embracing the surroundings; highlighting the history;

As Jean Nouvel said during his Pritzker acceptance speech, “Architecture means transformation; organizing the mutation of what is already there. It means to reveal, to give direction. It means prolonging lived history and its traces of past lives, listening to the breathing of a living place, to its pulsations, interpreting its rhythms in order to create.”

So, what do I take from a great like Jean Nouvel to our team at Zeitgeist and the client’s we service?

A powerful imagery; a juxtaposition so impactful that only a bold visionaire could perceive – in a desert where you have little or no rainfall throughout the year, Jean Novel made it rain light!

Raoul Parekh
Founder & Chief
Design Management

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Space Design

CASE STUDY: The Geometrization Of Architectural Form – Circle & Sphere

By admin on

May 1, 2018

- Space Design

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF GEOMETRY IN ARCHITECTURE

GEOMETRY – Point, Circle, Triangle, Angle, Cube and so on are elements which can be described as vocabulary used to generate more complex architectural forms.

GEOMETRIZATION of architectural form rose from the desire to achieve an identity between conceived form and perceived form.

ARCHITECTURAL FORMS – Form in Architecture is not only related to space and its function; it also represents a meaning or a sign. It is also related to elements themselves; their arrangement and combination with each other, their relationship with each other (syntax); the meaning (semiotics) and its effect on people (pragmatics).
1. Space-defining element (related to use)
2. A sign (related to arrangement, significance and effect)
3. Structure (dependent on the laws of static structure and the strength of materials)

GENERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM
There are 2 sets of elements:
The conceptual element (point, line, plane and volume)
The visual elements (shape, size, colour and texture)

CONCEPTUAL ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM
Architectural forms and space can be narrowed down to 4 element types: points, lines, planes and volumes.
Architectural elements are generally three-dimensional volumes defined by vertex(points), edges(lines), segments(planes).

VISUAL ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURAL FORM
Three dimensional forms are seen differently from different angles and distances, under different lighting conditions and in different colour and texture. Elements to be independent of such variable situations: Shape, Texture, Light, Colour, Size & Scale.

CIRCLE & SPHERE – POTTER’S HOUSE

Design Brief

To design a Potter’s house with a small studio and exhibit area.

Design Inspiration

Spherical clay pots (matka) prompted the design direction for this project.

Design Process

The design process was inspired by geometry of the generation of architectural forms. (see intro)

The conceptual element chosen for this project was the SPHERE – a special solid form in which every point on its surface is equidistant from a common center. This results in a continuous curved surface in which there are no edges.

The visual element chosen for this project was the CIRCLE – the simplest 2-dimension shape and most compact geometric shape. It only has one dimension, the radius or diameter, and the point of reference is located at its center.
Architects can use the strength of the circle while manipulating its appearance. The circle is the strongest 2-dimensional shape, so is the use of semicircular arches in architecture. Semicircles are often also found in the designs of amphitheaters.
Unlike a square and a rectangle, which can be further subdivided, a circle can only be divided into 12 equal parts. This gives the circle great adaptability in architecture

Design Development

Using the principles of design – balance, proportion and harmony, the architectural from has been created with defined functions for each space. The form of the building is determined by circles, cylinders and hemispheres. The dimension of the building is in harmonic proportions. The overall height of the spherical space and the diameter have a 1:1 proportion. The proportion of the height of the cylinder to the overall height is 1:2.

In this example, the interpretation of circular geometry within architectural design provokes a sense of experience that aligns with the profession of a potter.

Mahek Khan
Designer, Space

In collaboration with
Raoul Parekh
Founder & Chief – Design Management

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Space Design

Art Beyond The Skill by Dominic Dubé

By admin on

April 10, 2018

- Space Design

Architecture is unusual among the arts in that it is required to be professional, and arguably alone among the professions in that it is expected to be in some measure artistic. The careers of all serious architects must at some point grapple with this duality.
To completely abandon the creative spirit is to become simply a builder – performing a valuable service, no doubt, but not creating architecture. On the other hand, when the creative architect renounces the demands of the profession – that the building be on time, on budget, keep the rain out and not fall down – that architect gives up all opportunity to actually practice the art they seek to pursue. So some sort of balance or synthesis between the two poles is necessary; the exact nature of that process can give us a deep insight into the path chosen by a given architect.

STRIKING A BALANCE

For me, the equation has become quite interesting. Certainly my practice must and does fulfil all the professional demands outlined above; but it is the art beyond the skill that continues to draw me further in each project. While my work has stylistically been compared to architects that practice elegant and graceful modernism, such as Mies van der Rohe, Tadao Ando and SANAA, I see myself more in alignment with Le Corbusier. This is not merely because I integrate Corbusier’s “Modulor” proportional system, or even because of my past employment under B.V. Doshi, himself a product of Corbusier’s office and one of the finest modern architects in India, but rather because I see myself in alignment with his way of working – that of balancing the art and the skill. Le Corbusier famously divided his working day in half: in the afternoon, he did architecture, and in the morning, he would paint. While I do not keep to so strict a regimen, I do remain an active painter. This practice helps nurture the creative aspect of my professional skill and I feel that the development of a painter’s instincts gets reflected in my work.

METHOD BEFORE MATTER

The word painterly, in architectural discourse, typically follows from Heinrich Wölfflin’s use, which refers to a swirling Baroque sensibility, in which form is suggested through light and shade rather than through drawn outlines.
But here we are interested, again, not in the content of the work but in the way in which it is produced. The painter is faced with a blank canvas, and then with a single stroke of the brush makes an intervention that transforms the empty field: suddenly there are up and down, inside and out, light and dark. With a second stroke, we now have the field plus two figures in dialogue with each other, and so on.
The painter must proceed from instincts but also evaluate the canvas as it takes shape; know when the elements are correctly balanced (or provocatively imbalanced), and perhaps most importantly, know when to step away and declare the work finished.

Dominic Dubé
Principal, Space

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Space Design

Minimalist Interior Design In The Indian Context

By admin on

April 2, 2018

- Space Design

What is Minimalism?

More than a design ‘style’ from a visual point of view, minimalism is a principle – that of removing all unnecessary decor or features from an object and leaving only those that serve the purpose of the object. By doing so, the object is left in its pure form to deliver, without hindrance, that which it was created for in the first place.

To quote Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, “Less is More”.

Whether it be living a minimalist lifestyle or designing an easy-to-use website, minimalism is always about removing what is unnecessary and keeping what is essential. This allows for a clearer focus on what matters most.

What Colours Are Usually Used in Minimalist Interiors?

When it comes to minimalist interior design, a muted colour palette – most commonly black, white and grey – is usually incorporated, to emphasise the clean lines, give the feeling of space and keep the look modern and natural, omitting bright colours that can distract.

Such thinking would be hard pressed to find a spot in India, where we are known for our loud colours, ornate decor and intricate patterns.

But what if there were a middle ground? One that understands that the Indian market is ready to adopt the new and the modern, but perhaps not quite ready to let go of the warmth that we are accustomed to in our homes, and indeed, our way of life.

How Can Minimalist Interior Design Find a Place in India?

Zeitgeist’s design strategy when it comes to finding that sweet spot has been to use a Greige palette while incorporating modern minimalist interior design into various spaces, ranging from hotel lobbies to private homes.

Greige, which is basically a mix of the colours grey and beige, offers in its spectrum a variety of colours that are neutral enough to stay minimalist, yet have the warmth that appeals to the Indian consumer’s sensitivities.

With this strategy textiles and patterns can still be incorporated, as can an array of beautiful natural materials like various natural stones and fabric that India is so well known for.

In this sectional snapshot of a kitchen that was designed by Zeitgeist, we have incorporated clean lines and a greige palette, but have introduced copper fittings and accessories to retain an Indian feel.

In this laid back minimalist living room, we have incorporated a greige palette into the patterned decor elements and material like jute, keeping the room Indian, yet modern.

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Design Strategy

The Tiniest Designers In The World

By admin on

October 11, 2017

- Design Strategy

Zeitgeist Design and Development is always looking for inspiration from the world around us. From choosing great colour schemes to creating spaces that are both progressive and sustainable, we believe that nature is the greatest teacher of all.

Biomimetics, a field close to the heart of Zeitgeist, enables thought provoking insights into some of the most effective designs on our planet – those that occur in nature.In today’s post we focus on ants and examine how these tiny creatures design remarkably effective systems.

This understanding could find potential application in the fields of:

ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING

If you’ve every paused to marvel at how diminutive ants design and construct colonies that are much larger than themselves and capable of housing innumerable residents, here’s something more to be amazed at.Researchers at Georgia Tech University have studied another phenomenon that occurs when fire ants are dropped into water.The ants are able to quickly adapt to the new environment and create a raft like structure that prevents them from drowning. The extraordinary part of this feat is that they use their own bodies as the building material!The ants link up and form a mass that is viscoelastic or able to resist flow under pressure, as well as return to its original form when stretched or compressed.Understanding how they do this could lead to the creation of adaptable, viscoelastic building material, which could be used to construct self-healing structures like bridges and buildings. Such structures would have the ability to auto detect and mend cracks, without human intervention.

DESIGN VERIFICATION & VALIDATION

A product that cannot deliver what it was designed to defeats its purpose.Design verification and validation are key to ensuring that concept meets practicality and is a vital stage between the design and rollout phases of a new product.Ants are known to be experts at finding the shortest routes to food sources, by employing Swarm Intelligence.Research conducted at Virginia Tech, focusing on how ants achieve this, could dramatically reduce the time spent on finding the most optimum solution, as well bring down the costs involved in the design validation process – significant in the age of complex electronics design, where applying traditional methods of verification and validation is becoming increasingly untenable.

ROBOTICS

Ants are able carry heavy loads, often several times their weight.

Research at the University of Ohio has revealed that the neck joint of the common American field ant is able to withstand pressure of up to 5000 times its body weight! The study of this astonishing capability could find application in the field of robotics, enhancing the potential of what could be done on earth and in space.

DESIGN OF ORGANISATIONS, COMMUNITIES & LOGISTICS SYSTEMS

The structure of any colonies has much to teach us about effective organisation and logistics design.

The division of labour in ant nests, which determines its structure and habits, is according to age and size. The effectiveness comes from each creature contributing what it is best at, while collectively choosing co-operation over competition.
Adaptability is key, with labour patterns and worker distribution altering as the colony grows and develops. Scaling up is thus more of a natural progression and less of an ad hoc activity.
The basic design of ant colonies, which uses vertical passageways for movement and transport, and horizontal compartments for work, storage and housing, sheds light on effective operations and logistics.

These are just a few design ideas that we can employ from the world of ants, which also teaches us to pause and realise that:

Sustainable solutions can be reached through adaptability to the environment rather than the exploitation of it.
Synergy can be achieved even amongst the tiniest of creatures, as long as they are working together for a common cause.
Utilising and enhancing the inherently unique features of a system can bring about ingenious solutions to large-scale problems.

At the core of Biomimicry is a respect for nature and the acknowledgement that we could potentially learn a better way from it… even from a seemingly insignificant little ant.

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