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MOROCCAN INSPIRATIONS

9/12/2018

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A recent trip to Morocco had me inspired by so many things. Colours, patterns, materials, textiles. Some of my favourite photos...
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DESIGNING FOR SPAS, HEALTH AND WELLNESS

2/6/2018

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Considerations when designing a space for a health, wellness and relaxation:
  • Comfort
  • Materials & Finishes
  • Lighting
  • Colour
  • The floor plan​
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COMFORT 
When designing a space for a wellness facility whether it is a spa, clinic, gym or gathering place the first thing that the user will notice is their comfort level. Is the lighting pleasing and relaxing, is the temperature comfortable, is there sufficient way-finding, does it smell nice, is there loud noises or comforting sounds. All these sensory experiences will have an impact on the user creating a pleasant or unpleasant experience. The entrance should be inviting and calming. Water features create a visual and audio sensory effect that evokes nature and induce relaxation. Indirect dim lighting along with natural materials will aid in creating a relaxing environment. Plants and natural materials like stone and wood will bring a connection with nature.
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MATERIALS
The use of materials is important to create a healthy space for healing, relaxation and wellness. First and foremost the materials and finishes must be non-toxic. No off gassing or toxic fumes. The materials should have natural properties, look and feel. Finishes can be rustic or sleek and modern but they should not interfere or compete with the users requirement for relaxation to promote healing. Sound is important so surfaces should be softened with rugs or fabric panels to reduce noise vibration. Natural stone looks excellent and creates a natural  look and feel. Polished  stone will create louder spaces. If the space is large, split faced stone can deflect sound within the space. Precious stones and crystals can add hidden meaning.
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LIGHTING
Lighting is so important to add emphasis in areas of importance and to create soothing and relaxing spaces where needed. Indirect lighting is an effective way to create a nice ambience while still illuminating the space as required for functionality. Accent lighting can be used to emphasize the materials and finishes. Signage should be well lit. ​
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Lanterns can create soft lighting and play with shadows which can make a space feel more comfortable and intimate. Lighting can create a focal point and interest on an otherwise plain surface.
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COLOUR
If the space is a gym or activity area, brighter colour or coloured lighting can energize the space. Colours can be effective and invoking emotion and therefore creating energy.
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PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOUR WHEEL
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THE FLOOR PLAN & WAYFINDING
Confusion creates stress. The space should be easy navigate. Planning and signage are key to create simplicity for the user to experience the space. Whether small or large the plan can be centred upon a hub, for example a relaxation area, or it can be successional spaces. As long as the flow is consistent and is not confusing. There is nothing worse then getting lost in a twisting hallway with too many doors. The plan should be intuitive and thoughtful. Waiting and relaxation areas should be quiet and not adjacent to busy spaces. If possible a separation between staff areas and public areas creates more of a stress free atmosphere for guests. 
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3 Comments

IIDEX 2015

2/15/2016

1 Comment

 
Some highlights from a visit to IIDEX 2015 - NEW MATERIALS:
Tempest Wall Board from Northern Wide Plank Flooring uses salvaged wood from old barns set for demolition. A beautiful, natural and rustic wall panelling solution.
www.northernwideplank.ca
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Vivid Glass from FORMS+SURFACES is glass with multi-layered patterns on the inter layers, etched surfaces creating a sometimes transparent sometimes opaque surface and a play on light, refraction & diffusion.
www.forms-surfaces.com
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Bark Cloth, Dekonature from DEKODUR GMBH &CO . KG is a broad cloth panel using Ugandan craft in manufacturing techniques to piece together the bark of the fig tree, a renewable resource.
www.dekodur.com
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Chromite Grey, Lustre from 2TEC2 is a vinyl floor covering in a geometric grey pattern, the  appearance changes drastically depending on one’s position and the angle at which the light strikes the surface.
http://2tec2.com/en/Products/Collection/Collection_2015/Product/chromite-grey
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MOP Puzzle from ORRO - Artistic Tile is a unique combination of salt water and fresh water mother of pearl in a combination of shapes.


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Tin Ceilings and Tiles from Brian Greer are a unique way to add a historical feel to a space, and as noted on their website, they are historically correct.
http://www.tinceiling.ca
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BARKER MANUFACTURING INC is a wood finish used for millwork and joinery in a burnt brushed surface and a clear lacquer finish.
www.barkermanufacturing.com


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1 Comment

Designing Inside the Box 2009

1/6/2016

0 Comments

 
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IDS WEST 2009 EXHIBITION
In 2009 IDS West challenged IDIBC members to create design concepts inside shipping containers, six teams were chosen. Rachel Clarida and myself took on the challenge and created a live / work concept for our container.

Concept: In a world that has a growing need for sustainable thinking one small idea can inspire change.  One piece of a larger concept, the container design was about showcasing locally manufactured materials & products, material reuse/salvage, energy & water efficient products/fixtures & creating an engaging and aesthetically comfortable space. The design is an attractive, verstile compact space that demonstrated containter living and working with a reduced carbon footrpint and support of local communites.
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Material Inspiration: Mountain Pine Beetle Wood
Out of the devastation of 14.5 million hectares of British Columbia's forests comes denim wood, a reminder for years to come of environmental issues. Pine beetle wood comes from pine trees that have been devastated by the mountain pine beetle.
Mountain pine beetles lay eggs under the trees’ bark carrying a fungus, which leaves a blue or grey stain behind. Within a year the needles turn red and the  trees are dying or dead. Beetle-affected timber can be salvaged from the dead forests and can be used for anything from framing lumber to unique wood flooring, or panelling.  The unique look of the blue wood makes a statement of environmental conciousness.

The walls, ceiling, and flooring made use of the mountain pine beetle wood. We prepared and stained the wood panelling and stair treads ourselves as shown below.

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Furnishings were donated from local businesses Lois Lane, Inform Interiors and ModernLove.  A water efficient toilet was used to demonstrate the concept of reusing grey water.
Local artistry was showcased with custom artwork by Picture Listen and long boards from Noble on display.
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Noble Longboards
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Toilet that reuses grey water from hand wash sink for toilet tank
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Custom Artwork by Picture Listen
Salvaged track lighting from the Habitat for Humanity Restore was repurposed with retrofit LED bulbs.   LED strip lighting was used as an accent at a low level.

With a lamp life of over 100, 000 hours, up to 15 times that of an incandescent bulb, LED lighting is the way of the future.
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Track Lighting with retrofit LED lamps
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The exhibit was featured on the cover of the 2010 IDS West Prospectus as well as the Vancouver Sun (shown below).
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    ALISON BRANDT

    Interior Designer

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