Importance of meeting codes

I'm going to take a break from the more exciting side of design and look more at the less glamorous side of things. Codes are something that we must abide by as designers to meet the safety of the public. Codes vary from design to design and depending on what the design is and what codes are needed to make the design safe. I'm going to focus on fire safety in design. I had a little brush with fire this past weekend at my apartment and I think it made me realize that codes are more than the typical safety aspect that you might find when designing. I'm giving full credit to the designer of my apartment for keeping the whole building from going up in flames. Everything from the sprinkler system, the fire detectors and the FF&E kept it form getting out of control. In high density buildings, its important that you select materials that are fire proof and keep the fire from spreading. The carpet, mattress & furniture were all fire rated and kept the blaze from spreading around the room. Fire detectors are a must in every room no matter the size and shape. And while sprinkler systems are not the most fancy of things, its always important to have one installed  in a high density building. Without the sprinkler system, my room mates and I would have lost everything. Codes are something  that you must always look at as a positive design aspect. They save peoples belongings and lives. And as a designer, we have an obligation to keep the users health and safety at high importance at all times.

Established chain rethinks design

Looking at the picture on the right, one would think its the next high modern boutique hotel. But, would you have guessed that its a new design concept for Motel 6? Yes, that's right, Motel 6!! This is a new design concept being studied by the chain on how to bring their properties into the new century. Code named "Phoenix", the new looks nothing like the typical motel 6.   The property being updated is the original Motel 6 in Santa Barbra.  Gone is the floral bed spread, plain walls and outdated furnishings. Here you see bright colors, modern furnishings and high modern design. You will also have a 32" flat screen TV,  Wifi and a lobby with 24/7 "food and beverage market" Its still very simplistic and efficient, yet very new and almost......dare i say.........inviting. Can revamping a brand that is synonymous with cheep, ugly and bare minimal by adding this new design make people more accepting with staying at a Motel 6? I would for sure try out this room for a night and see if the revamped product is everything the picture shows. Would you try it out?

Does Area Decide Design?

As I was walking down Dickson St. last week, I noticed a sign up that says Waffle House opening soon. I looked in the window and noticed the design hasn't changed even though it was in one of the most well known buildings in the region. Located on the ground floor of the Underwood Plaza Building, Waffle House will be serving up their food 24/7 in a restaurant that looks like every other one in the country. I wounder why didn't they change their style to better fit to their environment? So many questions...................so little answers.

I think that this is a design travesty and should be noted that this is a wasted opportunity. Why allow something that is synonymous with late night riff-raff be located in a building that is synonymous with style. Anyone have any opinions?

The Difference is in THE CHAIR!!

In studio this past week, we were talking about how the office environment and the furniture you work with can either increase or decrease productivity. This is a picture of  an Acuity brand chair produced by Allsteel. Its just one of many from Allsteel and one of hundreds made by other manufactures that are meant to form to the body versus making the body form to it. This is shown to increase productivity in the work place. They come in a variety of shapes and body functions. They come in multiply styles including ultra modern to the very traditional executive chair. Chairs that make your body feel good and are comfortable make the employees preform better and work a lot better. IMO, why not choose a chair that is functional, stylish, ergonomic and can increase productivity? The only draw back to these chairs are that they tend to be on the more expensive side versus standard office chairs. Is this the future of the office? Making furniture to improve office life and productivity? I think yes.

The new "Office Cube"

This is the "My Studio Environment" by Herman Miller. This is an all new look on the typical office cubical. These are an amazing alternative to the basic cube office. They come with more privacy and more basic needs like more storage, surface space and more abilities to make them personalized. They are great alternatives to solid stationary walls. In a way, they are more like small offices verses a work station. The Modular  System is perfect for a business that is growing or changing rapidly. Normally grouped in 4, but can be expanded and grouped to fit the need of the client. Because of their privacy, they seem more like offices. Productivity is shown to increase when an employee is more comfortable in a work environment. There are multiple ways to personalize them with multiple finishes to select.

Cowboy Stadium!

Here is an interior shot of cowboy stadium! Its even more amazing in person! This photo does not do justice to the overall design and level of detail inside and outside of the stadium.

Space Planning around campus

I wounder who does the space planning for the Union! LORD!! Somebody help these people out! I have never seen such a mess in my life! Same can go for certain spots in the library. The new lounge  area close to the computer lab is very nice, but the computer area has no organization and the main hall on that floor is always hard to walk thought because of the print station and the computers by the back door. Also, how do you know which door is the front or back?

Has anyone else seen bad space planning around campus?