The Environment & The Edifice
The first impression people form about buildings are as a result of exterior designs. It’s important to understand the surroundings of a structure when considering its exterior design. The expertise of a landscape architect is seen in the creativity displayed, complementing the building and environment. Inspiration for exterior design is driven by nature, environment as well as the taste of the client. Amidst these, it takes a creatively inspired mind to perfectly merge these elements and identify what’s truly impressive.
Author: James Cubitt Facility Managers
‘Inspiration is a feeling of enthusiasm that gives new and creative ideas’
There are elements fundamental to landscape design and they are; lines, form, colour and texture. Creative inputs that result from the understanding of an architectural masterpiece yield a more fascinating result. This article identifies some key stimuli for the array of design options that are seen in creative expressions. Bespoke exterior design bridges the gap between the environment and the building.
Nature in its varied forms influences designs. The infusion of green roofs and gardens (sometimes vertical gardens) for instance, have a therapeutic effect on occupants and visitors of buildings. To excel as a designer, ensure your design is suitable for the environment, culture, ‘story behind’ the structure and most importantly, your client. It’s essential to understand your client’s requirements and fully meet those desires. The primary goal is to satisfy clients as a happy customer is an open door to more projects.
“Without a goal, it’s impossible to score” – Paul Arden
Art is appealing to the human eye; it is everywhere and in everything. Recreating that beauty by deliberately arranging different elements is fulfilling for the designer. Art is made of expression that allows the landscape architect to portray emotions that people feel. Designs inspired by art, connect the sight-seer, passer-by and owner, to the structure. Luxury designs are sometimes products of a spur of creative imagination. A lot of ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking result in great designs. Designers aren’t afraid of thinking expansively, and birthing awesome beauty in their imaginations. The mind of the creative man explores and discovers new things, or rediscovers old things. Some structures have dreams or histories attached to them and these stories are often expressed through the creativity of the designer.
Design is part science and part art – be creative
Amazingly, science to a high degree inspires the unfolding beauty of a building’s exterior design. Some measure of architectural knowledge and structural engineering help to drive design inspiration towards the right direction. While trying to achieve a nature-themed design, absolute caution must be taken in knowing where a garden ought to be. This is because not all structural designs can accommodate rooftop gardens. Design is part science and part art – be creative.
Travel spots, size of structure, and photographs are some awesome sources of inspiration for great designs. If as a designer, you do not engage in a lot of travel yet, this ‘tech-world’ has made things a lot easy. There’s an outpouring of ideas from numerous design blogs to help enhance your creativity. Sources of inspiration are limitless and so are ideas.
James Cubitt Facility Managers is duly registered in Nigeria and is part of the James Cubitt Group with offices in Lagos, London, Brisbane, Doha, Accra and UAE. The James Cubitt brand in Nigeria has a 60-year pedigree of designing and delivering projects for clients such as Mobil, Shell, Diamond Bank and the United Nations.
Featured in Prestige Nigeria Issue 1. Vol. 4
