Less is more: Seven ways to maximize studio space

In this day and age, where mortgage rates are too high and rent fees are ever-increasing, people who desire to strike out on their own choose to build a home in a studio apartment. The secret to living big in a small space is technique. John Eilermann.

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Image source: decoist.com

High storage solutions takes advantage of any space a room has to offer. Even if it would require one to use a ladder to reach the storage, it’s still a pretty neat way to maximize studio space. Invest in furniture with double purpose; less furniture, more space. Choose furniture pieces that are practical and creative. One of the techniques that makes a studio apartment look spacious is hanging a lot of mirrors. Well-placed mirrors reflect the light is coming in from the window, brightening the space. John Eilermann.

Hang curtains at ceiling height to give the ceiling a lofted vibe, making the apartment look more spacious than it actually is. Another technique to maximize space is to use shelves to break up space. Shelving and dividers break up a studio space to turn one side into a bedroom. Utilize corners by installing shelves or wood panels that fit into a corner and turn into a practical space. This can turn a dull corner into extra storage or work area. John Eilermann.

Studio apartments don’t have to be lifeless. Making a small space look bigger is all about technique. Apartment owners or renters can show their creativity by turning their tiny space into a livable and pleasant home. John Eilermann.

Three architectural wonders inspired by the natural world

There are not too many things more beautiful than masterpieces of man-made architecture inspired by the natural world. This blog features three structures based on nature that inspire awe and wonder. John Eilermann.

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Kunsthaus Graz, Austria

The art museum in Austria is quite a treat for biomimicry fans. It combines organic influences as well as blob architecture. The so-called skin of the museum is made of acrylic panels in gorgeous free-form. The rest is held up by steel and foam glass. The Kunsthaus Graz seems to interact with the natural environment, changing with nature. John Eilermann.

Beijing National Stadium, China

This majestic stadium was erected to be the main feature for the 2008 Olympic Games. It earned the nickname “Bird’s Nest” because that exactly what it looks like. The sublime design incorporates weavings of curved and straight beams to resemble not just the appearance, but also the construction of an actual bird’s nest. John Eilermann.

Sagrada Familia, Spain

The Sagrada Familia is a cathedral found in Spain and has been one of the most ambitious, most anticipated architectural project in the past 100 years. Designed by the legendary Gaudi, the Sagrada Familia is still unfinished to this. The combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau was introduced by Gaudi. Visitors can see just how the church’s interiors mimics a forest, with columns that look like trees and a ceiling that resembles a forest’s canopy. John Eilermann.

What makes industrial style a favorite among designs?

The industrial style has been around since the foundation of the first factories in the country. From large establishments, the design has made its way to office spaces, restaurants, and homes. There’s so much to love about the architectural approach; it's no secret that it’s a favorite among designs. John Eilermann.

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Although the timeless, industrial design has become more and more popular among homebuilders over the past few years. It’s been part of all the trend lists for years and is not showing signs of stepping down. When one thinks of this architectural design, tall windows and exposed systems come to mind. Some may not imagine their tiny homes getting flipped to look industrial-inspired. The truth is, space will never be an issue for this design. John Eilermann.

The industrial design gives no fuss and offers no non-sense. For many, its straightforward approach to building and design is what’s so captivating about it. It provides favorable flexibility with the kind of furniture that would match, and ventilation is king. Small apartments may have issues with proper ventilation until the industrial designed is employed. John Eilermann.

Even with its simplicity, the industrial design is bold, mixing both the old and the modern. The natural and bare materials and finishes require no aesthetic tricks. Environment-friendly individuals appreciate this design as it promotes the use of recycled and recovered materials. The lighting, furniture, and décor are a joy to fix into this type of design as it encourages creativity through its plainness. John Eilermann.

Get ready for 2020 with these architecture and design trends

This year saw the increase of digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and automation as essential parts of the process. For 2020, design and architecture enthusiasts can look forward to the following trends. John Eilermann.

Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com

Inclusive and accessible design

In the past, aesthetics overshadowed function. For 2020, experts predict a rise in inclusive and accessible designs to prioritize the needs of the elderly and those with limited mobility, hearing, and vision. The challenge is to create a space that encourages efficient movement and comfort for everyone. John Eilermann.

Embracing natural elements

The past years saw how industrial and innovative designs took center stage. In the next years, more people will go back to a more organic structure and design for their spaces. Aside from embracing green and wooden designs, more structures will use materials like bamboo and grass to create sustainable options. Handcrafted and locally sourced fixtures and decor will also make their way into more homes. John Eilermann.

Rehabilitation over demolition

In keeping with the industry's desire to diminish damage to the environment, especially during the construction phase, more property owners are deciding to rehabilitate structures. Choosing to renovate instead of starting from the ground up will minimize costs, manpower, and waste that come with demolition. This also allows owners to transform an old structure into a modernized or even an artistic version of itself. Instead of waiting for months and years before using the space, now construction and finishing process can be shortened. This will allow them to use the place sooner. John Eilermann.

Ancient Architecture series: Legendary monuments

Ever since man was able to design structures, he has built countless legendary monuments. For today, the focus will be on three of the most iconic ancient buildings ever constructed, achievements that are made even greater when one considers the technology at the time they were built.

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Image source : history.com

Also, these three monuments have withstood the test of time, and are still standing for everyone to learn from today. John Eilermann.

The Colosseum in Rome, Italy: No other structure in the Roman Empire is more iconic than the Colosseum, found in Rome, Italy. It is the largest amphitheater ever made, at the height of 159 feet. The Colosseum has been the site of endless tales of heroism and tragedy throughout the years. At its peak, it could hold as many as 80,000 spectators. John Eilermann.

The Great Pyramid, Giza, Egypt: Around 2.3 million stone blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza, which is heralded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Even today, researchers, historians, scientists, archaeologists, and architects still learn new things as they explore this ancient legend. John Eilermann

The Great Wall, China: Built to repel the Yayun tribe during the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wall is so massive that it was completed eras later. It is the longest man-made structure ever erected at more 50,000 kilometers. John Eilermann.

Chicago: A look at the most influential architectural city in the world

Influence of Chicago Architecture John Eilermann

Ask any architect anywhere in the world about which city they believe to be the Mecca of modern architecture and nine out of ten will point to the Windy City, Chicago. For young architects, there are countless structures in Chicago that can inspire and influence their future work. John Eilermann.

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One of the earliest examples of this was the World’s Fair. Held in 1893 in Chicago’s famed Jackson Park, designers at the time came up with grand pavilion models designed after ancient Greek and Roman neoclassical architecture. John Eilermann

Today, of course, when one mentions the name Chicago, images of skyscrapers come to mind, just like its sister city, New York. In fact, the first skyscraper ever built, the 12-storey Home Insurance Building was constructed at the corner of Adams and LaSalle. This feat of architecture and engineering would go on to show that the creation of such a structure was indeed possible. John Eilermann.

As far as interior design goes, Chicago is known for its ‘doorless rooms’ which while was the norm, was catapulted into the status of mainstay in American culture because of the city they were in. John Eilermann.

Anyone who takes a few days off from work and decides to visit Chicago will immediately notice how architecture has breathed life into all its structures. John Eilermann

Between PWD requirements and responsible architecture

Responsible Architecture John Eilermann

We can appreciate more what many people refer to as “responsible architecture.” From green design to micro-apartments, the future of architecture looks to be headed in the right direction, which is to say, one that has the best interests of everyone at heart. John Eilermann.

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Let’s focus on a topic on responsible architecture called “inclusive design.” Inclusive design pertains to the design of a building that’s PWD-friendly. Gone are the days that PWDs (persons with disabilities) are overlooked when it comes to designing and constructing projects. John Eilermann

Designing structures that are PWD-inclusive gives the architect a different dimension in creativity. From ramps, railings, handrails, lifts, and the like, the presence of these fixtures allows for a more unconventional design of the exteriors. John Eilermann.

However, it doesn’t end there. Inside many structures today, there have been PWD-inclusive fixtures added by interior designers, architects, and construction companies. And it helps a lot that all of these additions to the structure is governed by law and required by the government.

After all, architecture means nothing if it isn’t responsible. John Eilermann