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Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light. - Le Corbusier |
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - In this edition: April Community Snapshot
Architecture and Nature: The Delicate Balance - The Blurring Distinction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Member Spotlight Introducing a new Thought-Leader to DesignMind The design world is changing - constantly, and even for industry insiders it can be tough to keep up. DesignMind puts a stethoscope on the heartbeat of local design trends and latest technologies by bringing you industry thought leaders. These forward thinkers bring something new to the table. With innovative ideas, creative thinking and a passion for their industry - a thought leader doesn't settle with conformity but instead thinks outside the box. They are recognized and praised by their peers, constantly challenging industry norms and voicing their opinions - thought leaders are the driving force behind evolving industries.
Prof.Des Laubscher co-founded Greenside Design Center in 1987 with Ingrid Templer. Des is a Past President of the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers, a federation representing the interests of 60 000 designers worldwide in 38 countries. He is a Fellow of Design for the World, a multi disciplinary organisation concerned with humanitarian aspects of design based in Barcelona, Spain. In 2001 he was appointed a Visiting Professor of Design at Nottingham Trent University. Des has presented papers on many design issues in many countries around the world, such as Korea & Japan. read more - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -
Databuild gathers project intelligence to assist clients in sourcing new business and project opportunities. An active DesignMind member - Databuild is involved in over 500 discussions and has posted 7 blogs. Databuild posts tenders on DesignMind and is involved in Project Information Services. read more
KBB Design Magazine is a DesignMind media partner. DesignMind is sponsoring the personality profile page in KBB DesignMind Magazine, so DesignMind members have the chance to be featured! read more - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - Plascon Presents Ways To Give Walls A Personality! The integral role of wall coverings in the overall aesthetic of a room and home cannot be underestimated. It seems that we have found an exciting alternative to flat paint or wallpaper – and a product that makes looking at paint a somewhat seductive, fantastic experience. Read More
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - AutoDesk and DesignMind join forces for exciting campaign launching in May. Keep an eye on www.designmind.co.za for more!
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - We can't believe how fast this year is flying and would like to wish all our valued DesignMind members a productive, successful April. We are now an active community of 4064 South African built industry specifiers! Not only is our community growing, we had 56 new members this week, but our collection of interesting industry media is growing too! DesignMind now features 75 videos - Revit Architecture has posted the most videos and Autodesk Revit Structure 2010 demo is the most popular video to date. DesignMind podcasts are an easy way to keep up with industry news and opinion - our most popular podcast is Architecture Talk. Elmo Swart has posted the most photo's - we now have a gallery of 3757 images! Keeping up to date with the latest events can be difficult - which is why DesignMind is proud to announce that we have 89 events being profiled on our 'events' page. Make sure you don't miss out! DesignMind encourages considered debate, sharing of opinion and blogging on interesting industry related topics. There are now 498 active forum topics - where you can comment and experience a 'meeting of minds' in your industry. The ‘Invitation to SACAP To Join And Actively Participate In The Debate' is our most popular blog this month. We now have a stimulating collection of 392 blogs! Not yet a member of DesignMind? Join now don't miss out on the benefits of connecting and collaborating with your colleagues in the DesignMind community. Registration is easy and membership is only a few clicks away! Nicole Hijbeek and the DesignMind team. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Architecture and Nature: The Delicate Balance - The Blurring Distinction "We cannot command nature except by obeying her." - Francis Bacon.
Nature is reflected in architecture. The lines of a landscape may be mirrored in the angles of the silhouette; the use of surrounding trees as a natural framing device, possibly draw your eye inwards and create a visually stimulating composition; or perhaps it is the colour choice that considers the natural palette - drawing inspiration from surrounding foliage. While these attributes are superficially pleasing - environmentally sensitive planning can compensate for unavoidable carbon emissions, aid in energy efficiency and has studied effects on those who work or live inside and around the building. Reducing the carbon footprint of a structure does not have to be a costly endeavor. Utilising natural sunlight, the consideration of natural topography and how best to position a building - the careful analysis of natural surroundings can contribute to more eco-friendly design. Clever use of sunlight and shade can prevent the need for damaging heating and cooling systems. Inexpensive, recyclable, green building materials are becoming more readily available and economical. Windows placed to allow effective ventilation and insulation measures create a comfortable internal climate and also provide those inside with a view. The effect of nature-encompassing design on morale should not be underestimated. Scientific studies have shown undeniable proof that structures with scenic, natural surroundings and cities with green spaces will spur productivity, mental wellness and calm. Influential South African architect Sarah Calburn explains that the "duty to think into architecture" has always been a vital prerequisite. "All buildings both respond to and react to, while extending, critiquing and realising the potential of their context." What we consider 'natural' may need to be re-thought and re-evaluated. "Architecture can be considered landscape forming. Architecture and landscape exist in a mutually deforming relationship and construct and re-cast each other." Sarah explains, and instills how architectural design needs to be thought of as "an active field of engagement." We are part of the natural environment - our structures, our architecture have become entangled in the concept of nature. No longer, as Francis Bacon may have believed must we simply obey her. Instead, we evaluate, we consider and we re-construct. But always with sustainability and an environmentally conscious goal in mind. Sarah Calburn believes we must "regard all environments as active, all buildings as active: The two exist in an inseparable tangle. Together, they make something - together they unmake each other. Together they frame our views - both into and out of ourselves." Architects and built industry professionals mould our surroundings - re-create our world; what a fascinating, delicate relationship that exists between nature and architecture - a blurring distinction. Post your comments here and share your views.
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Are architecture and nature mutually destructive? We are living at the precipice of change. The built industry has had to evolve - becoming more 'green' as we try to resuscitate the planet. Specifiers have to consider how a symbiotic relationship between architecture and the natural landscape creates our surroundings - our world. The two are inextricable - and although seemingly unmatched, they create each other, destruct each other and ultimately re-create our world. 
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