Designing in Context

“We spend 87 percent of our lives inside buildings, how they are designed really affects how we feel, how we behave. Design is not just a visual thing, it’s a thought process, a skill. Ultimately, design is a skill to enhance humanity. It’s a frame for life.” - Ilse Crawford

Photo by ROOM on Unsplash

During the course of my practice, I have encountered many clients who have different views of what we do. Some clients are wonderful, those who will allow us creative freedom and are open to our ideas, while there are some who are opinionated and would insist on the designs they select over Pinterest or Google focusing on aesthetics rather than function. A few does not even know why there is a need to hire a designer, and would proudly say they can do it themselves design-wise and would just need a contractor to execute it.

On the other hand, I have also met many designers in practice, though not all, who designs and focuses on the looks and not on the function. Designers, especially during times of creative block, will look for inspirations on the internet. Dangers to this kind of designing are the ff: (1) the client probably also saw the photo and would feel like the designer just copied it and (2) it will look like you did not think of it deeper than you should have as a designer. Let's admit it: the internet era is a world of information handed out on a silver platter. Designers should be able to learn how to use it properly and contextualize their references, rather than just choosing randomly and presenting it to a client.

Designers need to provide a broader and deeper interpretation of architecture and interior design. Designing spaces is not just providing a nice look for the client, but trying to figure out and understand his/her needs and applying it into the space. Yes, we can look for inspirations on the internet, but a deeper inspiration will make as understand the culture and social aspects that define how we evolved as humans experiencing the spaces we live in. A broader context of history, for example, will allow us to work beyond aesthetics and have a better understanding in relation to "design, time, and culture." These knowledge can help us become better designers and thinkers.

A design with aesthetic appeal and technical ingenuity, while seemingly clever and beautiful and design, is cold and disoriented. On the other hand, taking into consideration the identity, relationships, history and sustainability is a better design. Know more about social and cultural aspects both past and present and incorporate it in the design. The future of architecture and interior design lies greatly to these aspects as the current designs are evolving from merely expression but rather as an experience. If we design in context, we will be able to create a more holistic interior/exterior space that will cater not only to our spatial senses but most importantly -- culturally and even spiritually. It will also have a great impact on our emotional well-being as we experience the designed space.

Let this be a challenge to all designers to look beyond beauty. Also, let this be a realization for individuals who are thinking of designing their own space instead of engaging a knowledgeable Designer.

A space well thought off is something that everyone will appreciate as an experience.

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Johann Marie Torres is a licensed architect and interior designer who has over 18 years of experience in design and construction.