News - 13th Nov 2005

Minimalism or Maximalism?

Light makes pattern giving interest - visually warm, welcoming but relying on contemporary paint techniques (Haagshe Suites, The Hague). Below shows how going back to pattern in maximilism can create visual problems too, whilst (bottom) individual design sensibility can provide strong answers

The desire (by hotelier and designer) to make a design ‘statement’ can overwhelm any sense of functionality. Thus in one hotel a designer shortened all the chairs in the restaurant, lowering the seats and tables to make eating a more ‘laid back’ experience. You had to lay back with your legs stretched out in front of you because to do different was to sit with your knees approaching your chin, doing dreadful things to the digestive tract. Laid back maybe, but ergonomically unsound and within weeks of the hotel opening a source of many complaints.

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