FOUR INGENIOUS STRATEGIES INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTS USE

How do design professionals proceed confronted with a project? Interior designers and architects operate objectively, often resorting to certain strategies in order to generate different solutions for their clients. The four main approaches or strategies are:

1. Epidermic 
2. New shell 
3. Node 
4. Transformation of axes

Let’s now try to elucidate these, one by one. The first, as the name implies, is a superficial, inexpensive approach. It’s essentially non-building, as it only involves minor nonstructural interventions: New floor treatments, painting, applying wallpaper or mirrors, installing new lighting fixtures, purchasing new furniture, perhaps a video installation in Contract Design projects, etc.

The new shell approach, covers the existing “skin” (walls and ceiling) with drywall or other construction. This may be necessary for various reasons, such as, when the existing walls and ceilings have defects or the design concept necessitates this.

The node is a new focal point created in the space, as a gesture. It could be an oversize “something”, exaggerate an existing fireplace or alcove, etc. This will become a point of attraction and gain prominence in the space, spilling over into the adjacent area. This can be accomplished creatively by various means, even by lighting design or video installations, etc.

Last, the transformation of the existing X-Y axes, defines a new reality by reorienting our circulation through the space (X-Y now becomes X1-Y1). Practically, for example, it could be the introduction of a new 30 or 45 degree grid (Parenthetically, for most students this is the most challenging approach to comprehend).

These four approaches are useful in Contract Design, especially in stores or shops. Interestingly enough, quite a few designers use these subconsciously not even knowing the appropriate terminology. 

On smaller projects, one approach is sufficient to be used, whereas in larger projects these may be combined. For example, we may design a new shell with a simultaneous reorientation through a new set of axes.

Both photographs depict examples of nodes. In the first, the skylight stands out and signifies the area below it, while in the second photograph, the Living Room focuses on the oversize fireplace with the accompanying painting.

In conclusion, these four approaches are indeed ingenious strategies, allowing the professional to intervene successfully and adeptly in the regeneration or gentrification of interior space. They qualify the professional’s intervention, and make it clear that design is not entirely subjective as thought by the novice but it’s a cerebral process involving a concept, definite rules and a certain strategy. 

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