time&space design consultants

Happy Birthday time&space

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Happy Birthday time&space! the 1st of September 2012 marks our 12th birthday. What a way to celebrate spring!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:11:00 +0000

Practice safe design: Use a concept.

— Petrula Vrontikis

Fun at work

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:08:00 +0000

Playfulness is not only important in childhood, but it is also essential to adults. Playing is a natural and necessary activity that needs to take place in our everyday lives. And without it, our lives can become stagnant, dull, lifeless and, like Jack Nicholson’s character, it can eventually affect us psychologically.

In today’s business world where there is increased competition, globalization and changing economy, greater pressure is placed on the employee to work harder; many people are experiencing heavier workloads, shorter deadlines, elevated stress levels and longer working hours, which all cuts into the enjoyment of our free time.

How many times have you gotten home after a long day at work, and just vegged out on the couch in front of the TV because your are mentally, physically and even emotionally drained. As people fall behind, become overwhelmed, stressed and frustrated, they tend to burn out.

As we get older, we have greater responsibilities and work is a place where we tend to spend a lot of our time. This is why it is important for us to play at work.

The work place itself is finding increasing demands placed onto it. A work environment is needed to stimulate and promote positivity, productivity and creativity within the people that utilize the space.

Sometimes it is as simple as creating a space where employees can stop and recoup, enjoy nature or each other’s company in order to recharge and stop thinking about work. These breakaway spaces can be hugely beneficial to the employee as well as the business itself.

Spaces that allow employees to communicate with one another in a non work related fashion is a more powerful way of generating thoughts and ideas then forcing an individual to focus on a problem. It often leads to more creative, positive and productive interactions. Often the solution to the problem will sift to the surface when the mind is not focused on it. In other words a ‘Eureka’ moment.

Most people cannot boast that they work in an office environment that is inspiring, creative and fun in nature. Traditionally office design has been pretty drab and uninspiring. However office design is increasingly becoming an important tool in creating a successful, playful and enjoyable work environment.

A work environment can have a significant effect on an employee. A successful, positive environment can even go so far as to ensure the success of a business in today’s business world

Some companies have already embraced the philosophy of a work environment that promotes the idea of play.

Google is such a company; they are at the forefront of providing their staff with a fun, creative and motivating environment.

Their office promotes the idea of physical and psychological well being which is taking the company from strength to strength.

Other companies worldwide are seeing the benefits of creating a playful, inspiring environment and are incorporating it into their office spaces and reaping the rewards.

This is due to the fact that being successful in a chosen career doesn’t depend on how many hours are put in at work, but rather the quality of work which is produced, and the quality of work is directly related to the well being of an individual.

Below are some benefits of incorporating the idea of play in an office:

· Keeps employees functional under stress.

· Recharges the mind, body and soul.

· Encourages teamwork.

· Aids in seeing problems in new ways.

· Activates creativity and innovation.

· Increases energy and prevents burnouts.

· Connect and develop relationships between work colleagues, upper management and business owners.

· Creating a positive relationship with the company itself.

· Stimulates imaginations, arouses curiosity and leads to discovery and creativity.

· Can solve feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression in people through creating a sense of inclusion.

· Aid in sustaining and inspiring employees.

· Creates a sense of calmness and relaxation.

· Helps employees to be more inventive, happy, flexible and focused.

· It improves mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

· Play can improve productivity and pleasure in work.

· Reduction in absenteeism and employee turnover.

· Employees feel valued and appreciated.

· Playful office design can boost morale and create positive energy, vibrancy and mood.

· A well designed office can give employees a sense of pride in the business and motivate them to do work that they are proud of.

Studies have shown that an employee’s work environment can affect their mood and wellbeing, which in turn affects the employee’s performance and quality of work. A work environment where an employee feels they are allowed to relax in and gather needed energy results in a joyful workspace and a happy employee is a productive, positive asset to any business.

This is why play or playfulness should be introduced into an office environment.

Some simple ways of creating a playful space:

· Interesting materials, finishes and furnishings can create interest in the monotony of work.

· Bright colors, natural light, various interesting finishes, can make a space interesting and inspiring.

· Creative use of space and well thought-out spaceplanning goes a long way to making staff content and comfortable.

· Introducing small spaces for reflection and communication.

· White boards can provide fun surfaces where ideas can be recorded.

· Open plan office can improve communication between employees, it aids in preventing people from feeling isolated, as they are able to discuss work problems with their fellows in a relaxed fashion and therefore gain assistance.

A workspace which creates a negative space that does not promote employee wellbeing will often have a higher staff turnover rate, unhappier employees, in-fighting, work of a lesser quality, stressed out staff and a higher rate of absenteeism.

Providing an inspiring environment indicates respect for employees and they will in turn naturally generate positivity in many aspects that will spill over into the company and clients as a whole.

By Flavia Morgado,
time&space design consultants

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Recession Design

“As sure as spring will follow the winter, prosperity and economic growth will follow the recession” - Bo Bennett

Recession, economic crisis and credit crunch are phrases that are flying around in today’s society. Not a day goes by where we do not find evidence of a struggling economy. Be it empty, vacant shops, businesses liquidating or people being retrenched.

Although the recession is widely considered a negative time, many positive aspects can be achieved. This is an opportunity to rebrand and redesign a business’s corporate identity and corporate image, and rethink their consumer base.

Consumers during a recession are unwilling to spend money; however through design a company can transform themselves in the eyes of the consumer. A design can instill trust in a business’s products and services and can further give a company an edge over their competitors.

Effective design not only reflects and demonstrates the presence of effective management but also provides the consumer with trust in the business and its product.

Historically architecture and design have thrived during times of economic hardship. This is due to the fact that designers have an excellent ability in solving complex problems and work well with projects that have many restrictions and constraints.

This can be seen in the American Great depression of the 1930’s. Designers of the time helped with the depression through their innovative design. Products became more functional, economical and hard wearing but remained aesthetically beautiful.

The American designer of that time Russell Wright became popular through his economical and beautiful home items, which is a powerful and enticing combination.

1940’s Charles and Ray Eames produced furniture and other products from cheap materials that are still revered today.

The economy forces designers to become more creative and experimental.

These ideas can go above and beyond the norm in attracting the attention of cautious consumers. It can also go a long way in changing the target market to one that is more profitable.

Many businesses may think that it is not wise to spend money on marketing and design during the recession, but to rather wait until the economy is better.

This way of thinking is flawed, as by spending money on marketing and design, you can improve public awareness, increase your client base and entice people into spending money and in the long run improve the economy.

If a business lacks design, it lacks brand identity and without brand identity the public cannot connect with the product/service on an emotional level which will encourage them to buy into the idea. Without public interest a business will diminish.

Businesses should look towards design for assistance during these times of hardship as design is a tool businesses can use to rebuild their client base, attract new clients and improve their cash flow.

By Flavia Morgado.

Increasing productivity through design

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:46:00 +0000

People ignore design that ignores people.” — Frank Chimero

When one takes into account the amount of time that one spends in interior spaces, it is no surprise that environments need to be designed with the user in mind in order to encourage user happiness, ease of use and efficiency.

Environmental psychologists have confirmed that the spaces we inhabit have a significant effect on our emotions, behaviors and physical wellbeing. Spaces should imbue a sense of happiness, productivity and create a positive reaction in the user.

It is important to take into consideration who is using the space, this will dictate how the space is to be designed. An example of how an environment can affect a user in a positive way is how a residence for the elderly suffering from dementia can be designed in such a way as not only to promote ease of use but also to be a part of their treatment.

There are many simple design elements which can be incorporated into a design that can make the world of difference to how an individual or group perceives a space. i.e.

· Incorporating nature into design has been proved to boost overall moral and enhances productivity. Plants help to clean the air within a space and create an overall happier healthier team.

· Creating spaces that are open to communication, and promote creative thinking. This allows individuals to develop good relationships with one another, improve their productivity and work efficiently, thus creating happier, harder working and more fulfilled employees.

Open plan offices can create an environment that has a sense of fun, friendliness and togetherness.

· Natural sunlight is also extremely important to boosting human moral. People react positively to natural light (sunlight)and providing employees access to natural light will improve how they feel and perform. Lack of sunlight has been linked to depression, lethargy and negative behaviors and emotions.

· Crowded environments will have a more negative reaction on a user then a spacious one. Therefore low ceilings, small windows, lack of natural light and over powering furniture can make a user feel claustrophobic, anxious, and uncomfortable. These emotions will affect their behavior towards other people in the space, as well as their productivity.

· Noise can affect how a user feels, it can increase stress levels, affect their health causing headaches and anxiety.

· Colour can be used to change a space. It can be used to charge a space with energy, calm it down, create a relaxed atmosphere, promote feelings of hunger and nourishment, improve concentration etc.

· The incorrect use of light can create problems such as headaches, eyestrain, anxiety, stress and even fits in people suffering from epilepsy. Lighting can also create positive results, i.e. a sense of relaxation, intimacy, productivity and visual interest.

Lighting can affect how we participate and react in a space.

The type, brightness and colour of light can affect how we use a space.

Architects believe that spaces we inhabit affect our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Behavioral scientists have taken this belief and created guidelines that can be used to improve the design of a space. A space’s design can enhance creativity, encourage alertness and concentration as well as endorse relaxation and social interaction.

These guidelines can be used to direct an architect/interior designer on how design elements can influence a user’s experience of a space. i.e. the height of the ceilings, view from windows, shape of furniture, type and intensity of lighting, choice of finishes and materials etc.

The spaces that we inhabit say a lot about us as people and can affect how we feel and react. The way a user perceives a space will dictate how they will react to & use the space. Studies have shown that improving certain factors in an environment can improve the user’s reaction to the environment. These are:

· Lighting supplied must be appropriate for the task

· Acoustic control must be supplied, this will create ease of communication, limit intrusive noises which may create distractions and can also protect in ear damage.

· Humane design where accessibility is provided to people of all types regardless of age or disability.

· Design should try to conserve human energy where possible.

· An environment that allows workers to function within their most productive range of motion.

· Ergonomics, with regard to body, temp, sound, humidity,

Designing a space is not merely making it aesthetically appealing. The designer needs to take into consideration the functionality of the space, how the user will react to the space on a conscious and subconscious level & how that reaction will affect their emotional, behavioral and physical wellbeing.

As Mies van der Rohe (Modernist Architect. 1886 –1969) once stated “God is in the details” and “the only important thing about design is how it relates to people”, Victor Papanek (Designer and educator. 1927-1998)

by Flavia Morgado
time&space design consultants

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:34:00 +0000

FDA's training breakaway space

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

Don’t worry about people stealing an idea. If it’s original, you will have to ram it down their throats.

— Howard Aiken

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:10:00 +0000

Design is not the narrow application of formal skills, it is a way of thinking.

— Chris Pullman

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:05:00 +0000

[If] people are made safer, more comfortable, more eager to purchase, more efficient, or just happier, the designer has succeeded.

— Henry Dreyfuss

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:58:00 +0000

We've updated our website

http://www.time-space.co.za/Profile.aspx

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:51:00 +0000

We have recently updated our Coroflot profile and uploaded some new pics;

http://www.coroflot.com/time-space

view my portfolio:
coroflot.com/time-space

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:44:00 +0000

http://www.time-space.co.za

Finally, the photo's to prove it!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:54:00 +0000

Various Textures on horizontal and vertical planes make a passage an interesting transition space.

every wall is an opportunity to create a visual experience

It's become evident to us that in an office installation one should seize every opportunity to maximise brand visibility and corporate identity. Offices are built to be functional before decorative and with the high cost of space the opportunities to 'decorate' are far and few between. We believe in creating opportunities for 'brand bragging' by introducing colour, texture and pattern to surfaces wherever the chance arises. With so many products available to us now there is no need for boring repetition.

the addition of bright colour to the neutral base creates interest

Office with a difference.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:36:00 +0000

Training area breakaway- rendering

Reception waiting area

We're very proud of our latest installation; two floors of beautiful office space. Our photo shoot will be complete early next month and photos and more info will follow.

2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

So this is 2012...

The summer holiday is almost forgotten and we're back at the 'drawing-board'.

HI-TECH concept store

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:38:00 +0000

We recently completed an exciting concept store for the HI-TECH footwear brand.

This is just a concept rendering of the design; our site photos will follow shortly.

funky furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 13:27:00 +0000

We love this table; found it on this site:

http://theberry.com/2011/01/12/conforming-to-your-bed-taken-to-a-new-level-21-photos/funky-furniture-11/

Not sure who the credit should go to as it wasnt very clear but we love it regardless.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 31 May 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Things are only impossible until they're not. ~Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation

office concept

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 May 2011 11:28:00 +0000

A while back we had some fun creating an office concept for a client. The space was required to be divided into typical office areas such as reception space, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces and open plan cubicles allowing quiet and solace; the catch was that all of these spaces should be interchangeable and no fixed divisions should be created. this would allow the client the flexibility to move their office space around as they desired. We achieved this by use of mobile screens, decorative storage on casters used as room dividers and sliding doors.

dining concept

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:17:00 +0000

design for dining

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:55:00 +0000

Dining facilities are constantly evolving. This is mostly due to public demand and requirement.

Restaurants. The ‘silver service’ restaurants are thinning out in number, probably due to spending trends or economic changes. Patrons, it seems, would rather stretch their hard earned cash over many dining occasions than blow it all on a few 5 star outings. – This seems to have bred a generation of more ‘relaxed’ environments that are far more cost effective to the diner.

Along with the casual atmosphere comes the ’gimmick’ trend.

Restaurants are wowing their guests with all sorts of specialties; unusual serving methods, staff costumes, live entertainment, back rub while- you- dine, hand wash in scented water etc.

Thus the eating out experience becomes an inspiration (often tongue-in-cheek).

Interior designs are evolving along side these trends, as over exaggerated furniture, unusual finishes, lighting and art work are becoming more common. Ironic?

Perhaps because space is becoming very expensive in South Africa, or because there is a constant flood of new venues, the competition is stiff to draw in crowds, and keep them.

And so it is not enough to merely serve perfect food, but an additional wild card is required as an attraction.

Restaurant interior design can be very exciting; the food industry is never still for very long. Dining places seem almost dispensable. As new trends emerge, so do new places.

This also allows for a sense of adventure where design is concerned, as interiors styles are not expected to last for ever.

www.time-space.co.za

There seems to be a trend towards the almost incomplete space. Finishes can be left raw or unfinished, and then contrasted with the perfect piece of objet, or furniture. As long as the food is great, and the atmosphere friendly the interior may get away with a few imperfections.- in fact that’s what sometimes makes a space most interesting.

One thing that will never change, if any restaurant wishes to survive, is the need to offer a warm and welcoming environment. No matter what the current design trend, people are still drawn to that warm, inviting space with dim lighting and finishes that are easy on the eye and soft to the touch.

Staff Dining. In the past, ‘canteens’ were extremely popular in corporate and education institutions. They were, however exactly that: Canteens. Cold, functional and hostile environments.

The trend seemed to vanish slightly for a few years, but seems to be back with a vengeance.

Work and study environments are now offering staff restaurants, where quality is important in every aspect.

Food is well prepared, and the surroundings are far more comfortable than the early ‘predecessor’.

The corporate id is strongly featured; branding and individual fast- food elements are strongly represented.

Retail Dining. There is a growing trend towards dining facilities that cater to the ‘shopper’.

Relaxed café environments are appearing all over large retail stores.

This shows the understanding of the patrons’ enjoyment of shopping and how it has become a past-time.

Hospitality suite design

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 06 May 2011 10:42:00 +0000

www.time-space.co.za

Conceptual design- corporate

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:29:00 +0000

Staff Canteen

Discussion pod

Waiting area

Reception area

Reception Counter

Meeting Room

The National Empowerment Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:54:00 +0000

Office solutions ustilising glass for light flow.

Marketing material is maximised as wallpaper artwork

Flat planes of colour are used to define spaces.

Cycle Cafe'- more photos

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:42:00 +0000