Design Assembly South
Yesterday Edge Design joined forces with Hampshire based Spectrum Workplace at Design Assembly South to provide a day of CPD seminars, an opportunity for those in commercial interiors to hear the most up to date thinking from industry leaders.
“After the success of Design Assembly events in other parts of the country, we identified there was a great deal of interest from interior design professionals, in the South & South Coast region, for this type of event. It offers an opportunity to improve knowledge & skills and spark interesting discussions about where current trends and technology are going.” Kim Findlay – National A&D Development Manager, Edge Design
The impressive line up of speakers began with Sean McCormack from Bre. Sean explained that BIM is structured data and information management, he continued to outline the ‘Age of Information’ and the position of ‘Big Data’ within the current data revolution.
Sean raised the current workplace dilemma of Skill vs Knowledge, where there is an imbalance between the skill of the tech savvy younger employee and the knowledge of an experienced employee, potentially hindering a harmonious integration of BIM within a workplace.
On behalf of Atrium Lighting, James Nourish delivered a fascinating and funny presentation based on his PHD thesis on the ‘Non Visual Effects of Colour & Light on a Social Environment.
James presented research confirming that it takes only 10 minutes for a person to be influenced by the use of colour within a space. James broke down the differing social effects of short wave and long wave colours; using the example of how a shortwave colour such as lilac could be specified in a retail environment selling active wear, exploiting short wave colour’s energising properties.
James went on to highlight the benefits of understanding light and colour within the interior design of a workspace in order to effectively create a variety of zones.
The Pantone Studio App was recommended for identifying colour. James also recommended F.Lux to geo position your computer in order accurately reflect the circadian rhythm in your location and change the tone of your monitor.
Nicola Marshall for Tektura guided her audience through how to correctly specify wallcoverings, highlighting the differences between paper and fabric backed coverings. This is something which we recently worked with Tektura on to compile our BCFA guild to Wallcovering Regulations.
Healthcare is a current focus for Tektura, with a focus on research into familiarity and non institutional design for dementia patients and faster recovery from surgery. It was hugely encouraging to hear that a window with a view or an image portray a view has been show to aid patients to recover 30% faster and in a commercial setting can increase productivity by 15%.
Oliver Heath spoke with knowledge and precision on his in-depth work in biophilic design. Oliver explained 6 principles for biophilic design:
1. Contact with Nature. Visual connection, senses and non rhythmic.
2. Natural Light and the positive impact of considering circadian rhythms.
3. Natural materials and textures.
4. Quality of air. Toxins, air movement, CO2, temperature and humidity.
5. Prospect. An opening and non threatening views through spaces.
6. Retreat. An opportunity to use spaces outside the main circulation rout.
Two publications were available to the audience: 14 Patterns of Biophilic Design and The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace (Human Spaces.)
Acoustics is fast becoming the new workplace buzz word and Joe Cilia from FIS expertly explained both the importance and specification considerations of acoustic panelling. Joe introduced his audience to the A-Absorption, B-Blocking, C-Cover & D-Diffusion of acoustics.
We were treated to a glimpse of the TIS Best Practise: Office Fitout and Refurbishment publication which will be launched at Interface during Clerkenwell Design Week.
The event was hosted by Edge Design who’s National A&D Development Manager, Kim Findlay stressed the importance of having the right conversations with a client and how by prioritising dialogue with a client can create an accurate brief with clear wellbeing objectives.
The final speaker of the day was co-host Spectrum Workplace, Project Director Joshua Fidler spoke about agile working, outlining Spectums philosophy that 5 zones are required within a workplace. Touchdown area, quiet zone, breakout space, team office area and meeting rooms are the formula for an ideal workplace, underlined by a clear understanding of each clients needs.
Edge Design and Spectrum Workplace had a program of Design Assembly events scheduled throughout the UK, follow their social media platforms for further details.