Top 8 Modern Plumbing Fixtures

There is no shortage of modern looking plumbing fixtures on the market today.  Here are a few that I have been patiently waiting to use in the right client/project. They are cataloged in my massive collection of bookmarks and I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you.

ConoFlat Shower Tray by Kaldewei, a German pluming manufacturer.  The CONOFLAT is, well, flat.  Installed flush to the floor, eliminating trip hazards (and toe stubbing!!).  The outflow fits seamlessly into the center of the shower tray.

Rettango Chromatherapy Dream Light Rain Canopy by Jaclo,  Multifunction LED lighting design can be set to either continually changing color mode or single color mod, Intended for use as a water feature & uses a recirculation system. 

 

Code X by Balance-NL

 Ebb Basin by Neo Metro.  Resin Deck Lavatory, there is an optional lighting package available to create an glow.   ADA compliant when installed properly.

Spoon Urinal by Phliip Watts Design,The water enters the urinal from the back and cascades down to flush. To be used with a timed flush control. UK company but products are available for export, there is also a sink to match!

Tri Mount Sink by Mila, Great looking stainless steel sink with a unique linear drain.

Walnut Pale Ale Urinal by Philip Watts Design, Yeah, it's cheeky, but what a statement this could be in the right space, Fabricated from pressed galvanized steel and set on its own plinth, Flush pipes can be integrally piped to the plinth or piped into the back of the wall.

Have a great plumbing fixture you've been dying to use?  Share the link in the comments below!

Library Book: Exhibition Design

I am always on the look out for new books to add to my ever expanding personal library.  This one looks pretty interesting and I thought I would share it.  It's not an interior design book, but I think the concepts are relevant to interior design and it would be a great addition. And it's only $25- considerably less expensive than some of my old school books.

If you think it sounds interesting too, you can buy it here.

Exhibition Design offers a thorough grounding in the principles of designing for exhibitions. It describes the skills needed to become an exhibition designer, including:
• Developing a brief and working with clients
• Design principles for graphics, circulation, lighting, and accessibility
• Presenting ideas to clients
• The practicalities of production

Visual material includes photographs of completed exhibitions by world-renowned designers, concept drawings, computer renderings, charts, and tables of information—all for a wide range of exhibitions around the world, permanent and temporary, including museums and galleries, visitor centers, brand experiences, festivals, and trade fairs. The book will inform and inspire, as well as equip students and new exhibition designers with a valuable guide to the profession.

Using Renderings to Sell your Vision to Clients

How many times have you heard a picture is worth a thousand words?  

It may be cliche, but it is true.  Computer aided renderings are a great tool to help you  communicate your vision to your client. 3D renderings are the most effective tool for showing spatial relationships and material/ color selections. Not only can it help sell your design vision to a client, it can also be used as a marketing tool for a client to sell their idea to their investors & market a property before it is even built!

I am not foolish enough to consider my self a highly skilled Computer 3D renderer-  working with lighting is tricky and can quickly make your rendering look either photo realistic or cartoony.  

I think 3D computer renderings are best left to the experts and there is no shortage of draw dropping ,photo realistic architectural and interior renderings being churned out by talented CG Artists.

Check out the images below to see some amazing renderings that were recently posted on McGraw Hill's Computer Rendering Showcase.  

Sure beats a black and white line drawing, doesn't it?  I can't imagine how you could communicate the ethereal quality of the soft ribbons on the ceiling (photo below) to the client with only a reflected ceiling plan and an elevation in hand.

Project  | Xi'an Luxury Boutique Hotel, visit this link for project details.

Firm|  ZEROLABOFFICE

Location | Xi'an, China

 

Xi’an Garden Expo Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel: Interior Rendering

 

Xi’an Garden Expo Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel: Exterior Rendering

Project  | Tajin 557 (Interior 04), visit this link for project details.

Firm|  Ezra Tawil, Abud Zonana

Location | Mexico DF

Look at that beautiful daylight!

Project  | Cheung's Residence, visit this link for project details.

Firm|  Yu-Ngok Lo, AIA, LEED AP

Location | San Gabriel, California

 

I can't believe how realistic this rendering looks!

What's your firm's take on 3D renderings?  Does your firm provide 3D renderings for all projects or is it a value added service with additional fees?  If your firm does provide 3D renderings, do you have an in-house rendering artist or do you outsource your work?  Please comment below!

Bookmark this: Sensing Architecture

I love the website Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman. She consistently posts interesting articles and slideshows, & podcasts about exploring the science of how occupants perceive space.

For a taste, check out this great slideshow from Sensing Architecture on how to use color to move your occupant:

http://sensingarchitecture.com/3265/using-color-design-to-move-your-occupant-slideshow/

Bookmark her site or subscribe!