interior design
IN PRAISE OF UNDERSTATEMENT
by C. H. Brown, BA, B Arch.
T
'HERE would seem to be ample
scope for qualified and articulate interior designers in South East Asia. Clients present a variety of demands. "Local colour" offers exotic touches, and there is a wealth of interesting materials at hand.
Furthermore, there are plenty of dull buildings which could or should act as foils for interesting interiors.
Over-decoration is too frequently a endency in South East Asia, how- ever. In commercial interiors, for example, much is done for the sake of prestige, but often emerges heavy in effect: too many obviously expen- sive materials in a small space, a great deal of "fashionable" furniture (perhaps lucite), too much rich teak- wood, and so on.
The process of completing a good building is frequently compared to an iceberg the completed building being the small part which one sees, the effort of planning and supervising being large and unseen below the surface. Interior design work should as well reflect this analogy.
Marble, for example, looks expen- sive anywhere. An office or shop upholstered with marble will surely impress visitors. A more subtle image of an owner, however, requires an environment of smooth efficiency warmth, quiet, etc. This is reflected through carefully planned circula- tion, articulate lighting, comfortable colour, texture, and so on.
The aim therefore should be total environment. Selection of materials should not be contemplated until the client's operating needs are resolved. Shopping for accessories requires restraint.
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Verandah of Repulse Bay Hotel, Hong Kong
transition from interior to exterior"
For example there are thousands of Asia, ranging from an abacus with a light fixtures available in South East light bulb at one end, to very elegant Italian fixtures requiring weird and special bulbs.
Reflected Light
Most such lamps are decorative, but often obscure the possibilities of effective and interesting lighting. Much can be achieved, for example, simply by shining a bright light at a painting from the proper angle, to make the painting itself act as the source of light. It is uncomfortable to look directly at many light fixtures, and the reflected light from a painting or object of art can be effective and less harsh.
act as
Similarly, pure white, or even blue- white walls, with concealed (incan- descent) light directed along the walls from below or beside can "panels" of light. Interesting effects can be created if a tree or sculpture is placed in front of the wall to be seen in silhouette.
If properly located for even dis- tribution, such reflected or concealed lighting can be very comfortable for
"gentle
general activity, as well as make a given space seem larger. Appropriate "task_lighting" may then be added elsewhere, such as over desks and working areas.
Climate can dictate much of one's attitude toward a building or interior. The relation of interior to exterior should therefore be carefully con- sidered. Often if the transition is too sudden, the effect can be unplea- sant.
Air conditioning is a blessing in terms of dehumidification, lower ceiling heights, and more effective use of space. The problem is that all too often a North American or Continental environment is conse- quently imposed: a "Breton" restau- rant, an "Alpine" cocktail bar, generally spooky coffee shops, and
so on.
Sudden Glare
It would be more appropriate in South East Asia to have a "Lord Jim" cocktail bar, with peacock chairs and boa constrictors, or a "Somerset Maugham" cocktail lounge with thumping ceiling fans. It is bad enough to have to work after lunch,
Far East Architect & Builder March, 1965