Hexagonal Plans: Geometric Sets in the Architectural Composition

This article explores the resurgence and diverse applications of geometric patterns across fashion, art, and design, highlighting how designers draw inspiration from various sources to create visually impactful effects. The piece opens by showcasing how Valentino's fall 2014 runway look integrates elements reminiscent of Pop Art, specifically referencing Victor Vasarely’s illusory "Vega-200" print from 1968 and the hallucinatory reflections of the pool designed by Verner Panton for the former Der Spiegel headquarters in 1969. This fusion demonstrates a playful yet sophisticated approach to optical illusion within fashion. Further delving into the origins of geometric motifs, the article notes the natural world's influence, citing the bright stripes of a coral snake as a potential inspiration for Marni’s striking fall design. In architecture, grid-like forms are presented as purveyors of order, exemplified by the rooftop tiles of the 1443 Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, France, which find a contemporary echo in Fendi’s resort collection. Valentino’s dress and jacket offer a different perspective, with their looser graphic effects recalling the artistic principles of Sol LeWitt’s "Wall Drawing #1113," emphasizing the diverse interpretations of geometric abstraction. The discussion then shifts to recurring motifs that suggest infinity or a deeper insight, such as Artemide’s LED Net light fixture, which mimics a DNA strand. The article also touches upon the vibrant and sometimes psychedelic prints seen in fall collections from Peter Pilotto and Proenza Schouler, linking them to the iconic scribbles of Keith Haring, as depicted in his Tokyo Pop Shop in 1988. These designs are described as rave-appropriate attire, underscoring their energetic and contemporary appeal. Historical architectural examples, like the white-and-black marble interior of the Siena Cathedral, are presented alongside a poster inspired by Vorticist artist Edward Wadsworth’s "Dazzle-ships in Drydock at Liverpool, 1919," illustrating how geometric forms can guide the eye and create distinct visual experiences, whether in sacred spaces or art. Finally, the article examines symmetrical designs not merely as decorative backdrops but as central artistic statements. Prada’s printed coat for fall is highlighted for its Art Deco celebration, integrating urban shapes reminiscent of 18th-century Sicilian chain-link tiles. Missoni’s iconic zigzag weave, a bolder interpretation of 16th-century silk Bargello wall tapestries, is noted for its renewal in the house’s resort collection. The transformative power of pattern is further illustrated by Yayoi Kusama’s "Yellow Trees" wrap, which she has used to transform everything from buildings to herself. The article concludes by emphasizing that pure geometric forms are elevated to art in various settings, from the Giacomo Arengario restaurant in Milan, designed by Studio Peregalli, to the exterior of the Chrysler Building, showcasing the pervasive and enduring influence of geometry in art and design. #GeometricPatterns #FashionDesign #ArtAndArchitecture #OpticalIllusions #DesignInspiration #TextileDesign #ContemporaryArt #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDetails

The article explores HIVEHAUS, an innovative modular housing concept developed by British designer Barry Jackson. Inspired by the natural structure of honeycomb, HIVEHAUS offers a flexible and affordable approach to living spaces. The system consists of self-contained, 100-square-foot hexagonal modules that can be combined in various configurations to meet individual needs and evolving lifestyles. The genesis of HIVEHAUS was a garden room designed to be erected without planning permission, but it quickly evolved into a comprehensive and adaptable housing solution. Jackson likens the concept to "DIY architecture," empowering individuals to design and construct unique structures using uniformly sized components, much like a child's building kit. This modularity not only provides customization but also contributes to cost reduction, as the commonality of building components streamlines production. The design allows for a single bedroom cell to be expanded into a complete home by adding bathroom, kitchen, and living room cells. The system's adaptability means that as a family's needs change, new modules can be easily integrated to expand the living space. The units are designed for ease of assembly, transportable by flatpack, and can be erected by two to three people. Adjustable legs accommodate uneven terrain, making them suitable for various locations. HIVEHAUS units feature circular skylights that introduce natural light into the interior. Customization options include hexagonal decks, various window configurations, and interior partition walls, some with pocket doors for space efficiency. A notable design element is a fold-out kitchenette, developed in collaboration with Michael Culshaw, which smartly conforms to the hexagonal shape of the room, providing a fully functional kitchen that can be discreetly stowed away when not in use. Further multi-functional furniture designs are being developed to complement the HIVEHAUS aesthetic. The cost of HIVEHAUS units starts at approximately $15,900, with the per-cell cost decreasing as more modules are added due to the reuse and sharing of individual wall units. Constructed with a lightweight steel frame and timber panels, the system can integrate various plumbing, heating, and electrical options, including underfloor heating, wood-burning stoves, air conditioning, and off-grid solutions like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and composting toilets. Beyond residential use, HIVEHAUS offers versatility for other applications, such as garden sheds, detached home offices, gyms, yoga studios, or guest cottages. Its portable and lightweight flatpack design also makes it suitable for commercial uses like pop-up shops or market stalls. The article acknowledges that the idea of a hexagonal house is not new, referencing a 1964 video and mentioning contemporary developments like Hexi-House for affordable temporary housing and a hexagonal living room addition to a Tokyo residence. This suggests a potential resurgence in the popularity of hexagonal architectural concepts in the 21st century. #ModularHousing #HexagonalArchitecture #AffordableLiving #SustainableDesign #BarryJackson #HIVEHAUS #DIYArchitecture #FlexibleLivingSpaces

Hexagon tile has been a consistent element in home design for over a century, experiencing a resurgence in popularity since the 1920s and continually appearing in modern trends. Designer Nina Hendrick highlights its ability to add a unique shape, visual interest, and vintage flair to a space. The versatility of hexagon tiles is further emphasized by their availability in various sizes, colors, and styles, making them suitable for diverse applications. The scale of the tile is an important consideration; small hexagon tiles can be overwhelming in large bathrooms but are ideal for shower floors or compact powder rooms. Contrasting grout can be used to achieve a vintage aesthetic, while monochromatic grout suits sleek, modern designs. The article showcases 36 bathrooms that exemplify the enduring appeal of hexagon tile. Examples include updated takes on classic gray marble hexagon tiles using larger scales and ombré gradients, paired with light vanities and bright walk-in showers for a serene ambiance. Hexagon tiles are not limited to floors; they can be incorporated into walls, such as using bold, patterned hexagons to highlight hardware and niches within a subway-tiled shower, maintaining cohesion through a consistent black and white color palette. Bathrooms can also integrate multiple tile types, such as hexagon, subway, and herringbone, all in a serene white marble palette to create a spa-like retreat. The timelessness of hexagon tiles is underscored by their ability to complement both modern and traditional spaces, as demonstrated in a gray bathroom featuring vintage-inspired rugs and modern vanities. Muted gray marble hexagon tiles provide a foundation for beautifully understated bathrooms with vintage rugs and faded wood cabinetry. A cohesive and expansive effect can be achieved by extending small hexagon tiles from the floor to a full wall, creating an elongating, patterned look. Contrasting black hex tiles with light grout introduces visual interest and pattern, especially in rooms with unique shapes. Varying shades of gray hexagons can evoke a playful, retro feel, while black hexagon tiles can be balanced with pastel elements like mint green wainscoting for a fresh, modern look. The historical significance of hexagon tiles is noted, with examples of original 1897 encaustic hexagon floor tiles still appearing chic today. They are also instrumental in creating spa-like environments, using black hexagon tiles to mimic pebbles and incorporating rustic wood accents. Pure white hexagon tiles contribute to monochromatic, elegant spaces, while mixed patterns like stripes and stars, combined with patterned blue hexagon tiles, create playful and bold bathrooms. Dark grout can anchor moody gray marble hexagon tiles, transforming light and airy designs into high-contrast, dramatic spaces. Classic black and white hexagon tiles, often with black rosettes, evoke a vintage aesthetic, particularly when paired with cast iron tubs and subway tile walls. Penny tile mosaics in hexagon shapes, combined with minimalist mirrors and warm wood vanities, offer a modern twist on a classic design. Hexagon tiles in marble establish a subtle, cohesive look when matched with marble walls, creating effortlessly elegant bathrooms. Mixing monochromatic shapes like scallops, hexagons, and subway tiles within a single space, unified by a consistent color palette, results in a calming effect. Gray hexagon marble paired with polished chrome accents and washed wood vanities creates a classic, serene retreat. Using hexagon tiles exclusively for shower floors provides subtle definition in otherwise streamlined bathrooms. Layers of marbled white and gray hexagon tiles, combined with chrome hardware and stately molding, contribute to Parisian-inspired designs. Luxe white-on-white hexagon tiles with brass hardware and woven details lend an elegant, historic yet new feel, while darker hexagon tiles contribute to traditional farmhouse aesthetics when paired with standalone tubs and brass fixtures. Dark grout with white hexagon tiles in a farmhouse setting accentuates the flooring and adds a rustic touch. Small white hexagon tiles with dark grout serve as a versatile retro backdrop for bold design choices, allowing other elements to stand out. Large-scale ivory hexagon tiles with light grout allow other features, like a black clawfoot tub, to take center stage. Dramatic navy hexagon tiles with light grout in a lake house bathroom create a modern, nautical feel. A gradient of green hexagon tiles in a bathroom creates a nature-inspired, relaxing atmosphere, complete with thriving greenery. Optical illusions are created with shimmering mother-of-pearl hexagon tiles that blur the lines between spaces. Black and white hexagon tiles, alongside glossy black subway tiles, update midcentury modern designs. Warm wood vanities provide textured contrast to simple white hexagons with dark grout, unified by minimalist mirrors and modern light fixtures. Striking herringbone patterns, combined with hexagon tiles on the floor, create dramatic contrast, with inverse color schemes adding further impact. Bold patterned hexagon tiles can replace wallpaper, adding geometric interest to neutral bathrooms. Oversize gray hexagon tiles anchor bold teal walls and floating farmhouse sinks, balancing industrial decor with a calming touch. Finally, hexagon tiles with Moorish influences, featuring curved details and set against rose gold fixtures, achieve a glamorous and historic look. #BathroomDesign #HexagonTile #InteriorDesign #TileTrends #HomeDecor #VintageStyle #ModernDesign #SpaBathroom #TileInstallation

This blog post explores Gothic architecture through the lens of computer science, specifically focusing on the concept of "recursive structure." While historians have studied Gothic architecture for centuries, ideas from computer science, particularly recursion, can sharpen our understanding and help identify a fundamental design gesture that has been observed in specific instances but not recognized as a widespread, general phenomenon. Recursive structure, where the shape of the whole recurs in the shape of its parts, is surprisingly important in both software and Gothic architecture. This concept, while not originating with modern computing, became central to organizing digital information in software applications like Lisp. In architecture, recursion manifests in various ways. The chevet at the Abbey of Saint-Denis (1144), considered the birthplace of Gothic architecture, exemplifies this with its half-circular perimeter formed by a series of radiating chapels, each roughly a half-circle itself. This creates a semi-circle of semi-circles. Similarly, the west façade at Reims Cathedral (1220s) demonstrates recursive structure with a large pointed arch containing a rose window, and nested within it, a smaller arch with a smaller rose. This design cleverly solves the problem of composing with two similar elements, resulting in a spectacular effect. Bourges Cathedral (1195) offers a radical recursive revision of the classical Gothic design seen at Chartres (1194). Instead of the three-level design of aisles, triforium, and clerestory, Bourges introduces a second church-like structure telescoping upwards within the nave, creating a space that builds in a jubilant crescendo. Another crucial aspect of mature Gothic design is tracery, the carved stone partitions that divide windows or decorate walls. Tracery is pure, abstract drawing in stone, reflecting the medieval artist's focus on design over representation. Recursion is fundamental to tracery, as seen in the transition from Reims to Amiens, where tracery designs add an extra level of recursion, and in multi-level recursive windows like the great east window at Lincoln Cathedral (1275). Gothic artists often played with recursion. The chapel windows at Amiens and the apse windows at Sainte-Chapelle arrange three simple trefoils in the shape of a larger trefoil. Lichfield Cathedral further refines this theme with a spherical triangle framing a trefoil of trefoils. Recursion is particularly significant in the English Perpendicular style, exemplified by a window from St. Mary Magdalen in Launceston, Cornwall, featuring nested diamond shapes. Rose windows also exhibit recursive structure, helping to distinguish between true recursive designs and those that merely repeat forms, like the pre-tracery roses at Laon and Chartres. Large-scale examples of recursion are also present, such as English Gothic churches with two transepts, where a large two-transept plan implicitly contains a smaller one-transept church, as seen in the beautifully faceted east end of Salisbury Cathedral. The authors of these designs may not have explicitly conceived of "recursive structure," but recognizing this principle allows for a clearer understanding of the Gothic age's artistic character, vibrancy, and integrity. Recursion, though not exclusive to Gothic art, is fundamental to its ability to create "ordered profusion," allowing for intricate decorative detail and a sense of vibrant life, much like a Russian doll or the waves of the sea. It enables the embedding of smaller forms within larger, mirroring forms, allowing the Gothic artist to imbue every niche and corner with life, as exemplified by the intricate details of Wells Cathedral. Understanding recursive structure offers a valuable tool for parsing and penetrating the visual world of Gothic art, similar to how language helps us understand written communication. #GothicArchitecture #RecursiveStructure #ComputerScience #ArchitecturalDesign #MedievalArt #Tracery #CathedralDesign #ArtHistory #ArchitecturalInnovation

Choosing the optimal floor plan for a family involves a multifaceted approach that considers present needs, future growth, budget, and practical functionalities. Experts emphasize that effective communication and collaboration between homeowners and architects are crucial to achieving a home that not only functions well but also enhances the family's lifestyle. Kirsten Schoettelkotte, Studio Director at MHK Architecture, highlights listening as an underrated skill for architects, as open dialogue can uncover solutions neither party initially envisioned. Leigh Misso, Owner and Designer at River Brook, concurs, stressing the importance of understanding how a family truly lives within their space. To begin the process, it's beneficial to identify what aspects of the current living situation are not working. Pinpointing these pain points can guide the selection of future floor plan essentials and reveal unexpected requirements. For instance, the contemporary trend in home design is moving away from strictly open-concept layouts towards a more tailored approach. While fully open spaces were popular in the early 2000s, many homeowners now appreciate the defined areas that walls, arches, or casement openings provide. However, a family with young children might still prefer some visual connectivity between spaces, such as the kitchen and living room, leading to hybrid designs that offer both separation and sightlines. Understanding family dynamics and lifestyle is paramount. Architects often use questionnaires to gather details about the number and ages of children, pets, work-from-home arrangements, and preferred rooms. This information helps design the right adjacencies between rooms and balances private and shared spaces. For example, placing children's bedrooms or playrooms directly above a primary suite is often avoided due to noise concerns. Similarly, families who frequently entertain might prioritize a dedicated scullery or prep kitchen to keep cooking messes out of sight during gatherings. Maximizing functionality and practicality means considering the flow of daily life. Essential spaces like the kitchen and laundry room are core anchors, influencing the organization of the entire home. Misso advises thinking about entry points, such as mudrooms off the garage or back door, that connect seamlessly to the kitchen, facilitating a smooth transition into the home. Furthermore, the design must harmonize with the chosen site and its surroundings. Factors like sun exposure, prevailing breezes, views, tree placement, and even driveway access significantly influence home orientation and, consequently, the most suitable floor plan. Architects often encourage clients to consider exterior gathering spaces first, determining if the home is best suited for a front porch, back porch, or courtyard, as these decisions impact the internal layout. Long-term planning is another critical consideration, as family needs evolve over time. A well-designed home should offer flexibility to adapt to changing life stages. While it's challenging to anticipate every future need, incorporating flex spaces, such as a room that can serve as a nursery for toddlers and later convert into an office or study area for older children, can provide adaptability. Finally, budget constraints are an inevitable part of the process. Homeowners are advised to create a prioritized list of 'must-haves' versus 'nice-to-haves' to remain on track. Architects play a vital role in balancing client desires with practical living requirements and budgetary realities, guiding the integration of all these elements into a cohesive and livable home. #FloorPlan #HomeDesign #FamilyLiving #Architecture #InteriorDesign #LifestyleNeeds #BudgetPlanning #Functionality #SitePlanning