One of the most essential aspects of interior design is lighting – an element that can make or break an interior space of any size or material. Yet good lighting can be especially important for smaller or more crowded spaces, making them feel larger and more open even when their literal dimensions haven’t changed. In turn, larger spaces with poor lighting may feel smaller and less welcoming than they have the potential to be. To make interiors feel aptly large and well lit, designers can rely on several tried and true methods that make the most of a space, from using the right shades and types of lights to placing them in the best locations to integrating other elements that best complement existing lighting. These strategies, as well as several examples of their application, are listed below.
Symbiotic Urban Furniture Project / B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
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Architects: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
- Year: 2022
Cafes and Bars in China: Examining the Spatial Routine of Drinking
Both tea and alcohol in traditional China were similarly aestheticized, and both influenced the language of literature and art. People used to exchange alcohol as a gift in a way that they later would with tea. Today, more and more cities in China have embraced this drinking culture that passed down from generation to generation, and reinterpreted with a new contemporary fashion, which is constantly evolving in the urban cafes and bars.
Tsingpu Wulin Retreat / Nazodesign Studio
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Architects: Nazodesign Studio
- Area: 6400 m²
- Year: 2021
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Manufacturers: Aica, Haro
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Professionals: Ljus Design
Metal Hands Coffee Renovation / Linkchance Architects
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Architects: Linkchance Architects
- Area: 115 m²
- Year: 2020
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Professionals: Beijing Shidai Municipal Engineering Co.Ltd.
Strategies to Improve Study Spaces at Home
In early 2020, along with the implementation of worldwide social isolation measures, we published several articles in order to help our readers increase productivity and comfort in their home offices. After months of continued isolation, surveys show that more than 80% of professionals want to continue working from home even after quarantine ends. In addition, a good number of companies are similarly satisfied with current work practices, showing a high tendency to adopt this practice indefinitely, since the majority of companies observed that remote work was as or more productive than face-to-face work.
However, with respect to children and home studying during the pandemic, the result was not as positive. One of the main reasons for this difference is that it can be difficult to get students to concentrate and motivate themselves for a long time in front of screens. Lack of physical interaction with other children is also a contributing factor. Yet until the global situation improves, it is likely that the return to schools will continue to be postponed. With this situation in mind, we decided to share in this article a series of efficient strategies to transform study spaces at home into better spaces for learning.
Best Modern Examples of Ancient Courtyard Renovations in China
Chinese courtyard houses are one of the most common housing typologies spanning all the way from the northern capital of Beijing to the poetic southern cities Hangzhou and back to the picturesque regions of Yunnan. Typically referred as heyuan, these courtyards homes are simply a “yard enclosed on four sides."
Dengshikou Hutong Residence / B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
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Architects: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
- Area: 43 m²
- Year: 2016
Je Beijing Restaurant / FUNUN LAB
Zayuan Habitat / FESCH Beijing
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Architects: FESCH Beijing
- Area: 44 m²
- Year: 2019
YǏN Fine Jewelry Boutique / odd
The 50 Most Inspiring Architecture Photographs of 2018
Because, for all the inspirational works across the world, we would be lost without the photographers dedicated to sharing this inspiration with us. Here we present to you the 50 most influential architectural photographs of the year.
Dongshang in Beijing / Imafuku Architects
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Interior Designers: Imafuku Architects
- Area: 240 m²
- Year: 2018
Xiezuo Hutong Capsule Hotel in Beijing / B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
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Architects: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
- Area: 1150 m²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: Bentu, CXUN, LG Electronics, Ouxiou
Good Time Community Center / B.l.U.E. Architecture Studio
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Architects: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio
- Area: 160 m²
- Year: 2017
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Manufacturers: Bolon, Kvadrat, SKK