Design – the art of balance and compromise

Design – the art of balance and compromise

Interior design is both an art and a science that aims to turn the space in the building into a more functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. Because of this complexity, the seemingly easy craft should not be taken lightly.

Why is it art and science and not just one of the two?

Let’s start with art. Its characteristics and goals are creativity, imagination, beauty, emotions, feelings, etc. That is why it is difficult to frame it and the assessment of it is subjective. The same can often be said about interior design. Unlike the freer arts, however, aesthetics is not the most important factor here, no matter how much it seems to be the main goal.

The four main points of design are function, construction, aesthetics and price. Yes, aesthetics are important, but they are interpreted differently by different people. Without belittling its importance, it ranks far from first in importance. Functionality, in addition to being of paramount importance, its evaluation is much more objective – it visibly either works well or not. In a hospital, for example, if the corridor is not wide enough to pass a stretcher with a patient, one cannot close one’s eyes and say that the functional solution is good.

The next thing that should not be compromised in the name of aesthetics is structural stability. Here “pure” science directly intervenes in art. That’s why design is a balance – going to extremes leads either to “boring” practical solutions, or to eccentric and loud ones, which, however, are not well padded constructively. It is worth noting that depending on the type of building, as well as the people who will inhabit it, the scales may lean a little more to one or the other extreme. The perfect balance is not always the golden mean.

There are two other factors that are extremely underestimated in academia, but “are pulling the strings” in reality – price and communication. Without taking into account the fact that the design must be sold, for better or worse, no matter how perfect the balance between function, construction and aesthetics, the end result may be useless. Selling is also a science and art, which is unfortunately neglected in environments where creative specialties are studied. Price is also the main reason to compromise with one or more of the other three fulcrums. It is also one of the main obstacles for inexperienced artists to develop.
An integral part of selling is communication. No matter how measured and meaningful compromises a designer has made, he must not forget that the whole process is a “two people game”. Communication and feedback play a key role – as in many other life situations – one must know when to give in and when to be more assertive. The combination of these circumstances makes interior design a challenge, and the path from the first sketch to the realization – difficult but sweet.

Who are we?

Design House is a team of young and ambitious professionals who have gained experience in various fields of architecture and interior design. We love to paint and create, we also like the technical part. The plain white piece of paper is our friend. We know well the furniture, materials and products on the market. Our main goal is to pass this knowledge to customers, and then together with them to achieve a satisfactory result.

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