There are many ways to analyze an interior space. One of those ways is preferential. Preferential relates to what preferences are discernable within a space and are they appropriate or inappropriate. The designer of this space has a strong preference for a playful/childish design. The design is based around a child’s mind, with many different shapes and colors, and the openness of space to run. In this design, the designer uses mostly primary color but also a full spectrum of color. At first it is hard to distinguish a focal point with all the different colors, but after a second for your eyes to adjust you begin to notice the bold red wall and tall yellow column anchoring the desk. The red wall, yellow column, and the blue triangle on the desk create a point for people to come to, or in this case a front desk in a lobby of a children’s hospital. The pendant lighting also helps to create this focal point. The materials chosen for this space are appropriate for the function of the space because they are materials that are easy to clean and help with the safety of children. An example would be the glass in and above the stair rail. This not only lets the design shine through but also prevents children from climbing over. The color scheme chosen enhances the design and is appropriate. The color gives a claiming feeling to a child, making the hospital almost feel like a playground or play center (which is what I thought when first seeing the picture). The shapes of the desk, seating and artwork are also very playful. The space is very modern and open but what do you feel about this space? Do you feel the design is functional? How do you think the space would be affected if it was not so open or had more seating?
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As Carrie mentioned, this design is completely intended to entertain a child and to help them keep their mind off of what they are in the hospital for. As for the functionality of the space I have mixed feelings. For one, I see that the minimal seating might not be an issue due to the target audience being children. It’s hard to contain little kids, especially if you have to wait awhile. I think it’s a good idea that there is a lot of open space for kids to wander around and for parents to walk around with them. On the other hand though, this concept has the tendency to get chaotic when the waiting room is busy and full of hyper, playful kids. Secondly, I feel that most reasons why children are in the hospital are for serious reasons. While it’s good to have a playful color scheme to keep their minds distracted, it would’ve been nice to have more seating for the parents’ sake to try and calm their children and prepare their kids for their doctor visit.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great way to incorporate a "child's point of view" in a serious setting. Like Jessica said, obviously a hospital visit is an important, serious event. But to a child, it can be terrifying. By using bright, bold colors, fun shapes and textures, the space doesn't seem as intimidating anymore. I do agree that there might need to be a few more seats in the space. If this is just the lobby and there are other "waiting areas" with extra seating, then this composition is suitable. However, even though I love the curved sofa and think it goes great in the space, seating with a back to it would be much more comfortable to parents who have been in the hospital with their children for hours. Overall, the geometric shapes play into a child's world seamlessly. The blue triangle on the desk is cohesive with the room and points directly into the next part of the hospital. When their children need medical attention, the last thing a parent needs is to feel lost in the space. The white ceiling reflects the fun geometric shapes and keeps the room bright and cheerful. The multiple colors used on the back wall keep the lobby interesting. The bold colors of red, yellow, blue and orange on the desk and surronding features make it a focal point in the space. Like Jessica said, les furniture equals more space for the children to wander around and it makes them feel as if they are at a play center.
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