Monday, December 22, 2008



What is Evidence-based Art?

How are Evidence-based Art Programs different from regular art programs and what advantage do they offer hospitals?

Evidence-based Art is based upon the principles of Evidence-based Design, and makes a commitment to basing design decisions on the best available research evidence. There is a small but significant body of research evidence today on the impact of art on clinical and behavioral outcomes of patients in hospital settings. Viewing artwork with appropriate nature content has been seen to reduce stress and pain perception, as measured by physiological outcomes such as blood pressure, heart-rate, and skin conductance, in addition to self-report measures such as pain-rating scales and surveys. For example, in a study conducted in Sweden by Roger Ulrich, heart surgery patients in an ICU who were shown nature scenes with water, trees and high depth of field, showed lesser anxiety, suffered less intense pain, and required lower strength pain medication, than those shown abstract scenes or no image at all. Economic benefits of lower cost of pain medication, reduced length of stay, and increased patient and staff satisfaction, can be extrapolated from such studies and strengthen the case for taking an evidence-based approach.

Unfortunately, the critical importance of Evidence-based Art programs has not yet been fully appreciated within the industry....

While experienced art consultants have the ability to provide aesthetically pleasing artwork consisting of pretty, local pictures, the insight into whether this aesthetic is appropriate for healthcare populations is often missing. Given the evidence on the therapeutic effect of using appropriate art (discussed above), this could be a critical oversight.

Yet another aspect of evidence that is relevant, in addition to the therapeutic benefit of art, relates to how presence and quality of art can effect patient/visitor perception of the quality of care at the hospital, act as a de-stressor for staff, have an impact on the branding of the hospital, serve as a point of focus and discussion for visitors, and of course, add to the overall appeal of the visual environment (these themes are emergent from a 2007 post-occupancy evaluation of the art program at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston). Artwork is often the most visible and noticeable aspect of the visual environment and this increases its potential impact on patients/ staff/ visitors, and in the final analysis, the economic bottom-line at the hospital.

There are well-researched guidelines in place today for appropriate healthcare art based on rigorous research findings, which can be implemented, creatively, by experienced art consultants. Ulrich and Gilpin’s chapter on Healing Arts, in Frampton’s Putting Patients First, is one of the most comprehensive resources and recommends the use of

  1. Waterscapes (Calm or Non-turbulent Water),
  2. Landscapes (with visual depth or open foreground, trees with broad canopy, Savannah Landscapes, verdant Vegetation, or positive cultural artifacts),
  3. Flowers (familiar, healthy and fresh, in natural settings with open foreground), and
  4. Figurative Art (depicting emotionally positive faces, diverse and leisurely in nature).

While these guidelines are in place today, an evidence-based art consultant has the onus of creative but conscientious interpretation, in order to ensure that the most appropriate art for the facility is chosen while maintaining a standard of visual appeal that is befitting to the hospital. Furthermore, there is little known on art for special populations, or different ethnicities, and mere prescriptive adherence to guidelines cannot suffice.

In the end, commitment to an Evidence-based Art program entails going the step beyond the implementation of existing guidelines, to improving and updating guidelines towards the maximum impact art can have on improving the healthcare environment.

BY KATHY HATHORN AND UPALI NANDA
Published in FacilityCare Magazine. Vol 12. Number 3. May/June 2007

Friday, November 21, 2008

ORANGE


Orange evokes a variety of emotions and is said to stir up controversy more than any other color out there. It is a color that is definitely vibrant and is associated with energy, fun and warmth. It is used in many restaurants due its ability to stimulate ones appetite, which I found to be quite interesting. So, perhaps this may be a color that you may want to reserve for your kitchen or dining room.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

HG's Walk for Autism awareness


We had a great time for a great cause!! THANK YOU Lisa, for getting our team motivated and the money raised for Autism awareness!! To see more event photos check out our Event Gallery, don't let the dark clouds fool you, it was a wonderful day!!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Art and Design in the Ice Hotel




Thursday, October 30, 2008

Shigeru Uchida (Interior Designer)

interior scape
Seeing the world of Shigeru Uchida, an interior designer, as creative products, KOTOBUKI started creating products in collaboration with him as new creation toward public space, which is KOTOBUKI's concept.
ALFIE


It is named after the Paramount Picture "Alfie" in 1965.
Its theme song is also a famous jazz number with the lyrics, "What's it all about, Alfie?" This petal-shaped chair was created on the image of flowers blooming in a neutral space. This product is suitable for the space with high ceiling.

JUST IN TIME SIDE BY SIDE SO IN LOVE
JUST IN TIME SIDE BY SIDE SO IN LOVE
You can arrange these system-centered chairs in various ways such as round shape, oval shape, waved shape, and rectangular shape and others by combining four different shapes while they can be used as an individual chair.
This product is suitable for a narrow hallway, irregularly shaped space, and high ceiling space and the like.
This system is truly "just in time" for space. You can apply part of this Series to private space such as a reception room in the office.
Chairs in this Series were designed based on the image of "Side by Side," a famous jazz number with rhythmical tune.
Its design was born from rhythmical and bouncing image. Connected chairs are mainstream products of this Series, but you can use them individually by placing them separately around a table as well.
"So in Love" was created by Cole Porter as a theme song of the musical "Kiss Me Kate" in 1948.
It is a sweet love song with a line, "When I'm close to you, dear, the stars fill the sky c" Since the chairs in this Series can be freely combined, you can create various images by arranging the bench seats with three different shapes at your own choice. Also, free combination of chairs will create a form of communication between space and people. Larger size chairs in this Series were designed to create a landscape in a space.


Shigeru Uchida Shigeru Uchida(Interior Designer)
Born in Yokohama in 1943. Graduated from Kuwasawa Design School in 1966. Guest professor at Tokyo University of Art and Design and Kuwasawa Design School.
Uchida received the Mainichi Design Award, Commercial and Environment Design Award, the First Kuwasawa Design Award, and the Ministry of Education Award for Art. As one of the leading designers in Japan, Uchida has been engaged in a wide range of domestic and international activities from furniture and industrial design to community development as well as commercial/living space design. His major works include Yohji Yamamoto's boutiques, the Japanese Pavilion at the EXPO '85 in Tsukuba, Hotel Il Palazzo in Fukuoka, a lobby of Kyoto Hotel, Kobe Fashion Museum, Japanese tea-ceremony rooms called 'Ju-an, So-an, Gyo-an,' and Mojiko Hotel, etc. His works are exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum and others as permanent collection.

Monday, October 13, 2008

THE DESIGN VOTE.. A VERY COOL SITE


The Design Vote is a daily site where design items are presented to be voted on by you. You can either vote an item as thumbs up or thumbs down. The results are displayed as a running tally, pointing out the most popular item presented to date.






Friday, September 26, 2008

Fernando + Humberto Campana: Their art & their curated exhibit at the Copper Hewitt



By Karen Uribe

If you’ve heard of the Vermelha chair, you’ve probably heard of the Campana brothers.

They are a two-man team of Brazilian brothers that are among the most ingenious designers in the modern art world. Their native Brazil is their home & inspiration. Each one of their creations are always wild, sensual & completely surprising. They say their inspiration comes from everything they see in Brazil. From the kids playing on the street, the street vendors selling all kinds of fruits, the poverty, the Favelas, the dense & lush scenery of the Amazon with it’s wild life & swamps. It all comes to life in each one of their creations.


Fernando + Humberto Campana: Their art & their curated exhibit at the Copper Hewitt

Friday, September 19, 2008

BLOB MENTALITY







A home-improvement project by Greg Lynn evolves into the Blobwall, a modular wall system produced by Panelite.

Its name may reek of science fiction, but Greg Lynn’s Blobwall was conceived under pretty prosaic circumstances. Inspired by kids’ outdoor toys and 1970s Italian interiors, Lynn had the idea to put a colorful plastic wall inside the home he is building for his family in Venice Beach, California. He designed a hollow plastic form—a blob, as it were—that could function as a whimsical alter­native to bricks, with heat-welding replacing mor­tar. The commercial applications quickly became appar­ent. “A very big percentage of small-scale construction is plastic,” he says. “But it’s some horrible beige plastic made to look like wood. I thought, Well, why not tackle this big chunk of the environment that, really, nobody designs?”

Lynn hopes eventually to take the idea even further. “It’s in the air that people are thinking of these three-dimensional cellular lattice structures,” he says. “The Blobwall is simply one of the first, or the first, manifestation of it. But I think it’s very applicable at a lot of different scales.” Lynn says that the blobs, or a variation on them, could even be applied to building-scale construction. The Blob­house? Now that really does sound like science fiction.

PROPERTIES
Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) is recyclable and impact- and puncture-resistant. The wall modules are available in three stan­d­ard configurations and five color palettes, or they can be custom ordered.

APPLICATIONS
Interior walls, partitions, and enclosures. (Panelite is currently testing its feasibility for outdoor use.)

COMPOSITION
Hollow “blobs” of LLDPE heat-welded into wall modules

Friday, September 12, 2008

THE FUTURE IS GREEN... BURKE, HOGUE +MILLS





Burke, Hogue, + Mills, an architecture and interior design firm in Lake Mary, Florida, believes that " Every site, every building, and every interior, should be designed to function in a manner that responds positively to the environment in which it occupies and the people who use it"

With that in mind, the company had it's first "art exhibition" this month. The employees created wonderful pieces of art with recycled scrap materials only. Using items like old carpet, metal, and colorful leftover laminent chips, the pieces of art turned out to be brilliant. Enjoy the show!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Framerica Facility Certified Green


Framerica's purpose built, New York- based facility has been certified as an Environmentally Preferable Product Downstream Licensed Facility (EPP Downstream) by the Composite Panel Association (CPA). The program is designed to provide retailers, distributors, designers, specifiers, OEMs, and consumers an easy way to identify environmentally responsible products.

Framerica has pledged to continue using its Bonanza Wood substrate from sources that are CPA EPP certified. It is the most widely specified environmental certification program for composite wood panels in North America. Framerica's entire manufacturing process has been designed to curtail any negative impact on the environment, which led to the company's request for certification.

Among it's actions, Framerica circulates its sawdust through a state of the art furnace system, using the energy in processing and to heat its facility, The most advanced fixtures and power systems also reduce impacts. Local initiatives include recycling all material possible. Company officials say that they will continue all "earth friendly" policies as a way of providing customers with quality products that help the environment.

For more information visit http://www.framerica.com/

Friday, August 29, 2008

DUTCH TREE WINDMILLS

On the subject of art imitating trees, check out this awesome design for tree-like windmills, from One Architecture, Ton Matton and NL Architects in the Netherlands. Leave it to the Dutch to come up with such a clever, beautiful, eco-friendly idea for power generation.

This design was commissioned by the Dutch government, to develop a next-generation windmill that would be less intrusive in the flat Dutch landscape than the industrial mill-parks that currently generate much of the Netherlands power. The proposed windmill uses an organic branching design that can hold up to 8 turbines and grow as tall as 120 meters. I’m not sure I would call these “unobtrusive” - but they are beautiful enough that it doesn’t really matter.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Serving Architects, Consultants in Everything Green Become Mainstays

Lauren Yarmuth of YRG Sustainable Consultants if one of a growing cadre of consultants who specialize in helping developers, architects and sometimes tenants gain an official stamp of approval from the United States Green Building Council through its LEED certification program — the undisputed calling card of environmental bragging rights.

“Going green used to be part of just a handful of organizations’ mission statements, but now it’s become part of everyone’s agenda,” said Ashley Katz, communications director for the Green Building Council. “That has, of course, increased the need for sustainability consultants.”

Many of the consultants are, like Ms. Yarmuth, trained as architects and work directly with the Green Building Council to develop and refine the guidelines they help clients follow. At the end of 2006, the Green Building Council’s membership included 679 consultants. By July 31 this year, there were 1,590.

This mirrors the rapid increase in the number of buildings certified by the council: In 2005, there were 404 buildings that met LEED standards. Midway through 2008, 1,705 buildings have been certified. LEED started certifying new construction as “green” or “sustainable” in 2000, and the fifth version of standards is being prepared for 2009.

Despite a seemingly straightforward point system and scorecard, getting LEED certification is not always easy. Even large firms with employees with titles like “environmental strategist” hire consultants to walk them through the process.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

DESIGN BOOKS FOR UNIQUE HOTEL ROOMS...





Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Fallen Heroes Project


Fallen Heroes Project, founded by internationally- recognized portrait artist Michael Reagan, provides a family with a hand drawn portrait of its fallen hero, free of charge. Reagan believes his efforts can contribute to the family's' healing process and has produced 1,200 portraits to date! Of course, donations are accepted and are used to support the Fallen Heroes Project. In addition, Crescent Cardboard Company provides Reagan with artist boards at no charge!

"Our mission is to honor the American Fallen Heroes for their ultimate sacrifice during the war against terrorism. The foundation will provide the resources to produce and distribute to each family a hand-drawn portrait of their Fallen Hero, created by artist Michael G. Reagan, free of charge. Each portrait is intended to show our Love and Respect for these Heroes and their families."

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Green products for your pets!


http://www.greenergrassdesign.com/

Bella Beds employ the latest in fiber technology and design to ensure they are comfortable and supportive for your pets and still offer a beautiful and modern look. The cozy cave shape conforms to your pet’s body while the 100% hypoallergenic and washable fiber regulates temperature to keep your pet comfortable. The bed is mobile – just roll up and tie closed. So go ahead and let out your inner dog, roll around on the floor with your pup, and treat your pet kids to the ultimate in bedding.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

NEW TECHNOLOGY IN ACRYLIC PAINTS! SLOW DRYING!





A WHOLE NEW LINE OF GOLDEN ACRYLICS!
GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics are a true departure from all other acrylics on the market.
Designed with a unique and relaxed set of working characteristics, OPEN Acrylics dramatically expand the range of techniques that are available to artists who prefer to use acrylics.

GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics remain wet far longer than other acrylics and resist skinning on the palette during long painting sessions. Working time varies according to how thickly the material is applied. Thin applications “tack up,” allowing additional layers to be applied and blended. Thicker applications may be worked for hours. Films over 1/16” will dry EXTREMELY slow. For impasto techniques, blend with faster-drying GOLDEN Acrylics and Gel Mediums.

GOLDEN OPEN Acrylics feature a unique and remarkably relaxed set of working properties that facilitate blending, softening, shading, glazing and fine detail. The unique properties of OPEN Acrylics allow them to be used with natural fiber brushes and for a range of techniques including portraiture, plein air painting, monoprinting, and screenprinting.

TWO NEW MEDIUMS & 1 ADDITIVE for ultimate control...

Use OPEN Mediums and Thinner to maintain the maximum working time of
OPEN Acrylics. OPEN Acrylic Gel (Gloss) is recommended to adjust color strength and translucency while maintaining consistency. OPEN Acrylic Medium (Gloss) is formulated to a lower viscosity for a more fluid mixture with increased flow. OPEN Thinner contains no binder and is used to maintain and adjust the workability of colors on the palette without the use of water mist and moisturizing palettes.

COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER GOLDEN PRODUCTS...
For an unparalleled range of working options, OPEN Acrylics may be blended with GOLDEN Acrylics and Gel Mediums to change opacity or alter consistency, while proportionately speeding up drying and shortening working time. However, it is not recommended to apply fast-drying products over wet layers of OPEN Acrylics.

Monday, August 4, 2008

3 Amazing 3D Graffiti Artists: Street Painting and Sidewalk Chalk Art



Most people tend to think of graffiti as subversive art spraypainted in the dead of night on urban walls. Some artists, however, including Edgar Mueller, Julian Beever and Kurt Wenner, defy that stereotype, painting and chalking openly on city streets and sidewalks. Beyond merely entertaining crowds, their work has at times even broken world records. These street art images and biographies merely scratch the surface and begin to convey their amazing artistic talents.



Edgar Mueller is a world-famous street painter, perhaps best known for the above work: The Riverstreet River. At nearly 1000 square feet, this graffiti mural took up an entire city block. His other works often exhibit similar life-like qualities and take on renaissance themes.



Julian Beever is a sidewalk chalk artist whose work has appeared all across Europe. He skillfully and humorously plays up his illusions in a variety of ways, from interacting with the finished piece to making his street art’s evolution part of the work itself. Clearly, his artworks are as much intended to entertain himself as it is to dazzle the crowds that gather around them. His other street graffiti includes renderings of master artworks and pastel portraits.



Kurt Wenner’s amazingly detailed street artworks conjure images of both Baroque religious murals and a Salvor Daliesque surrealism. They are somehow less tame than Mueller’s work, and far less playful than the art of Beever. Wenner is also an architectural designer in the US and Europe, fascinated with classical ornament tied to allegories and myths as well as literature and theater.