Is open-plan layout dead?
Essential facts to consider when opting for open-plan layout
Richard Rogers via Nowness
The open floor plan, with an absence of ornament and with large openings, constitutes one of the most popular changes in architectural design in the past 100 years, with particular democratisation and popularisation in the past decade.
At ALEZ Architecture & Interiors we support and encourage the open-plan layout, which today has a well deserved place in design. The main reasons for this are:
- Size, price and quality of space: especially in cities such as London, by opening one space and having three to four uses combined in one we avoid the use of walls and small rooms,and we also unify the view to the garden through one big glazed wall, and thus the entry of natural light.
- Flexibility: In the age we live in, changes are quick, technology has a strong impact on the way we live and act, and open plan is flexible and easy to adapt, not only through time , but also to the various requirements of the different members of the household at different times.
Image by Kate Martin via 1stdibs
To avoid ending up with a disorganized room, here are three key actions that will guarantee success in converting to an open-plan layout:
1-Define clear zones:
There are multiple resources to achieve this without “ breaking up” the space:
- Bookshelves at mid-height
- Different floor levels
- Different ceiling heights
- Smart design ‒ lighting can create different ambient and focal points for different activities
- Rugs and different floor materials
- Furniture
- Glazed walls
Image Via Decoist by Be Architecture
2-Define the views well
Perhaps one of the most critical decisions. Think carefully which view you will be directed towards in each of the activities or areas you have defined; this is what will create usable space and a kind of intangible privacy.
3- Circulation areas and routes:
Last but not least, one needs to be clear about what the circulation space is, and, ideally, areas such as the living space should not have a route through them, as it is important to differentiate areas for relaxation, and these must not be disturbed.
Image Via Decoist by Guido Costantino
Image Via Decoist by Guido Costantino
Thank you for taking the time to read this article, we look forward to hearing from you so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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