A couple wanted to renovate their attic bedroom into a home office. They initially wanted something like their real office in their home: a huge L-shaped desk that hugged two walls. Problem was it made opening the windows impossible and the room almost unusable. It is a common misconception that architecture is only useful for museums and large buildings. Here is an example of how architecture can make a difference for the better in your everyday life...
The client, the IT Director of a small company, liked to lay out his papers on the floor horizontally inviting back strain and making the way to his desk impassable. I suggested arranging things vertically on a wall with a system where the papers could be looked at from a central location (see bottom left and diagram on top right). These eliminated constant trips from his desk, back strain and made the room presentable. The client wanted something "exciting" to go to when he went to work in his home. I suggested that he ditch his 90 pound monster of a 21 inch computer monitor and instead project his computer display on a retractable screen making the office more like NASA control than a drab workplace.
While the project was meant to inject some excitement and fun into the home workplace, practical considerations were paramount. Lateral files were installed so they occupied existing unused closet spaces (the empty spaces to the left and the right of the office in the diagram above) and freed up valuable space. Skylights were cut into the north slope of the roof and were made operable so cool lake breezes could naturally ventilate the office cutting expensive air conditioning usage. This small project made a big difference and a huge improvement in the everyday life of the client.
Perhaps you have a small project where we can make a big difference in your life?
