An Architect's Guide to Cleaning Your Room
Accessible ways for people in engage in architectural design
This Substack is by David Perrine. I write about architecture, aesthetics, design theory, and philosophy. I share new posts bi-weekly*. If you enjoy my work, please consider subscribing.
This post will be less academic compared to my other work. But it addresses something I feel quite passionate about and its usefulness is self evident (At least to me). Thus, I consider it worth writing about.
Architecture is a field that many people are interested in. It seems that everyone has some opinion about it. Tragically, very few people get the chance to participate in it. As a result, people often get frustrated by the ugly architecture around them as they have no means of fixing it. If you don’t like a type of music, you can just not listen. You will find that if you dislike a certain style of architecture, its not practical to avoid it in the same sense. I personally feel that architecture happens to me, and that I fall victim to whatever kooky trend the GSAPP at Columbia was cooking up recently. We were all forced to live in and around brutalism for Christ sake! It was a style that very few people actually enjoyed, yet it was built all around the world because a group of intellectuals believed it was the way out of the International Style.1 With this condition in mind, I thought it could be useful to write about ways that individuals can participate in architecture. You don’t need to be a victim of weird architectural trends! Everyone can and should participate in architectural design activities. This article hopes to equip the reader with the tools to think architecturally about their own space and how it can improve their own life.
Architecture is a very broad and complicated field, it accommodates a variety of trends and diverse pedagogical factions. For the sack of the article, we will be exploring a small set of architectural ideas that are practical for everyone. All you need to get started is a space in which you have agency, and an open mind.
To start, lets begin by covering a few of these architectural ideas so we can begin to think like an architect. After, we will go through practical steps to improve the spaces we inhabit.
In general, architects value intention and thoughtfulness. That is, we try to make sure every formal, spatial, or design decision has a justification. A professor of mine once said that you should try to have at least two reasons for each decision you make. For example, a window can be placed in a certain location because it lets in south facing light and provides a view outside to a local landmark; maybe a specific carpet was chosen because its color compliments a your favorite dresser and its texture feels nice to walk on. These are examples of justifiable architectural decisions. The point is that we are being critical and thoughtful when making design decisions in our space.
Unfortunately, many attributes of your space may be forced on you and therefore, are without intent. For most people, it isn’t feasible to move walls or large fixtures around. Because of this, a certain amount of reconciliation or working with what you have is required. For architects, all the uncontrollable things happening around a project is called ‘context’. This includes local climate, the adjacent structures, sounds, streets, or parks. Context also includes more abstract things like culture or local politics. All these things affect how an architectural project is designed. It is our job to reconcile with the various imperfections and complexities that a context will bring. Just like how people will never have full control of their space, we still have room for expression and spatial improvement.
Now that we have discussed what can’t be controlled, we can discuss our agency. In general, all things in our space will possess two types of value: functional value and aesthetic value. In architecture, we call these things form and function. Function refers to how an object is used. For example, a chair is valued because you can sit in it. A stove has value because of its ability to cook food. Form refers to how an object is perceived. A chair might have a pleasant sculptural look. Maybe a vintage mirror has a an interesting patina. A specific knife might have a pleasant, weighty feel in the hand. This feeling has nothing to do with the knife’s usefulness, but the sensation of this kind of knife can provide a subtle but meaningful enrichment. The importance of both of these characteristics have been debated endlessly in the architecture profession. In the early to mid 20th century for example, the architecture profession rejected aesthetics as the main driver for design. Instead, everything would be defined by its use value and constructability. I wouldn’t recommend designing your space in this way. The result will be cold and austere. This may work for some people, but most will call it “not home-y”. Some may prefer aesthetics over function while others prefer more a more balanced approach. In general, one should find a system that works for them!
I hope you enjoyed this overview of our topics: intent, context, form, and function. These topics make up the foundation of our spatial design process. Below we will go through an applicable process for designing ones space. I hope you find this useful!
Identify
This is the first step in our journey. Don’t let its preliminary scent trick you, its arguably the most important step. This step asks you to simply identify what spaces you can change and which spaces you can’t. We are trying to identify the agency that we have. Most people have a personal space they can completely control. I would advise starting this exercise with a space such as this. But what about shared spaces, or spaces in which you have partial agency? Figuring out what you can change requires communication with those who you are living with. A sour roommate affects the living quality of your home more than any architectural intervention can. Getting your spaces in order requires peace with those you share those spaces with. Make changes in shared spaces with care.
Intent
Now that you have identified which space you will develop, We can begin by articulating our concept. When I redesign my spaces, I start by writing about what I want to do in my space and how I want the space to feel. This is equivalent to making a goal or a target. It will be very difficult to improve your space without having something to aim at. I will typically write two paragraphs and a list for this space. The list includes the specific activities I want to do inside of my space. The two paragraphs should outline how I want my space to feel as well as discuss other conceptual goals. Here is an example of what this might look like for a bedroom.
I envision my bedroom as a place of respite, a personal haven that exudes tranquility and warmth. It should feel like a kind hug and a sigh at the end of a long day, offering solace. The room should create a balance that is both aesthetically pleasing and deeply comforting. I imagine soft, muted colors that invoke a sense of peace, with occasional pops of earthy tones to add warmth and depth. The lighting will play a crucial role, with layers that range from soft, warm ambient glows for relaxation to brighter, focused lights for reading and other activities. The overall atmosphere should encourage relaxation and introspection, making it a personal retreat that reflects my need for rest.
In addition to being a place of rest, the bedroom should also serve as an inspiring space where I can engage in my art. I want to incorporate elements that stimulate thought and creativity, like an art corner or a small library section. The layout must be spacious and uncluttered, promoting a sense of freedom and openness. Textures will play a significant role in enhancing the sensory experience – soft fabrics, plush rugs, and smooth wooden surfaces maybe? The integration of natural elements, like plants, could infuse the space with freshness and vitality. The bedroom should not only be a place to rest but also a source of inspiration and a reflection of my personal style and aspirations.
Activity List:
Sleeping and resting comfortably
Reading and writing
Meditation
Drawing
Organizing and storing personal items efficiently
Watching movies or listening to music
Practicing yoga
Reflecting and journaling
Inventory
Analyze what you have to work with. Can your current furniture accommodate all the activities you want. if not, can you buy stuff? How does your context limit your ability to carry out your goals. Do you have too many things? Not enough? Can your things meet your functional and aesthetic goals? For this step, I prefer to use spreadsheets. I will make a chart in which I connect quotes and activates from my concept to actual items. This way, I can make sure that I am picking items that are aligned with my spatial goals. The chart also helps me make sure I am not filling my space with too much stuff.
Arrangement (singular items)
This step is where the designing starts. Here, we will start placing items in places that make logical sense. Lets take a lounge chair for example, I might find that a lounge chair (for reading) works well in a specific corner because of its adjacency to a north facing window. That window will provide soft light ideal for book pages. Maybe you want a desk away from your south facing window because you don’t want glare on your computer screen. Through this step, we can start to understand where our objects “want” to be. Remember to re-read your goals to make sure that your arrangement of objects is working towards your aim.
Arrangement (basic composition)
Before, we were thinking about single objects in a “blank space”. Next, we will think about how small sets of objects (groups of 2 or 3) work with each other. Placing objects where they individually make sense isn’t very good for spatial cohesion. It is important that our objects work together. This applies both to aesthetics and functionality. In regards to function, there is nothing worse than a sofa that is too low for a side table. Aesthetics is a powerful tool here as well. Placing items that visually match can really elevate the beauty of your space. I visited a furniture designers home once, and he had a Wegner Shell Chair sitting next to an Eames Turned Stool and an Arco Lamp. What a gorgeous composition. The curve of the Shell Chair fits beautifully under the Arco Lamp. The untrained eye might place a Nessino Table Lamp on the stool thinking its geometry is close enough and it could replace your large Arco Lamp. Such a piece would ruin the composition. Its color is too strong and warm for a wooden Turned Stool. In this case, I would suggest using your Nessino in a different part of your space, Maybe next to something Metallic and cold. After placing all your items with composition in mind, re-read your goals to make sure that your arrangement of objects is working towards your aim. Then refine.
Arrangement (large composition)
This last arrangement step requires us to think one level higher. Instead of thinking about small sets of objects, we will now think about how various sets of objects work with other sets of objects. Do the sets of objects get in the way of each other? Are they complementary or antagonistic (Aesthetically and Functionally)? Similarly to how essays are structured by grouping words into sentences into paragraphs, objects need to be arranged to form functional and beautiful groups, and then those groups need to be composed into enriching spaces. Everything needs to be properly organized at all scales. At the end, re-read your goals to make sure that your arrangement of objects is working towards your aim. Rearrange until you can’t improve your space anymore.
Reassess and Repeat
After completing the steps above steps, you should have a good draft. At this point, you have learned a lot about your space, its potential and your spatial goals. Here, you might have learned that you need to re-formulate your concept. It is good to re-assess your goals with the new knowledge you have learned. If not, then great work so far!
Refinement
After you have reassessed your goals and repeated the steps as needed, its always great to revisit the various arrangement steps to refine your space. Make sure you have the correct objects, that the objects are composed into working groups, and that those groups are working in your spaces holistic system. Maybe you have learned that some of your objects feel like a nuisance and you could do without. After fixing your object list, repeat the arrangement steps as needed. Repeat and refine what you have until you can’t make anymore improvements.
Congratulations! At this point, you should have a space that is at the very least, beautiful and practical. As you continue to live in your new space, consider how your goals for it might change!
A properly designed space can be incredibly enriching. I also enjoy sharing these spaces with others. Inviting friends and family into your redesigned area can not only bring joy to those you care about but can also offer fresh perspectives and appreciation for your creative efforts. Remember, the beauty of a space is not just in its appearance or functionality, but in the experiences and memories it fosters.
Best Practices
Creating the perfect space is about much more than just picking out furniture and deciding on a color scheme. It's about crafting an environment that resonates with your personality, meets your needs, and enhances your daily life. To help you achieve this, I've compiled a list of best practices that go beyond the basic principles of design. These are guidelines I've found invaluable in creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also deeply functional and emotionally fulfilling.
Plants
Plants can not only improve your air quality, but they also have shown to be calming. Having plants out can be very enriching and I highly recommend it!
Clutter
Keeping a clean space is important architectural activity as clutter contributes to the usefulness and beauty of your space. My rule for clutter is as follows: If I am not using something or if it is not aesthetically enriching, it should be out of sight! Taking a note from Marie Kondo, every item in your space should have a home.
Lighting
In general, cold temp lighting is good for staying awake and focusing on tasks. Warm light is more relaxing and better suited for night-time use. Think about having the ability to change between cold and warm lighting environments. Incorporating different types of lighting, like ambient, task, and accent, can dramatically change the perception of a space.
Color
Colors can significantly affect moods and emotions. When selecting colors for your space, consider the psychological impact they might have. For instance, blues and greens are often calming, while yellows can energize a room. The color of a room should align with its intended use.
Sound
The sound environment is an often overlooked aspect of architectural design. Consider the acoustics of your space, especially if it’s used for work or relaxation. Soft furnishings and rugs can help absorb sound, while more rigid surfaces will reflect it.
By incorporating these practices along with the thoughtful strategies outlined, we can all create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply personalized and functional. :)
This is not my expressed opinion on Brutalism. I am just using it as an example :)
Thanks a million for this excellent article. I just restacked it. I’m going to share it with my family, as well. I agree that designing our living spaces intentionally can enhance our lives.