A building should be more than just a beautiful shelter but a hyper functional space brimming with purpose. It should make the most of the location, leverage the best of the climate as well as the natural environment, and most of all it should bring those living or working within its walls joy. This may seem like a tall order, but modern architectural practices combined with a clear sense of interior flow can do this and so much more.
What is interior flow?
Interior flow, also referred to as the circulation of a building, is the natural movement of people and air between rooms. The placement of hallways, corridors, doors and windows are critical to establishing a flow that allows a home to “breathe” successfully.
Architects are at the helm of getting this right. By designing holistically with the interior, exterior and natural environment in mind, architects are able to create spaces that are cleverly thought-out to make the most of space, storage, natural light, climate, and of course interior flow. Furthermore, design principles such as feng shui can complement the free-flowing movement creating spaces where humans can live in harmony with their surroundings.
This concept was explored as early as 1924, by Architect Gerrit Rietveld in his construction of the Schroder House. The client requested a house that is free from conventional association and that has a connection between inside and outside. He investigated the use of adaptable panels as walls that resulted in an interior that is dynamic and flexible, without compartmental rooms.
Trend alert: Inside-outside living spaces
Studies have shown that exposure to natural light and nature can positively affect the mood and energy levels of humans. This has given rise to an inside-outside trend that is influencing the architectural, interior design and home decor industries dramatically. Clever architecture complemented by the right interior flow are able to erase the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces completely. From bringing the outdoors in and vice versa to interlinking these spaces together seamlessly.
A courtyard is such a brilliant way to exploit the most of what this trend has to offer. A home of any scale can be complemented by the use of a courtyard, or even multiple courtyards. House with a view from our portfolio, as illustrated in the images below; creates exterior rooms that link internal spaces to each other through a landscaped spine.
Why interior flow matters
- Energy
Interior flow balances and calms the energy of a room.
- Functionality
Interior flow complements the functionality of a space, creating joy.
- Space
Interior flow optimises the use of indoor and outdoor space, complementing each other.
The connection between architecture and interior flow is undeniably important. At Veld Architects we pride ourselves in our ability to think practically as well as creatively. We spend hours and hours planning and re-planning the “details” that would help us create a space that would tick all the boxes.
That’s also why when it comes to the interior design aspect of a project, we are as involved as you want us to be.
Interested to find out more about our process?
Let’s chat.
Love,
Gill
