The idea of 'virtual design' is such an interesting concept, and one
about which I have often thought. In today's times of internet, webcams and email I think
'virtual design' can take off really well and will ensure a higher
level of service to clients and can empower clients with knowledge
about the design industry.
I have always been a big believer in the cross-pollination of design
ideas, whether it is between colleagues, within a country, or even (and
more interestingly) between different countries and cultures. This belief has been
strengthened as I continue building up my career and doing more
European travel. I found I was becoming increasingly interested in the
design methodologies of various countries which is strongly evident in
their Retail and Corporate design.
This got me thinking that design companies should get involved in providing a service to international clients who are
interested in getting fresh ideas as well as providing a service to the
interior design and decorating companies themselves. A "virtual
consultant" is a marketing tool for clients who are looking for a
particular interior theme - and what better way of providing this than seeking
the advice of a designer from that particular region or country.
Let's aim for the sharing of design ideas and methods globally, in
an effort to provide more informed choices and advice to our clients.
posted 09/04/2010
The
versatility of Corian, solid surfacing.
Increasingly
I have been using Corian as an alternative solid surface material to granite.
The colours and the translucency of some of the lighter tones make this product
a contemporary yet practical solution for kitchen, bathroom and specialised
furniture designs.
The
versatility of this product lies in its unique make-up which now means that
furniture designs in Interior and Industrial design can be limitless.
Corian is a synthetic
material which is a blend of natural minerals and pure acrylic polymer. As a
result of these combined properties Corian can be carved, routed, inlayed and
allows for seamless joints between 2 adjoining sheets. The product can be glued
together, sanded down and polished ensuring a uniform run of colour over vast expanses
and designs.
Ideal for
contemporary shopfitting in retail outlets and corporate offices, this material
can be thermo-formed into any shape imaginable by the designer. With over 100 colours
to choose from the combinations of this material can become extremely exciting.
A great
application for Corian is for kitchen surfaces and bathroom vanities. The
product is non porous and because joints are seamless and the product is solid
throughout its thickness this makes for a very hygienic product which only
requires wiping down.
It is, however,
important to use a shopfitter who has accredited work in Corian. As I have
found out in a previous project, the cutting, shaping and polishing of this
product is a specialised job and designers should always use contractors who
are skilled in this particular material.
Nowadays a
lot of emphasis is being placed on “green design” and designers are encouraged
to make environmentally responsible choices when it comes to material
selection. Well, Corian falls into the ‘green’ category too. It can be
re-sanded and renewed, thereby reducing the need to dispose or replace it.
Also, the pigments used to manufacture Corian are free from heavy metals, toxic
or carcinogenic ingredients.
It seems that the limitations of this product are
only the limitations of your imagination. See some pictures below showing
examples of the use of Corian
