Thursday, May 9, 2013

Colors in Architecture - A Guide to Students


When we like the colors in a room, we feel good in it. There is a healing, calming aspect.
- Barbara Kaplan, Interior Designer

Color scheme depends on certain concepts and these concept may depends upon the nature of space. Formal space have different color schemes while informal space may have different. Also, to impart fresh effect concept of color will be different than the ancient touch. Apart from the concept, the orientation of the room, existing finishes, furniture and the artifacts to be placed in room are also considered. Generally, for planning a color scheme, following 3 main components of shell should be considered:

- Walls, floors, ceiling

- Proportions of the room

- Balance of solids and voids

It has been noticed that people are more comfortable in room with light ceiling, medium walls and dark floors. Probably, this scheme corresponds to the color of sky, foliage and earth respectively.

If a room is very large, and if required, the effect can be subdued by using dark colors and complementary color schemes. Similarly, the use of light colors and monochromatic and analogous color schemes can make a small room appear large.

The nature of projects also influence the choice of colors. For residential areas, harmonious color schemes (monochromatic or analogous) are preferred and preferably cool colors are used on southern sides and little bit of warm colors are used on northern side (Indian context).


Monochromatic or analogous color schemes that are harmonious are preferred for residential areas. In India, generally cool colors are used on southern sides and slightly warm colors are used on northern side. Bright colors like red and yellow with complimentary color schemes are used for Nursery Schools as these colors depicts childhood. To provide stimulating and exciting effects, bright and warm colors are used for hospitality sector. Healthcare centers are painted with soothing colors like off-whites and browns.

Monday, May 6, 2013

BIM Technology Advantages


BIM Technology on the Revit Platform also known as VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) enables creating buildings as a single data set, leveraging that information to bring benefits to all parties. BIM offers the ability to update design faster, collaborate across disciplines, accurately manage work flows and significantly increases productivity. This enhances the value of design as a whole, with benefits to all from reduction in turnaround, errors and coordination. Here are 10 BIM Technology advantages:

1. Better outcomes through collaboration

2. Enhanced performance

3. Optimized solutions

4. Greater predictability

5. Faster project delivery

6. Reduced safety risk

7. Fits first time

8. Reduced waste

9. Whole life asset management

10. Continual improvement

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Zero-energy buildings - A reality now!

Experts believe that all commercial buildings, by the year 2050, will be “net zero”. Net Zero buildings are capable of producing as much energy as they use over the period of a year. Many green buildings experts, however, says that net zero homes are not merely a thing of the future and any building can be transformed into a net zero home with some investment and advanced energy technology.

If you are planning to own or build home of your own, then there is no reason not to select net zero house plans. People in net zero homes enjoy drastically reduced energy bills and are less dependent on the local grid in the case of an emergency.


Reducing energy consumption and generating power on site are two basic steps required in building net zero homes. Creating a tight building envelope and installing energy-efficient lighting, heating and appliances helps in reducing energy consumption. Also, HVAC systems allow to live comfortably on a third of the energy required for an average code-built home.

A combination of photo-voltaic  solar thermal, geothermal and wind generates on-site power for net zero buildings. Net zero status is earned when as much power has been pushed back to the grid as was used on site.