Build September 2016

Build Magazine 12 Bllend Design is a design company who are focused on its effort in promoting research, 3D architecture identities, furniture design and networking outside Greek borders. The company, located in the Greek capital Athens, was rebranded in 2011 after eight years of successful service in architecture, landscape, interior and lighting design. llend is a multidisciplinary design and research office developing unique identities in the fields of architecture, landscape, interiors, furniture and lighting design. BllendDesignOffice has acquired a reputation working in residential projects or commercial branded environments that in their majority have received international distinctions, among which is the inclusion in the World’s Best 2014-2015 International Property Awards for the Best Leisure & Office Interiors. Developing unique architectural identities involves working in unison with the clients within a contextual research-basedframework,todevelopadesignconcept that translates into a variety of design applications- architecture, industrial design, engineering and branding, or the interweaving of various disciplines in one project. The strong contextual impact every project involves empowers the bonding among scapes, materials, form, light and human condition in an organic substance that results in purposeful design for wellness and longevity. BllendDesignOffice provides a service that transcends the application of current design norms or technical standards. The company sets the contextual framework from scratch, questioning, analysing and foot printing the environment following international design research practices. Aspiring change not for the sake of novelty, but employing experiential, educational and research feedback for the design of all-inclusive experiences for the client. The design outcome is not a static solution, but a dynamic design organism that grows in line with the natural and built environment. Being a multidisciplinary design firm, the resulting design concept translates into a variety of design applications and identities - be it architecture, furniture design, interior architecture, branded environments, landscape, lighting, or the interweaving of all the diverse disciplines in one project. The project, context and human scale have also played an important role in furniture and building design in the brand’s philosophy that approaches every furniture item as an organic part of a whole which cannot be completed without each other. Following that approach and a long expertise in bespoke furniture, the brand provides custom designs for the residential or commercial interior. The design of the furniture is imperative to complete the building typology, topography and materials. This concept almost forced Mies van der Rohe, a pioneer of modern architecture, to design the furniture for his buildings in order to provide harmony to the interior. It is reported that Mies once said it was easier to design a skyscraper than a chair, as a chair has to be light but also stable and comfortable. A company’s physical environment communicates a message to clients whether intentional or not. Spatial design does play an undeniable and important role The only question that is raised is whether the conveyed message is carefully crafted to reinforce the brand identity or left unattended to weaken it The aspects that contribute to creating a company’s physical environment-space, scale, materials, technology, colours, functionality and ergonomics are too visible to be left out of the branding equation. Helen Brasinika, Principal Architect Designer & Co-founder of BllendDesign & Research Office believes that, “a brand is understood as a sensation of perceptions and the key point to extend those perceptions to the customers is to engage them in living the brand and not just promoting it.” This is what we call the new living experience in architectural branding and we design as well as materialise the architectural identity to achieve that. When it comes to interiors and exhibition design, the practice has developed a unique human-centred approach consolidated by focused design research. It empowers the dynamic interaction of landscape, Unique Architectural Identities E Architecture material, form, light and users to blend in naturally in order to let the spatial environment to acquire significance due to the engagement of the end-user. Each design proposal involves rigorous analytical thinking, advanced design methodology, material and technological innovation and coherent project development. These explorations synthesise one of the most unique spatial design outcomes based on an acute understanding of environmental impact, human health and wellbeing, behavioural studies, perception and consumer analysis, social responsibility, historical precedent and joy. This philosophy applies equally well to residential or commercial interior architecture and design. The pursuit of leisure, as an opportunity to find more time in order to be engaged in relaxation, pleasure or joy is of vital importance. Particularly, in the modern world, trips take place instantly via the web, while actual travelling and moving in space acquires a new importance due to all the information and travel images available at hand. Design is a powerful tool in crafting spaces that enable the visitor or user of a hotel, restaurant or spa brand to be instantly taken away, travel to new realities or get involved in a different state of mind. At the same time, holiday or business destinations are targeting a new, more open minded and demanding clientele that absorbs images and spaces, seeking the maximization of the service provided, functionality, comfort and also a new lifestyle experience. With a view to assisting clients, design is employed as a powerful tool in order to allow the spatial elements of materials, colors, lighting and form to awaken the senses of wander, while making every space an intriguing destination without differentiating leisure, travel or daytime pleasure.