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2054: A FUTURE HOUSE (p. 4 of 4)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | May '04
BASEMENT
This 600-square-foot self-contained living unit was already ahead of its time when it debuted at the Toronto Interior Design Show in 2001. It could be an efficiency unit for a space traveller, a highly sophisticated extended-stay suite or a prefabricated module that’s easily retrofitted into a space such as the basement of this 2054 "heritage home" from 2004.
We see the futuristic lifestyle in a minimalist, unconventional and theatrical setting. A geodesic dome on a lightweight frame (unfolded from a large suitcase and assembled in less than three hours) forms a theatrically lit, white-on-white interior in plastics, glass and metal that is unexpectedly snug and inviting. Three modules elegantly plug into place around the dome: a dining module, bathing module and dressing module.
Work by Toronto-based II BY IV Design Associates Inc., founded by Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook, appears in hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, offices and stores and on the luxury Crystal Cruise Lines.
www.iibyiv.com
BATHROOM
Formerly utilitarian closets, bathrooms will become relaxation and retreat spaces, similar to today’s spas. Bathroom fixtures will coalesce into a single environmental appliance that is hooked up to the existing electrical, plumbing and computer systems. Smart glass technology on the walls, ceiling and floor will create an immersive, user-customized environment. UV bulbs (from tanning beds) and steam and air nozzles adjust temperature and humidity; a concealed grid of ceiling water jets provides a true rain shower experience; and warm air dryers in the floor eliminate towels. The sink and faucet will emerge from the wall on demand, like a CD drive.
Freed from bulky built-in fixtures, bathrooms will be furnished as any other room of the house would be – in this case, with sleek retro-modern designs.
FURNITURE: Edmonton's Pure Design, founded 10 years ago by Daniel Hlus and Randy McCoy, manufactures and distributes furniture and accessories by renowned international designers to retailers worldwide.
www.puredesignonline.com
ROOM: The Calgary-based design-build firm House Brand (John Brown, Carina van Olm and Matthew North) received an Award of Excellence in Innovation in 2003 from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.
www.housebrand.ca
GARAGE
In the future, the full potential of the garage – a former horse stable and junk repository – will finally be realized. Chameleon-like, the garage will be easily reconfigurable as the owner’s needs change: from home gym to workshop, self-contained apartment, home office, party room… and you can park the car there too.
Although the automobile’s body design will slowly evolve (hint: the wheel is not going anywhere soon), the underpinnings will undergo a revolution. The future car will offer rocket-sled performance with zero emissions, race-car handling one minute and a limo-smooth ride the next. Materials will be 100-percent recyclable, and travel will be totally safe. Electronic sensors will prevent collisions by activating avoidance manoeuvres in dangerous situations; and in high-density traffic, vehicles will form safe, automated "convoys. " Once out of the sensor-guided convoy, you’ll manually drive to your final destination
Internationally renowned automotive designer Paul Deutschman of Deutschman Design Inc. in Montreal, has created cars in the Callaway range, the Porsche Spexter and designs for Demers Ambulances and Roadtrek motorhomes.
www.deutschmandesign.com. [ ]
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | May '04
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