PHILOSOPHY
phe·nom·e·no·log·i·cal
adjective
Denoting or relating to an approach that concentrates on the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience.

Experience

Focusing each project on the relationship between space and occupant, de-spec develops new spatial typologies to produce an expanded model of architecture, one that is meant to be experienced both ‘inside and out’. De-spec works through the landscape, architecture, interiors and decoration to make the entire experience an ‘event’ of a ‘place’ and one integrated whole. Our act of de-speculating refers to the production of experience through a privileging of specific contents and programs over general design strategies and aesthetic principles. Decoration is like clothing, it changes with seasons and provides comfort at a sensory and tactile level in reflection of the site, season and inhabitants.

Form

De-spec’s emphasis is on the lived experience of space, wherein the practices of daily life are translated to determine the program. In this approach, attention is given to the multisensory perception of space which define participation, intimacy, and experience. Rather than creating standardized architectural solutions from a bird’s eye view, treating space as a container which simply holds objects, de-spec seeks to define the ‘inside-out’ quality of architecture. We consider the human experience of space as more akin to ants’ experience and thus the concept of ‘inside out’. In our projects, human body experiences architecture, interiors and landscape as one, overseeing their design and construction as one procession to the next and back again.

Sustainability

Sustainability is not an add on, and it is not really about design, as it is a way of life and thinking for energy efficiencies and strategies for being self-reliant. We approach sustainability as linkages between comfort, aesthetic and earth resources to maximize clients’ goals and objectives for sustainability. Integral and unique to de-spec is starting with landscape, the trough into which the architecture grows and is experienced. In all of de-spec’s projects, we seek to maximize and push boundaries of what’s possible to achieve sustainability on budget. Architecture, interiors and landscape are sculpted to meet building performance goals, either through means of passive, radiant, solar or other approaches.