SENSE OF JANUARY BY ILONA VAIVADE

My sense of this month is made of the white Ethiopian sun and the Latvian sea, of new, pure flight, strength and inspiration ... January is a birth, mine too. A time when I look back at my values, become aware of them... I, family, home, homeland, planet ... new dreams and universes are born... The Age of Aquarius - the realisation of one's true self. White, silvery-gold, sea-blue-green ... elegance, delicacy and purity of detail.

‍

What is the first component you think about when you start working on a new object?

I get to know the site, its surroundings, get to know the new owners of the site and the building, and then I meditate within myself - the house is born from the site and its form is "sculpted" in collaboration: between the architect and the client. Mutual trust and creativity always results in satisfaction on both sides.

‍

How does architecture and design contribute to change in the environment and society?

Architecture and design most directly shape Space - which is like a body for people, where they can feel calm, safe, inspired, also productive ... or, on the contrary, stressed, anxious, broken, tired. Architecture can be self-serving, but it can also be thoughtfully focused on human well-being. Either way, it all starts with the individual as a unique being, depending on how he feels and communicates, the society around him is formed, we are all connected...

‍

What are the other areas from which you draw inspiration?

I draw my inspiration from nature ... travels near and far, then I get closest to myself, deep inside my heart and my true capacity to feel, to see, to create opens up ... it is like a state of endless meditation ... trusting your heart, which creates an extraordinary harmonious space and environment. The heart has all the answers, it knows what is best for a particular project.

‍

The role of ecology and sustainability in architecture and design in your view?

At a time of great change on Earth, these two themes are acutely important. Basically, it's simple: the more ecological and autonomous the house we can build (the environment we can create), the more sustainable the result. The Earth is very tired of the burden of pollution, and everything that is alien to it it pushes back and will push back even more to humanity so that it can breathe free and return to its wonderful essence.

‍

What do you think is the main task of architecture?  

I think the main task of architecture is to support, inspire and protect beings on earth, and to be in maximum symbiosis with nature, with great respect for the planet and the universe.

‍

Without what is an interior incomplete?  

In my opinion, the interior is an extension of the architectural space and it is complete when the two are in harmony, when one builds on the other and highlights its qualities. Then depth is created and the interior becomes enjoyable.

‍

https://www.vaivade.lv