Art & Science inside Spaces

As I review the interesting features in this fall issue of Spaces, I am struck by how each one has its own blend of art and science. Perhaps my mind is focused on academics and getting the kids back to school, but consider the following stories.

Our cover story follows a local architect who crafted a beautiful family home on a unique-shaped corner lot that had long been ignored; likely because nobody knew how to build on it. Without a doubt, it took creativity to conceptualize a plan that would physically fit into the space and provide the design and necessities for a growing family. That idea had to be followed up with precise measurements and calculations to ensure it could translate into a solid foundation with load-bearing walls. See Andrew Kirschner’s initial site plan drawing as the story builds starting on page 36.

In another feature, you’ll meet artist David Burton, who surprises with his expressive and sharp analytical mind. One of his most recent interpretations of consumer culture, “Burton’s Reef,” weighs in at 150 pounds and is 7.5 feet long by 4.5 feet wide. The project, which took seven months to compose, was assembled carefully using 600 separate pieces and is mounted to a sheet of plywood.

A local builder, Balda Development, is bringing “green” building to Lansing Island. Two young, self-described cutting-edge early adopters wanted to build a sustainable model home bringing new technologies to our community. The pair combines a LEED AP schooled in interior design with an intuitive engineering mind always trying to figure out a better way. You can read about their research and see the creativity of their design beginning on page 60.

Even our kitchen feature that takes you inside some gourmet kitchens in Brevard blends the technology of specific appliances with creative design and space planning each at-home chef desired for her cooking space. Each chef leaves us with a favorite recipe. Turn to page 16; which one will you try?

Maybe you had the opportunity to see our teaser segment on Today in Brevard’s Lifestyles show in August, which took the viewer inside one of the fabulous kitchens we’re featuring in this issue. If you did see it, let me know if you enjoyed it.

Don’t miss our new, Design Hotline, on page 80, where experts respond to readers’ requests for advice. Maybe there’s an idea here you can use in your own home!

September, and even October, can be wet and drizzly outdoors. Take the time to support the arts and catch a show at one of our local theaters. Or, better yet, curl up in a comfortable chair with a good magazine; you just might learn something.

Thanks for reading.

Janet McCluskey
Editor, Spaces magazine
jmccluskey@floridatoday.com
321.242.3707