Edmund Bell has taken on the challenge of the rethinking and fluidity of spaces and their functions which has resulted in the concept known as chronotopia – an understanding about how a space can adapt to become more of a multi-functional, and accommodate different activities at different times of the day…
From businesses to individuals, the past couple of years has certainly had an impact on the way we all live and work – we have had to adapt and develop new behaviours which have, in turn, improved the way we operate. Whether that is at home, in an office, in hotels and in the healthcare world. While chronotopia might be an unfamiliar term, when put into context it makes complete sense, and like so many other concepts, has been fast-tracked by the pandemic and clearly needs further thought and understanding.
Edmund Bell’s print designs serve to brighten up those spaces that would otherwise be a normal working space and many of the dimout fabrics, like those in the Expression collection, can help transform a room from sleep to work without being too fussy. Strata is a textured blackout fabric that also easily divides living and working and can also help with acoustic limitations.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Even before the pandemic, this multi-functional use of spaces is something that has been a reality in many public spaces for years, but with regards to interior space it is a relatively new undertaking. With the arrival of technology, digital solutions, and connective devises, chronotopia has gradually edged into our homes and it looks like it’s here to stay! We`ve certainly embraced the shift to home working – with many companies taking steps towards hybrid working environments, where teams can work both remotely and in the office. Our kitchens, lounges and bedrooms have effortlessly morph into workspaces, cinemas and gyms at various times of the day.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
From a hospitality point of view, hotel lobbies have become hot desk offices with customers enjoying coffee and lunch – working is very much an ad hoc experience and significantly different to 20 years ago. Coworking solutions are becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality sector and hotels are very capable at providing the necessary services. They too are embracing the new world of ‘bleisure’ and ‘workation’ whereby we see regular hotel practises shift and see the customer booking longer periods of time away and combining work and leisure in a single booking. Interestingly, over the past few year’s offices have begun to resemble loft apartments with relaxation zones and comfy sofas, magazines and coffee machines, a touch of wallpaper and a rug or two! Osmosis between the two worlds has given rise to hybrid ways of working.
Image credit: Edmund Bell
Edmund Bell’s Expression dimout fabric really does capture the wonderful hue of nature, and the Foliage print from the upcoming Nature Reserve print collection can be coloured to camouflage out any unwanted urban views bringing the outside inside and giving the space a truly lush character.
Our increased reliance on the home brings ever more pressure for it to function well and fulfil our growing demand to support us and our health and wellbeing. On top of needing the home to deliver our work, rest, exercise and play needs, the whole question about chronotopia and the functionality of space together with that of our wellbeing is a topic and design style that is here to stay.
Edmund Bell is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Edmund Bell
