THE

26300 La Alameda, Suite 250 Mission Viejo, California 92691 1.866.4.HARDIE 1.866.442.7343 info@JamesHardie.com w w w. J a m e s H a r d i e . c o m

VALUE OF DESIGN

MARIANNE CUSATO

Design matters. Design adds value to our homes and communties in terms of dollars and cents, but its value is deeper than monetary. Design can greatly improve our quality of life and the condition of our fragile environment. How we build our homes and communities is a choice, not a given. It is within our reach to build nice places, to nd change and to live more sustainably on our planet. This is the true value of design.

The Value of Design

And its effect on our lives & communities

M A R I A N N E C US ATO

Plain Paper Press ISBN: 978-09760250-8-5

Introduction

Why is it that certain streets or neighborhoods are alluring while others are entirely forgettable? Many times, something doesnt feel quite right, yet you cant articulate exactly what is wrong. The reason is that were affected by our built environment. Were born with the natural ability to understand design. Even without training, we can sense what is good design and what doesnt quite work. The purpose of this book is to provide a resource to help you articulate what you want and

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World Town Street House The Design Spectrum: From the earth as a whole to the trim around the door, creating value with design requires keeping both ends of the spectrumand everything in betweenin mind throughout the entire process of design and construction. Materials

why the space outside of the house matters as much as the space inside. Once you know what to ask for, you will have the tools necessary to make a change in your life and in your community. Whether you are a homeowner, a municipality or even an industry professional, there is something in this book for you. At the very least, we hope that you will take away tips and ideas that enhance the investment in your home. But beyond the pocketbook, this book seeks to show how design can increase the quality of our day-to-day lives and helps to build a more sustainable environment.

2008 Marianne Cusato and James Hardie International Finance B.V. All rights reserved, including the rights of electronic reproduction. TM, SM, and denote trademarks or registered trademarks of James Hardie International Finance B.V. JHBug is a registered trademark of James Hardie International Finance B.V.

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Contents

The Power of Design: The Effect of Design in Our Everyday Lives .......... 4 The Balancing Act: What Makes a Great Design ............................................ 8 Sustainability: Building a Better World ................................................... 14 Reacting to Design: Getting to the Heart of the Issues .......................... 18 The Streetscape: Designing an Outdoor Room ................................... 20 The House: Designing the Home ....................................................... 22 Design Principles: Seven Secrets to Adding Value to Your Design ......... 28

Design matters. Good design adds value to our homes

and communities and impacts every aspect of our lives.

Applying the Principles: Design in Practice ......................................... 30 Success Stories: Developments ......................................................... 38 Materials Matter: Bringing Color Back to the Street .............................. 42 The Value of Color ........................................................................................... 44 The Value of Time ........................................................................................... 46 Action List ................................................................................................. 48 Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 50 Resources ...................................................................................................... 51 About Us ........................................................................................................ 52