Design Snapshots: Seattle Architecture and Design
Seattle, along with its many other attractions, offers a wealth of beautifully designed buildings that fit right into the lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest.
Gibson Design Group recently traveled to Seattle, touring the Seattle Design Center, and taking in the Pacific Northwest design culture.
We encountered so many wonderful examples of modern architecture and innovative home design. To get you started, here are just a few of the city's architectural gems:
Modern Architecture
Seattle is a haven for modern architecture, showcasing some of the most futuristic architectural designs in the nation.
The classic example, and the iconic symbol of the city, is the Space Needle.
Developed for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair, the structure remains a popular tourist attraction today, boasting stunning 360 degree views from its top floor restaurant.
Photo: seattlearchitecture.org
Many of Seattle's other architectural landmarks continue this futuristic style, combining sleek steel and glass surfaces with innovative shapes and interesting angles.
Designed by Rem Koolhas, the Seattle Public Library stands out from its downtown surroundings, bringing modern glamour to the concept of a public library.
The building is perhaps most notable for its many different angles. These angles add visual interest while also partitioning the building into variously sized spaces, specifically designed for different aspects of the library.
All of these angles are shrouded in a patterned steel and glass facade.
Photo: seattledreamhomes.com
The Experience Music Project (EMP) building is another renowned example of modern Seattle architecture.
Designed by Frank O. Gehry, the gleaming facade of the building gives the illusion of being fluid and organic, setting the stage for an innovative, creative space.
Photo: lamputan.org
This tendency towards modernism bleeds over into Seattle's residential home design. Along with beautiful homes from other decades, Seattle offers some compelling examples of modern residential architecture.
Many of these homes feature sustainable or eco-friendly designs, dedicated to embracing and preserving the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest
Photos: seattledreamhomes.com
The plentiful windows of these designs allow for abundant natural light, an important feature since natural sunlight can sometimes be scarce in Seattle. The simple, angular designs of the buildings create clean lines that do not detract from the surrounding natural beauty.
In designing and furnishing these sustainable homes, many homeowners choose natural materials such as wood and stone, complemented by spare accessories and well-chosen, artwork. Using a natural color palette of light tans, grayish greens, and other earthy tones ties the design together well.
