Sign of the Times

Sign of the Times: I was on holiday and had taken Amtrak Cascades from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon. Upon arriving at the station in Portland, I was taken back in time both with the architecture and décor. Bright red neon signs provided way finding throughout the station. One glowing sign particularly caught my attention: TELEPHONES. As I looked at these beautiful wood phone booths, there were no actual telephones. Technology has surely changed our lives. We seem to be permanently attached to our mobile devices and the only use these antiquated booths provided were a slightly quieter place to carry on a phone conversation. What does this have to do with design and window treatments you may ask? Everything! For design, this is an example of a space that is no longer needed. Technology has allowed us to be mobile, we are not tethered to a location. As far as window treatments go, technology is at work there as well. We can now operate our shades and drapery by a simple touch on the screen or telling Siri, Alexa or Cortana to do it for you. A sign of the times.