User:Vivaporius/Mikaeans/I

Mikaean architecture is a form of architectural thought and design found primarily within predominately Mikaean cities and areas. The architectural style was promoted by Mikael O'Neill not long after the first Mikaeans were born, promoting the style both for his personal enjoyment as well as the sturdiness and longevity of the material, allowing for the blooming Mikaean population to make the most use of limited materials available to them. This ultimately resulted in the Mikaeans adopting the architecture as their own, and the resulting buildings and designed drawn up by their architects, being associated primarily with the Mikaean population and culture. In spite of the critical response toward the Mikaean style for exterior design by other architects for the "vulgarity", "scuzziness", and "laziness", Mikaean interior design is widely praised for its modernity. The style continues to remain the predominate architectural school of Mikaean construction and building design.

Characteristics
Mikaean architecture is marked by its heavy emphasize on brutalist and industrial architecture, masonry veneer with the use of red and brown bricks, as well as the use of chain fencing and concrete walls, to produce a highly industrial atmosphere in Mikaean cities and neighborhoods. Mikaean housing is more restrained in some aspects, with more modern interiors that place heavy emphasize on exposed brick walls, but countered with green spaces, wooden or black metal framing, and warm lighting from preferably yellow light sources. In this way, Mikaean interiors have a markedly loft-inspired design, with the industrial or bohemian feel to them. Though the Mikaeans are not pleased with their culture and architectural designs being associated with the artist and hipster movement, they are more than happy to serve as the number one go-to architects for loft conversion and interior renovation/restoration.

Style
The practicality of masonry in Mikaean architecture stems largely from the cold and humid environment of Xyon. The excellent insulative and weatherproof properties of treated brick materials have made their use in Mikaean construction projects a given. Masonry veneering allows for pockets to be formed, allowing for insulation that can increase the thermal performance of Mikaean buildings, vastly improving their performance during the winter months. This only builds on the natural properties of brick masonry itself, allowing for vastly superior interior heating at cheaper costs than most other materials would provide. All buildings are designed with the aim of housing several dozen or several hundred people are a time in comfortable conditions, as is the aim of Mikaean architecture in line with Mikaean culture and biology.

Furnishing within the interior spaces of the building are primarily made of wood and metal, with preference for brown, red, and cream as the primary shades of coloring within. The focus on openness and freedom of movement are the core areas of concern with Mikaean architects, and walls are kept to a minimum. All major rooms such as kitchens, living and dining rooms, and even libraries, are placed into a common space where the residents can gather and interact. Such common spaces consist of two floors; one for social interactions and relaxation, and the second for cooking, cleaning, and sleeping. Walls typically consist of half-walls and room divider screens, usually constructed from brick, railing, or metal. Some half-walls make use of glass for a more modernized space, especially when utilized on interior balconies.

In all, Mikaean building designed to have a warehouse and weathered look to them, both of which appeal to the Mikaean populace. The housing of Mikaeans is generally different from that of the typical person. Whereas most individuals would place great emphasize on personal space and privacy, the Mikaeans tend toward the limiting of such areas, and promoting collective spaces for gatherings. Bedrooms are designed to be both compact and personal, cutting back on wasted space in a clear contradiction of the common rooms. In Mikaean culture, the largest space is usually reserved for the most important member of the family, usually the father or eldest brother. However, many exterior designs are purposefully built with the aim of promoting a sense of mystery and melancholy, with cramped areas and narrow passages.

Single-family homes of Mikaean design are almost non-existent, given the familial-based goal of Mikaean architecture to bring people together rather than spreading them apart. Rather, apartment buildings are the dominant residential building in use by Mikaean architects the world over. Mikaean architecture gives way to the use of studio aparments for the housing of multiple people, with almost a dozen Mikaeans eating and sleeping in the same rooms. Because of the fact that all Mikaeans are directly related to one another through a single father, the concept held by all Mikaeans is that as a single family, they ought to live and act as a single family unit. Thus, this colors the way Mikaean buildings are designed and utilized on a permanent basis.