we create spaces and think

these are the most important,

but the reality is, in many ways,

that we still find ourselves most

authentically in nature

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Weaving natural elements into contemporary interiors

We know that looking at nature lowers our cortisol levels,

and it is still the natural environment that we feel the most

profoundly calm in. Therefore it is essential to consider the

many ways in which we can introduce this powerful con-

cept to our interiors.

susan

— Acknowledging that we are deeply connect-

ed and wired to the rhythm of nature, many human-built

environments are starting to bring in biophilic elements.

susan

— When you come inside, in some ways, you’re

taking yourself out of the natural world that you were

born into. We create spaces and think these are the most

important, but the reality is, in many ways, that we still

find ourselves most authentically in nature.

For example, if you want to generate a feeling of heal-

ing and restorative quality, explore biophilic design that

incorporates greenery as well as other natural elements and

materials into the built environment. This could be a piece

of furniture in warm oak wood, the use of earth tones, or

even the humidity of air flowing through a building.

Our inclination toward soft shapes

Research has shown that the smooth curves of modernist

sculptor Jean Arp produce a pleasant sensation in the be-

holder – that we prefer rounded shapes to sharp angles.

In a similar manner our hands naturally envelop the ro-

tund shape of a cup or the arched frame of a chair.

susan

— There are certain shapes we just gravitate

towards, like the shape of the cup, because our hands

have shaped it and they can embrace it, hold it. We have

so many millions of synapses and nerves in our hands

that connect to our brain and what feels intuitively right.

Honoring these physiologies is really when I think de-

sign gets better. When we disregard them, it's also an aes-

thetic experience - everything's aesthetic. But I think there's

a difference between what really moves you – peak aesthetic

experiences – and things that are simply utilitarian.

Embracing tactility

Of course, we not only perceive the world visually, but

also sensorily, among others through touch. Tactility,

or the haptic experience, is an essential part of the neu-

roaesthetic perception of an object or space. Through our

hands, we can feel the essence of an object, deciphering

its materiality and how it was made – knowing through

our hands.

susan

— Our skin is the biggest organ on our body

and it's so responsive. So you cannot underestimate what

texture does. We are not only about what something looks

like. You might be drawn to a certain kind of texture, and

how it feels when you are engaging with it is incredibly

powerful. It is much more powerful than seeing it.

Designing with intention

We have an incredible toolbox at our disposal, working

with color, light, objects, sound, scent, textures and more.

How we wield these all depends on our intention.

susan

— The science that we're doing is informing

new ways of understanding how to use the same ingre-

dients, but use them in different or new ways for an end

purpose. I think we can get closer to understanding these

ingredients by marrying science and the arts together.

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