In a world that needs connection, unity and cohesion more than ever, creating an interior environment that fosters and facilitates human interaction is of paramount importance. And, as we spend most of our time indoors, how we design spaces directly correlates to how we feel within them – again another critical consideration. So, when it comes to hosting, how do we take visitors on a journey of discovery that leaves a positive imprint on their memory, even if only within a space for a short period of time? That’s why, for this issue, we have commissioned a series of stories centred on human behaviour and how design can influence, impact and respond to it, resulting in spaces that spark connection and generate unforgettable memories.
Design is often seen purely from an aesthetic viewpoint, but it shouldn’t be. The most ingenious creations often go unnoticed, so subtle that only upon reflection you can see how a space or product altered the way you behaved. This, for me, is the epitome of good design. When considering interior environments, understanding the lives that will be lived within the building is where we start – be it workspaces, retail, residential or hospitality. Ultimately, design is social. It allows us to connect and engage with others whilst immersing into different communities in meaningful ways. In understanding its emotive power, it can shape our connection with each other. In my opinion, design resembles joy, beauty, generosity and care.
To expand upon our research at Universal Design Studio, we explore new perspectives through different mediums such as thought-provoking essays, podcasts and panels. In collaborating with people we admire, we find inspiration in bringing perspectives together to engage in wider dialogues around design. We curate and host our own dinners to also further understand how sensorial design can spark different emotions and how diverse personalities coming together can lead to stimulating, and often unexpected, conversations. In seeking to bring joy and pleasure into people’s lives, we approach each project with care to ensure the experience within them leaves a long-lasting positive impression. We hope the next three stories offer an insight into how we do this.
Read more on 'Why We Host' in this issue's thought-piece here.
— Ieva Kristapaviciute, Creative Director
Each quarter, we focus our website on a broader theme relevant to our work and process. View our previous issues here.
