Space

Investigating the theories behind the spaces we create. What is the relationship between inside and outside space? What is space to others? What is involved in creating a space?

[spaceandenvironments-blog]

[archatlas]

[my-urban-sanctuary]

Perception within my home environment

Exploring connections of the aesthetics of spaces in my home. How can form, texture and colour compliment each other? What connections do we make psychologically when we are experiencing a space? 

I found it interesting doing this exercise in a space I am familiar with. My perception of my home is changed by the memories and past associations I have with the space. When I actually started to look and document the objects and textures in my home, my perception of the space was different, I realised how unfamiliar I was with the aesthetics of the space, the only thing I was very familiar with was my mood as a result of my comforting surroundings.

I think this is an interesting exercise to do, having sent out briefs asking people to show and tell where they seek sanctuary, and with the current responses I have, most people reflect on how the space makes them feel, sanctuary as a state of mind rather then a space. When I interviewed these people in their spaces, they started to look more at the actual objects and structure, which before they had just become accustomed to.

[my-urban-sanctuary]

The Alley, Norwich

There is a lot of clutter and colour in this Cafe, the playful use of interior decoration adds the creative vibe in the space. 

Over the bar there were scattered skylights which gave a backdrop lighting to the warm artificial mood lighting.

This Cafe was full of stimulating aesthetics such as the artwork, the bottles displayed behind the bar, the plants, skylights, mood lighting, TV, hard floors and surfaces reverberating the sounds within the space. All this business was enticing. 

The few customers that were occupying the Cafe were working on laptops and relaxing. 

[my-urban-sanctuary]

The Alley. Norwich

Cafe/Bar connected by a door to Moosey Art Gallery. I think it is interesting how the Cafe used the lights in their interiors as a brand image, making a link between the physical space and the brand identity (the window also acts as the logo). The Cafe space had a inviting ambience although the lack of people in the Cafe made me unsure of whether to go in. The big window at the front of the Cafe lit up the space, the natural light combined with the warm orange artificial light created a soothing and intimate ambience in such an empty space. The ambience of the Cafe is clearly seeable through from the street, which is what caught my attention as I was walking by.

The use of green plants and wood in the Cafe definitely enhanced the soothing ambience, if the bars were made of an artificial material such as plastic, the space would feel less comforting to me, the natural elements enforce the restorative environment setting.

The Artwork on the walls was so informal which made the atmosphere feel much more creative and free. It takes away the formality and restriction of being in a public space, it made the space feel more homely.

[my-urban-sanctuary]

Electric Elephant Cafe, London

Ella took me here, I interviewed her I this Cafe. Here are some interesting words she said:

“The smokiness adds to the charm of the place.”

“In a world that’s drifting away from connection, and people taking face to face for me it’s really nice to come here, and see people who are always working and always happy.”

“I like how the ketchup bottles are tomatoes.”

“Spaces are about who you are with, that changes your perception of the space.”

[my-urban-sanctuary]

L’Atelier Cafe, Dalston, London.

[my-urban-sanctuary]

L’Atelier Lighting

This big window in the Cafe let in a huge amount of natural light, having natural light in an interior space can enhance happiness, reduces depression, improves performance, and many other positive effects. 

Roger Ulrich (Professor, Department of Architecture and Centre for Healthcare Architecture, Chalmers University of Technology) said “A View Through A Window May Influence Recovery From Surgery,” he compared two sets of patients, one with a window view of trees, and the other walls. He proved using clinical data, that patients with tree views had “shorter postoperative hospital stays, fewer negative evaluative comments from nurses, took fewer moderate-to-strong analgesic doses, and had slightly lower scores for minor postsurgical complications.”

https://hbr.org/2015/10/better-healing-from-better-hospital-design

[my-urban-sanctuary]

L’Atelier Cafe - Decor

This branch was hanging from the ceiling above the tables where we were sat. 

Environmental Psychology suggests that bringing nature indoors reduces stress and anxiety. The lack of nature in Urban environments can be helped by having plants and pictures of nature indoors, it can have the same affect as being in a natural environment. It also increases our level of attention which is why having plants in work environments can be hugely beneficial. 

[my-urban-sanctuary]

The White Cube Gallery, Bermondsey, London.

[my-urban-sanctuary]

Goswell Rd Cafe, Barbican Station, London.

[my-urban-sanctuary]

The White Cube Gallery, Bermondsey. Antony Gormley.

[my-urban-sanctuary]

Tram, Toronto, Canada.

Public transport can be a place where you switch off from the pace of the city. Trains and buses which allow you to see the city from a confined safe space can be very relaxing. 

[my-urban-sanctuary]

The relationship between light and space

How light enters your interior space can alter you mood. Natural light boosts serotonin levels, so therefore uplifts your mood.

Is light significant to the interior space you like to be in?

[my-urban-sanctuary]

A poem I wrote trying to communicate the physical and mental transition between spaces in urban enviornments

The movement, the pace, the constant hum,

The energy, the sound, the constant hum,

The crowds, the push, the rush, the force.

Space.

(via my-urban-sanctuary)

[my-urban-sanctuary]

Look at Life - Coffee Bar, 1959

Posted by http://nostalgoteket.se U.K. newsreel. It's a look at the SOHO bohemian coffee bars of London. Many famous coffee bars are shown on the inside and ...

[my-urban-sanctuary]

Initial brain storming from my areas of interest