Design Mindfully: Incorporating Presence in Architecture

Modern architecture has evolved significantly over the past few decades, bringing awe-inspiring designs that incorporate new shapes, forms, and materials to the built environment. However, this integration has also contributed to an overwhelming sense of chaos and disconnection from the natural world. To prioritize the human experience of spaces, balance the built environment with nature, and support the well-being of communities that inhabit these spaces, it is essential to approach architectural design with mindfulness.

Designing mindfully is a way of creating architecture that influences users’ mood, behavior, and subconscious thinking. To achieve this, architects must consider human beings’ physical, physiological, and psychological needs. While there is vast potential to design mindfully, today’s architects must consider the various steps involved in this kind of architecture. To achieve harmony between human beings and their environments, architects must prioritize presence in their designs.

Presence in architecture involves designing purposeful spaces that foster an authentic human experience, and it can be achieved in three key ways – Biophilia, Materiality, and Form.

Biophilia in Architecture

Humans have an innate connection with nature refined through evolution. Biophilia is the scientific understanding that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature for our physical and psychological well-being. The incorporation of biophilic design elements in architectural spaces has a positive influence on people’s well-being, increasing creativity, reducing stress levels and blood pressure. Architects can create spaces that foster wellness and happiness within the environment through biophilic design elements such as:

1. Natural light: Architects must optimize the adequate amount of light to enter the space.
2. Natural materials: Incorporating natural materials in designs helps create a strong connection with nature and sensory experiences.
3. Water: Water has a therapeutic effect on the human mind and soul.
4. Landscape design: An important aspect of creating natural restorative environments.
5. Nature integration: An organic design approach that seeks to connect indoor spaces with exterior elements.

Materiality in Architecture

The choice of materials can make or break everything in architectural design. To embrace mindfulness in architectural design, architects have to consider the following materials while creating their designs:

1. Sustainable materials: Architects must pick up materials that resonate with the building’s purpose.
2. Recyclable materials: Designs that incorporate recyclable materials have an impact on future generations.
3. Textured materials: evokes an organic quality that is similar to that of biophilic design elements.
4. Light-reflective materials: Helps an interior space appear bigger and more spacious.
5. Finite materials: Enhances spaces’ luxury feel and adds a sense of elegance.

Form in Architecture

Form in architecture is the visual representation of the structure of the building, its design, and the shape of the building. To achieve mindful architecture, architects should consider symbolisms, aesthetics, and structure, including:

1. Symbols: Critical aspect of design as they communicate meaning, intent, and purpose.
2. Aesthetics: Enhances the overall beauty of the building.
3. Structure: The design must ensure a delicate balance between form and function.

Conclusion

Mindful architecture is crucial as future architects develop spaces that will significantly affect the next generations for many years. The integration of biophilic design, materiality, and form into architectural designs helps create authentic, innovative, and functional spaces that enhance human well-being. Architects can create a beneficial impact in users’ lives by designing mindfully – prioritizing their physical, physiological, and psychological needs while connecting them to their surroundings optimally. Mindful design is the future of architecture, and as the world continues to evolve, architects must become more conscious, empathetic, and committed to creating meaningful spaces for all.