Enhancing Cognitive and Sensory Wellbeing in Coliving Spaces

Did you know that we spend 46.9% of our waking hours thinking about something unrelated to what we're doing (which can lead to feelings of unhappiness)?

Juan and Martina from our team recently visited the Interface showroom and picked up an inspiring design guide on how to improve cognitive and sensory wellbeing in interiors. Developed by global leader in modular flooring, Interface, and renowned biophilic design expert, Oliver Heath Design, the guide is full of insights on how to create spaces that promote positive states of mind. Here are some key takeaways we found most interesting!

1. Nature-inspired design is essential in creating positive spaces. By exploring the value of human-centered design, we can better understand how to create interiors that support mental and physical wellness.
2. When designing interiors, we should aim to provide a variety of spaces that cater to all sensory processing capabilities. The guide outlines three different sensory thresholds: low, medium, and high, and offers design suggestions for each.
3. Low-sensory threshold spaces should be shielded and segregated with high-back furniture, pastel colors, and no clutter. These areas should also be quiet and use natural materials.
4. Medium-sensory threshold spaces can have permeable screening, harmonious color palettes, and adjustable blinds or brise soleil. These spaces can also incorporate nature images and different types of furniture to encourage movement.
5. High-sensory threshold spaces can be achieved with intense pops of color, complex nature-inspired patterns, nature sounds, and tactile materials. These spaces should encourage positive interaction and movement.

Although the guide focuses mainly on office spaces, these principles can easily be applied to any kind of interiors. We look forward to finding more applications for them in our PBSA, BTR, and coliving projects. You can have a look at some of our latest designs at this link!