How will you categorise 2020 in your memory bank?
The past year has been many things but it has most definitely not been mundane. Each and every person on this planet was forced to adapt to new rules and other ways of doing things. Sadly, many of us suffered emotional and financial burdens that will forever leave a mark. But on the flip side of the coin the year also offered many of us opportunity. Opportunity to take stock of where we were headed, opportunity to spend more quality time with our family members and the opportunity to appreciate simple things more, like freedom.
Looking towards the New Year we cannot help but to cherish an enhanced sense of hope for a better 2021. Every person and every industry can contribute to this ideal. At Veld Architecture, we will continue to design for hope in order to heal in the following three ways.
1.Creating healthy homes in which to grow
Healthy homes refer to more than just temperature, air flow and natural light. These are of course a great start but the approach is an holistic one that looks at all aspects of design that could support human behaviour on a physical, mental and social level. That’s why it is important to design spaces that:
- aids humans in connecting with each other;
- helps to keep humans mindful;
- encourages learning and growth;
- requires humans to keep active;
- reconnects humans with nature; and
- allows humans to grow fresh food.
In using form, space and materials wisely, the home becomes a place of healing.
2. Reconnecting humans with nature
Biophilic design in architecture is aimed at taking humans back to nature by seamlessly fusing architecture with nature. Green roofs and walls are good examples of how this is applied practically in cities across the world. However, a biophilic design can encompass so much more. We can design so as to physically blur the lines between the inside and outside worlds. In doing so these spaces add more quality of life to the humans who inhabit it, aid in productivity, health and wellbeing, and ultimately contribute to healing.
3.Designing with tomorrow in mind
Designing for hope is a principle with greater purpose than 2021 alone. Minimising the impact of our carbon footprints by applying sustainable principles is a noble gesture but looking ahead this is simply not enough. Regenerative architecture is the true and best way forward. The ability to design greener, sustainable buildings that not only aim to have a reduced impact on the environment but in fact help to restore and bring healing.
“Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.” – Robert H. Schuller
Love,
Gill
