slow conclusion.
The increasing pace of life is slowly destroying people’s lives, especially in big cities. However, many people have yet to realised it. We still spend hours on screens, working overtime, and chasing success in life, without realising that the real success in life lies in living out of it.
The Slow Movement is an ideal antidote to fast living. The awareness of the need for 'slowness' expanded, as the Slow Movement evolves over time. I believed all fast pacers yearn for a better, present living, but only need a wake up call for actions.
Hence, slow elements could be incorporated spatially to start the slow space evolution.
What are the design solutions, in terms of spatial elements, that slow people down?
setting
The essence of home makes us feel comfortable and relaxed.
Nature keeps us away from the virtual world.
An uncluttered space makes us work better.
planning
& form
An open and flexible layout with the use of negative space creates more relaxed intervention.
We move more fluently through curvilinear and organic form of space.
Decelerating elements could be added to empty spaces, making it more interactive.
lighting
We live better under daylight.
The interplay between light and shadows adds depth and soul to space.
Luminuous, coloured lighting evokes senses.
sound
The incorporation of music, such as alpha sound, nature tone, and chill beats in space, slows people down.
scent
A soothing, natural scent creates a relaxed environment to dwell in.
materials
& colour
The overall palette should be warm, neutral and enlightening.
The use of textured, real and sustainable materials promotes tactility.
Colour scheme should be calming, composed and muted.
by Robles, M.
(Glenn, R., 2005)
"If you've ever entered a building and you catch yourself and realise you have slowed down just to be in that building; you're in wonder, awe, and you're changed. That's the essence of slow architecture. It causes you to pause and be present."
Design Brief
In our everyday life, eating is probably the only activity that uses all five senses – touch, sight, taste, sound and smell. Using the identified slow elements, I intend to create a sensorial eating experience that foster slow philosophy in our daily gastronomy.
slow project by Wen Yee Kok | wenyee.kok@gmail.com | nottingham trent university, 2015 - 16 | interior architecture & design