S-A-V-O-R Featuring fabulous alone moments. uncovers the personal and curious relationships we have when we are alone.
No. 1 May 2019
The lost art of solitude The Feature article post written by Leo Babauta
SAVOR Contents
Contents
Editor's letter
The letter from our editor
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Lift in the moment Pause Fest 2018 Motion Response Explore the alone story Creative Direction: Tereza Tan
True privacy in your living The private space defined by broken-plan living
Storytelling: Zack Chua Character Design: Dou Cheng 2D Animation: Jacky Lo, Dou Cheng
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Human - Chess (When I was alone) Explore the alone story
Photographer: Santarwat Chriendpradit
3D Animation: Edward Chiu Sound Design: Mount Audio
Little gallery
The lost art of solitude The feature article post written by Leo Babauta
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Show the little moment of aloneness 13
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SAVOR Editor's letter
Editor's letter Hello re aders ! Welc ome t o t he first issue o f S avo r m agaz in e.
No.1
To delight in a n d savo r t he al o n e m o m e n t s.
What’s the attitude on being alone? The sense of observing will expand to life, to place, and to yourself. Our magazine is based on the attitude of being alone, and the feeling, the lesson and the journey of storytelling from the perceptive of being alone. Notice tiny things in your life, and understand yourself better, then you become an observer also a loner.
We fo c us o n n o n - m a i n s t re a m fe a t ure s a n d fa s c i n a t i n g t h i n k i n g . Ta ke a n i n s i d e l o o k o n yo urs e l f w h e n yo u a re a l o n e, b e i n g i n s p i re d a n d s h a ri n g yo ur s p e c i a l a l o n e m o m e n t t o us . We ap p e a l t o a nyo n e e n j oy i n g t h e i r t i ny beauty from the moments and living. It is like a s e l f - i n s p i ri n g p ub l i c a t i o n , s e e t h e t h i n g s yo u d i d n o t n o t i c e b e fo re. T h a t ’s wh a t ke e p s l i fe f re s h a n d i n t e re s t i n g. I f yo u d o n o t k n ow h ow t o s t a r t e m b ra c i n g t h e l o n e l i n e s s , t h a t ' s f i n e, h e re w i l l b e yo ur b e gi n n i n g; a n d I f yo u a re a s o l i t ud e l ove r, p l e a s e fe e l f re e t o s h a re yo ur a m a z i n g t i m e t o us ! H o p e yo u w i l l l i ke i t !
Editor B a rb a ra We i
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True privacy in your living The private space defined by broken-plan living
Y
ou may have seen examples of – or heard about –
such as bookcases and screens. These subtle divides
the broken-plan living trend for a few years now. In
retain the spacious feel that open-plan living provides,
2015, Mary Duggan, a judge for the RIBA House of the
but also give a sense of separation, meaning people can
Year award, said the rise of technology was contributing
have their own space away from each other.
to the waning open-plan trend. Open-plan living was
allows light to flow has been the go-to approach for
living is the new alternative.
planning during the past few decades. It’s difficult to
'We're getting asked more for snugs, rooms with TVs
deny the benefits, from creating a sense of sociability,
or a space where people can go and watch something
to enabling multiple functions to be performed in the
on their iPad independently, rather than an open-plan
same area.
space,' Duggan told. The idea of broken-plan living was noted as an emerging design trend for luxury properties. Broken-plan living is about the clever use of a
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Knocking down interior walls to form a space that
once the preferred layout for homes, now broken-plan
But there are drawbacks, with open-plan areas often proving difficult to heat, as well as potential noise issues. A new, versatile way of living is set to offer an
space. Distinct zones are created by the use of different
alternative, which still establishes connectivity between
floor finishes, split-levels and semi-permanent partitions,
rooms but offers privacy, too.
SAVOR True privacy in your living
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"Modern technology has consequences to our traditional living patterns and routines, and we are adapting to what is on offer. Like it or not, there is greater independence between family members and more out-of-sequence operations. They need a suite of spaces to accommodate this, so our plans are starting to fragment." Mary Duggan
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SAVOR True privacy in your living
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"It is an extraordinary revolution that has taken place in the last five years," said London-based architect Deborah Saunt of DSDHA. "People now want a kind of residence that can change to suit the needs of a family. It's a kind of inherent adaptability over time." Deborah Saunt Saunt described this new trend as "flexible-plan" living, while
Duggan is one of the judges for
Mary Duggan of London-based Duggan
the RIBA House of the Year award.
Morris Architects referred to it as
Several houses on the 20-strong
"broken-plan". The terms both describe a layout that might include snugs, studies and television rooms instead of large
shortlist boast the kinds of features she mentions, from comfortable and quiet nooks to dedicated media spaces. For instance, the Stackyard house
lounges. Split-level floors and sliding
in Norfolk by Mole Architects keeps
partitions are among the other features
its living room separate from the
being used by architects to help divide
kitchen and dining room, and also has
more open spaces.
a separate study. While the Flint House
"Broken-plan is a term we are using
in Buckinghamshire by Skene Catling
a lot at the moment," she continued. "It
de la Peña includes a grotto-like space,
deliberately challenges open-plan living,
as well as a separate library and study.
encompassing all family activities and
The increasing number of people
allowing them to function in tandem."
choosing to work from home is playing
But there is still a demand for grand
a big part in the way houses are
kitchen and dining spaces, featuring
designed, with the dinner table no
large countertops well-suited
longer being the obvious work space for
to entertaining large numbers of guests,
many residents, added Duggan.
said Duggan. "The idea of having big theatre rooms where families can cook and eat and talk are a constant part of
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the sequence," she added.
"Every space should lend itself to liveability." Saunt added.
SAVOR True privacy in your living
"The end of open-plan living? Where did you get that from," He hasn’t heard of broken-plan living, he says, "but it's clever. I like it a lot. If you mean a more complex open plan, I would agree." Charlie Luxton His own ground floor has no doors but distinct areas for cooking and eating, lounging and, finally, a snug. He puts one of those into nearly every house he designs. "It's all about interconnected space, not one big space," he says. "Texture is the key word: steps, wide spaces, narrow spaces, different ceiling heights, different colours, different wall finishes." Lots of people also want "a little 'dirty' kitchen" he says.
"I think there's a bit more awareness of open-plan living having its challenges acoustically," he said. "We often find ourselves persuading our clients out of it." London architect David Mikhail Mikhail first noticed the trend several years ago. When working on affordable housing scheme Clay Fields in Suffolk, all 26 residents were offered a choice between having an open-plan living space, or inserting a wall between their living and dining rooms. "Much to our surprise, they all chose to put the wall in," the Mikhail Riches co-founder told Dezeen.
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To p T i ps On How To B re ak Up A n ' Op e n ' S p ac e
Pendants For Glamorous Dining.
1. Position Key Identifiable Fixtures Like Kitchen Islands
8. Glass Panels And Glass Walls Are Fantastic At Providing
To Mark The Start Or End Of A Kitchen.
A Clear Separation.
2. Use Sofas To Create Linear Divisions.
9. Sliding And Pocket Doors That Can Be Closed When
3. Open Shelving Units Are Another Great Linear Divider
You Want To Create Privacy, And Opened When You Want
– Either At Mid-Level Or Low Level. The Key Is Not To
To Be Part Of The Action.
Go Up To The Ceiling With Them.
10. Designing In A Door In Front Of Sinks, Toasters And
4. Just One Step Down To A Lower Or Upper Level Can
Cookers Can Hide An Entire Kitchen From Sight.
Create A Completely Different Sense Of Zone.
11. Sunken Seating Is A Great Throwback To The 70S And
5. Define Zones With A Change In Floor Materials Or The
A Brilliant Way To Create A Different Vibe In An Open
Use Of A Rug On A Hard Floor.
Plan Space.
6. Use Different Colours Or Textures To Instantly Create
12. Clever Fold Out / Fold Away Tables And Desks For
A New Mood Or Area.
Kids To Play Or Work.
7. Lighting Plans Can Dramatically Alter The Mood Of
13. Of Course There Are Some Downsides To Open Plan
A Space Too. Use Down Lights In A Kitchen, Low Level
Living So My Advice Is To Really Consider The Way You
Mood Lighting In Sitting Areas And Chandeliers And
Live Before Committing.
"People are moving away from the vision of open plan – the sort of loft-living open plan where everything is floating around in a great big industrial space," "The fashion for loft living has subsided," he told Dezeen. "People definitely want articulation of space." Founder of WT Architecture William Tunnell 12
SAVOR The lost art of solitude
"All great and precious things are lonely." — John Steinbeck 1902– 1968 : East of Eden
The lost art of solitude Post Written By Leo Babauta
You don't need to be a monk to find solitude, nor do you need to be a hermit to enjoy it.
S
olitude is a lost art in these days
seeking solitude can actually be
get me wrong: I love being with
of ultra-connectedness, and
quite healthy. In fact, there are many
loved ones, and walking with a
while I don't bemoan the beauty of
physical and psychological benefits
friend or watching the sunset with
this global community, I do think
to spending time alone.
my wife or reading a book with my
there's a need to step back from it
Some of my favorite activities include
child are also among my absolute
on a regular basis.
sitting in front of the ocean, still,
favorite things in the world.
In fact, Western culture tends
contemplating … walking, alone with
But solitude, in these days
to equate a desire for solitude
my thoughts … disconnecting and just
as much as ever, is an absolute
with people who are lonely, sad,
writing … finding quiet with a good
necessity.
or have antisocial tendencies. But
novel … taking a solitary bath. Don't
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" I never found the companion that was so companionable as solitude. We are for the most part more lonely when we go abroad among men than when we stay in our chambers." — Henry David Thoreau
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SAVOR The lost art of solitude
The Benefits Of Solitude
T
he best art is created in solitude, for good reason: it's only when we are alone that we can reach into ourselves and find truth, beauty, soul. Some of the most famous philosophers
took daily walks, and it was on these walks that they found their deepest thoughts. There are many more benefits, but that’s to get you started. The real benefits of solitude
cannot be expressed through words, but must be found in doing.
Spac e To Un win d,
Solitude gives you an opportunity
problems when you're distracted by
And Fi n d Pe a ce
to discover yourself and find your
incoming information, regardless
Solitude allows you to reboot your
own voice. When you're part of a
of whether that information is
brain and unwind. Constantly being
group, you're more likely to go
electronic or human.
"on" doesn't give your brain a chance
along with what the group is doing
to rest and replenish itself. Being by
or thinking, which aren't always
We G e t To Kn ow Ou r s e lve s
yourself with no distractions gives
the actions you would take or the
Solitude can enhance the quality of
you the chance to clear your mind,
decisions you would make if you
your relationships with others. By
focus, and think more clearly. It's an
were on your own.
spending time with yourself and gaining a better understanding of
opportunity to revitalize your mind and body at the same time. S pace To Crea t e
Tim e Fo r Thou ght
who you are and what you desire
Solitude provides time for you
in life, you're more likely to make
to think deeply. Day-to-day
better choices about who you want
Solitude helps to improve
responsibilities and commitments
to be around. You also may come to
concentration and increase
can make your to-do list seem
appreciate your relationships more
productivity. When you remove as
as if it has no end. This constant
after you've spent some time alone.
many distractions and interruptions
motion prevents you from engaging
as you can from your day, you are
in deep thought, which inhibits
T i m e To R e f l e ct On W ha t We ' ve
better able to concentrate, which
creativity and lessens productivity.
Do n e, A n d L e a r n Fro m I t
We Fac e Ou r De m o n s , A n d
Q u i e t H e lp s U s To A p p re ci at e
will help you get more work done in a shorter amount of time.
D e al W it h The m
T he S m a l le r T hi n gs T ha t G e t
I so lation From The In f lu e n c e s
Solitude helps you work through
L o s t I n T he R o a r
O f O the r Hel ps Us To F in d Our
problems more effectively. It's hard
O w n Voice
to think of effective solutions to
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Despite knowing these benefits, it can be a challenge to find time alone in a world that seems to never sleep. Here are a few ideas to help you find more time to spend with yourself.
Disc onnect
H o l di n g Yo ur s e lf U p
Set aside some time each day
( C l o s e Yo ur Do o r / U s i n g
to unplug from all the ways you
H e a dp h o n e s )
connect with others. Turn off your cell phone. Turn off your Internet. Turn off your TV. If you use your computer to create, such as writing, then write without all the bells, dings,
How to Find Solitude You start by disconnecting.
This can be done in your office, by shutting the door and/or using headphones and the calming music of your choice. If possible, let coworkers know you can’t be
and beeps that come along with
disturbed during a certain block
being connected to the Internet,
of your day. Or it can be done at
close your browser, and shut down
home, by finding a quiet space,
every other program used to
shutting the door if you can, or
connect with others.
using headphones. The key is to find
Disconnect from email, from
a way to shut out the outside world,
Facebook and Twitter and Instagram,
including co-workers or those who
from forums and social media, from
live with you.
instant messaging and Skype, from
It's simple, but can be very
news websites and blogs. You'll be
effective. A client who owns
amazed at how much more you can
a community-based magazine puts
get done when you're not distracted.
a sign on her door when she wants alone time. The sign reads "I'm
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Get Up Or Ge t In Ea r ly
editing or writing. If the police are
Wake up a half hour or an hour
here, the office is on fire, or George
earlier than everyone else in your
Clooney calls or stops by, you can
house, and use that time to create,
interrupt me. If not, please hold
produce, problem solve, meditate,
all questions until my door opens."
or whatever makes you happy. This
She said that she decided to put
strategy also works if you can get to
up the sign after she realized that
work before everyone else arrives,
her presence in the office was a
and the phones begin to ring.
stimulus for questions. "Whenever I
SAVOR The lost art of solitude
was in the office," she said, "it
or even just a couple of times a
O t he r T i p s
seemed like there was one question
month, commit to spending lunch
1. Tr y Tak i n g A Q ui e t , R e la x i n g
after the next. I was constantly
with yourself. Walk. Sit in the sun
B a t h Fro m T i m e To T i m e.
getting interrupted, and it was hard
outside. Go to a park and eat. Enjoy
2. C u r l U p W i t h A G o o d N ove l.
to get my work done. Then I noticed
the time you have alone.
3. I f Yo u ' re M a rr i e d W i t h Ki ds ,
that on the days I was working on a
A s k Yo ur S p o u s e To G i ve Yo u
story outside the office, my phone
S c he du le S o li t u de
S o m e T i m e Of f To Be A l o n e,
hardly ever rang, even if I was out
Try a regular time each day when
A n d T he n R e t u r n T he Favo r.
the whole day. Apparently, whatever
you’re disconnected or mark off
M a ke I t A R e gul a r S w ap.
questions came up somehow got
time in your day planner or calendar
handled without me. It made me
for spending alone with yourself. If
4. G e t I n t o Wo r k E a r li e r, A n d
realize that just by being in the
you can make time for all the little
Wo r k I n Q u i e t .
office, I was a magnet for questions.
extras you fit into your day, like
5. C o n s i de r L i m i t i n g T he
So I put up the sign, and it works like
stopping at Starbucks, have a nice
S t re a m .
a charm."
cup of tea, or picking up something
6. Tr y Sitting Still, And Focusing
at the mall, you can schedule time in
On Yo ur B re a t h A s I t C o m e s I n
your calendar for solitude. It doesn't
A n d G o e s Out . A s Yo ur M i n d
Gettin g Away My favorite way to find solitude,
have to be long. Any time that
Wa n de r s To T h o ught s O f T he
actually. Get out the door, and enjoy
you can spend alone with yourself
Past And Future, Make A Patient
the outdoors. Take a walk, find a
to reboot, meditate, focus, relax,
N o t e O f T h at , T he n G e n t ly
park or a beach or a mountain, find
create, produce, and/or think deeply
R e t u r n To Yo u r Bre a t hi n g.
a quiet coffee shop, find a shady
is better than no time.
spot to rest. People watch, or nature watch. Also, you can use your lunchtime. Don't spend your lunchtime working at your desk. Don't spend it running errands. And if you regularly go out to lunch, don't think that it always has to be with others. Once a week,
"The great omission in American life is solitude; not loneliness, for this is an alienation that thrives most in the midst of crowds, but that zone of time and space free from outside pressure which is the incubator of the spirit." 17 — Marya Mannes, author and critic
Sometimes standing in crowded feels lonelier than standing alone Human - Chess (When I was alone) 18
SAVOR Human - Chess (When I was alone)
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When you stand alone close your eyes or look outside The ground / location / place will going crazy such getting bigger Human - Chess (When I was alone) Photographer: Santarwat Chriendpradit
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SAVOR Human - Chess (When I was alone)
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SAVOR Human - Chess (When I was alone)
It's about a journey of an individual's life. Is life a loop afterall? Lift in the moment
Pause Fest 2018 Motion Response 23
journe
indivi It's confronting to step into the unknown. Reassurance or validation is sought from anywhere we can find it; at least for that bit confidence to move forward. Building on experiences, exploring new environments, adapting to the unfamiliar, all becomes part and parcel of progress. https://vimeo.com/254069548
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Creative Direction: Tereza Tan Storytelling: Zack Chua Character Design: Dou Cheng 2D Animation: Jacky Lo, Dou Cheng 3D Animation: Edward Chiu Sound Design: Mount Audio
life
SAVOR Lift in the moment
ey
idual's
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But what if it all gets too much? Finding yourself and fitting in, compromise and keeping up?
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SAVOR Lift in the moment
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S o m e t i m e s yo u j us t n e e d t o p u ll yo ur s e lf o u t o f i t , ap p re ci at e t he p e o p le a ro u n d yo u, a n d e n j oy eve r y m o m e n t . B e cau s e li fe s ho u ld be m o re u p li f t i n g.
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SAVOR Lift in the moment
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Do you need some time on your own Do you need some time all alone Everybody needs some time On their own Don't you know you need some time all alone
Sometimes I need some time on my Own Sometimes I need some time all alone Everybody needs some time On their own Don't you know you need some time all alone Guns N' Roses - November Rain
SAVOR Lifestyle
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SAVOR Little gallery
Little gallery
Show the little moment of aloneness
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SAVOR Little gallery
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S-A-V-O-R Featuring fabulous alone moments. uncovers the personal and curious relationships we have when we are alone.
No. 1 May 2019
The lost art of solitude The Feature article post written by Leo Babauta