Final major project process book by Josielouisemat

Josephine Mathews BA (Hons) Graphic Design Level 6

Contents

HAVE A LOOK

6.........................MAJOR PROJECT BRIEF 8.........................INITIAL STARTING POINTS 14.......................CHOSEN WORD: STRESS 18.......................VISUAL RESEARCH ON STRESS 24.......................TYPOGRAPHY EXPERIMENTS 30.......................PRIMARY RESEARCH ON STRESS 44.......................THOUGHTS/IDEAS 50.......................STRESS MANIFESTO 54........................SECONDARY RESEARCH ON STRESS 56........................VISUAL EXPERIMENTS ON STRESS 64........................SECONDARY RESEARCH: ENVIRONMENTS & BIOPHILLIC DESIGN 80........................KEY QUESTION 82........................VISUAL RESEARCH ON NATURE & BIOPHILLIC DESIGN 96........................KEY QUESTIONS AND KEY WORDS 98........................NON-RHYTHMIC SENSORY STIMULI 100......................PHOTOGRAPHING NATURAL MOVEMENT 106......................INK EXPERIMENT 112.......................CLOUD LAMP 114.......................IDEAS/SKETCHES 118.......................ORGANIC NATURE DISPLAY 120......................FURTHER PRIMARY RESEARCH ON WORK ENVIRONMENTS 122......................NATURAL PATTERNS ILLUSTRATIONS 142......................THOUGHTS/IDEAS 144......................FURTHER SECONDARY RESEARCH 154......................PROJECTOR EXPERIMENT 158......................FURTHER IDEAS: FLOW MEETS STATIC EXHIBITION 160......................FURTHER SECONDARY RESEARCH 162......................DEVELOPING IDEAS 166......................OUTCOMES: ANIMATIONS 198......................OUTCOMES: BRANDING/POSTERS 218.......................OUTCOMES: MOVING POSTERS 230......................CREATING THE EXHIBITION/FINAL PROMOTIONAL VIDEO 236......................CONCLUSION 5

unpick - play - question - define diverge - generate - express - explore - experiment - simplify - go for a walk - empathise - visualise - validate connect - inspire - problem solve - learn - discover - refine - design

DECODING THE BRIEF

Major Project brief The intention of the Major Project is to provide a suitable vehicle for a sustained focus on a specific project, which allows you to apply the knowledge, technical skills, and intellectual abilities acquired and developed during the course.

You are required to produce a significant body of finished work appropriate to the level of Honours degree study. It is designed to challenge you and to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of a complex body of knowledge and practice, some of which may be at the current boundaries of the discipline. Upon initially receiving this brief I knew it would challenge and develop my design skills further and I decided I wanted to push my skills across areas of design and experimentation that I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet explored. I figured that the main drive of this project would be experimenting and primary research, exploring and pushing visuals to an abstract yet comprehensive level. At this point I had no Idea what the focus of my project would be, since we had the freedom to choose whatever area we would like to explore. I began by writing down key words and verbs that could lead me to a specific focus and direction. I thought about all areas I could explore such as branding / sustainability / social issues / packaging / ethical design / service design / health / environments etc.

EXPLORING INITIAL STARTING POINTS

Initial mind-maps I initially started by looking at previous major projects online

initial stages of the project - I would need to find lots of visual

from other students to gain an idea on what kind of themes

stimuli that would inspire my process. I would also need to

have been explored and the processes behind it.

go out and investigate something visually, perhaps with a camera.

I found it very challenging to find a direction to go in, since the brief is so open and I didn’t know what topic to explore. I

I also thought about spaces / perfection / breaking

wanted to do something challenging and different to projects I

promises / little things in life / growth / decay / time /

had done before - exploring a new topic and discipline.

cultures / surface / depth / reality.

I began by writing down key words and attached questions

I began to think about reality and how it is many sided - it’s

to these words - as finding questions could give me some

not always what it seems, things that appear real may not be.

direction for initial research and visual experiments.

This led me to think about illusions, so I decided to use this as my starting word.

I thought about boundaries / protests / consumerism / socialising / interaction and behaviour / gender equality /

Illusions - I thought about what can be associated with the

rebellion / waste etc. I wanted to explore a topic that was

word. How is design used to trick us? Brainwash us, lie to us?

human centred - something that could help people in some

“Not everything that glitters is gold” - packaging/advertising

form or way and solve problems that come with everyday life

often creates illusions.

large or small. I thought about typography / creativity / social issues / communication / mental illness / futures / aspirations / social media / technology. After a tutorial I figured out how I would approach these 8

EXPLORING INITIAL STARTING POINTS

Illusions As my chosen word at this point was illusions, I began to

“The study of visual illusions dates further back

mind-map and explore what is associated with the word

than the recognition of psychology as a separate

relative to design.

discipline”

We see illusions in people - in their personalities, physical

“The art of perception may be characterised as a

appearances, behaviour and stereotypes. We see illusions in

decisions which is based largely (though not solely)

space through shapes, colours, lighting, perspective, systems,

on information, picked from a display, about the

motion, semiotics.

‘real’ nature of the display”

We see illusions in art, nature, design, advertising etc. I began

“The perceptual decisions is biased by states of the

to look into semiotics and do a bit of research to understand

organism such as hunger, emotion, expectancy and

meaning and messages behind design / literal meanings and

so on”

secondary meanings.

“A very important strategy in finding out how correct I began to break the word illusions down into key associated

perception operates is to observe situations in which

words and questions that could help drive my project.

misperception occur; to test, that is, the limits of the satisfactory function of perception whilst carefully attending the conditions under which is working”

How is design used to alter perceptions and create illusions? What are illusions? Where do we see illusions? How can we

However my research didn’t particularity inspire me and I

‘capture’ illusions?

began to find that the word was too open . So I decided to

Symbolism / perception / connotations and

find a better word to explore.

denotations / deception / value / depth / motion / surface / visual opposites I broke down the word further to find themes - illusions in type / advertising / space / symbols / words / art / nature / people / shapes. I did some research into the psychology of visual illusion to gain further knowledge and understanding of the topic.

EXPLORING INITIAL STARTING POINTS

Key word - stress After further thinking and exploration I came down the word ‘stress’. It felt relevant since I was feeling the stress and wanted to see how I could visually explore it and respond to it.

What is stress? How does it affect the mind and body? What are stressful environments? How can I visualise stress? How can stress be represented through people, shapes, lines and typography? What causes stress? Where do we see stress? I did some initial research into stress and how it affects people. Stress targets the weakest part of our physiology or character, it isn’t avoidable but can be managed. There will be changes in a stressed person - this could be emotional, physical or behavioural. It can also lead to physical health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, IBS, diabetes etc.

Stress is pressure or tension exerted on a material or object. Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

stress / tension / pressure / anxiety / environments / symptoms / manic / too much / distortion / fragmented / negative / urgency / panic / busy / overwhelming / brain fog / depression / moodiness / physiology / physiological / physical / constricted / strain / tightness / impatience / fatigue / irritation / weight / force / urge / danger / impact / personal / difficulty

What is stress?

GAINING VISUAL INSPIRATION - STRESS

Visual research I began to explore a range of images that visually capture/ represent stress and stressful environments to gain inspiration and an idea of how images/shapes/lines and colours could represent it, as well as literal representations such as a very crowded or messy space. I found many images of warped lines that show stress applied to areas of the lines - also known as ‘photo-elastic analysis’. It is widely used for problems in which stress or strain information is required for extended regions of the structure. It provides quantitative evidence of highly stressed areas and peak stresses.

Stress can be represented through shapes / lines / colours / objects / paintings / typography. Stress is distortion, it can be a warped reflection of an image - as stress is normally denoted as a negative thing, a large force or pressure applied to something/someone. It can make objects appear warped/distorted/manipulated and fractal.

“Stress is distortion” A stressful environment can be an environment that makes people feel lonely/small/fearful/negative. It can be a crowded, busy or noisy place where tension is high and danger is present.

VISUALLY EXPLORING

Typography experiments I began to do some of my own visual experiments exploring how stress can be represented through typography.

As I had learnt that stress is often depicted as a distorted and negative emotion, I wanted to apply these meanings to my experiments. I stretched the word stress and made it a bright and jarring pantone - as bright and eye-catching colours like red or pink can represent fear, danger and high levels of activity. I filled the background/s with words associated with stress and things that can lead to stress - such as a deadline. The repetitiveness of the word implies how it can go round and round the mind causing lack of sleep and other negative symptoms of stress.

Stress is busy / overwhelming / anxiety / tension / pressure / urgency / panic / fragmented. I used lots of lines to show a build up of tension and a visual that is perhaps unpleasant to look at and creates a feeling of unease and anxiety, as stress does.

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Stress / tension / pressure / anxiety / environments / symptoms / manic / too much / fragmented / distortion / negative / urgency / panic / busy / overwhelming / brain fog / depression / moodiness / physiology / physiological / physical / constricted / strain / tightness / impatience / irritation / fatigue /weight / force / importance / difficulty / punctuate / press / significance / urge / emphasize / danger / personal / impact / inability to cope / alarm / chaotic / insanity / crazy / apprehensiveness / burden / disquiet / hassle / nervousness / restlessness / dread / tautness / trauma / mental-illness / horror / terror /trepidation / unease / foreboding

“How would you describe a stressful environment?” “If you could visualise stress how would you picture it?” “When you feel stressed describe how it effects you both physically and mentally?”

GAINING PRIMARY INSIGHTS FROM PEOPLE

Primary research I decided that to explore stress in people, and understand how people cope and deal with it, I needed to create a questionnaire and ask people directly. I also wanted to gain an insight on how different people ‘visualise’ stress - this gave me some unique insights and ideas on how visually

“Stress is an anxious condition – when people are

diverse stress can be depending on the person.

full of anxiety it is harder for them to deal with things. They are lead by their emotions much more

My questions:

than logic” How would you describe a stressful environment? “We have a primitive side to us – like when we eat a If you could visualise stress how would you picture

lot when stressed it’s the fight or flight reaction – to

it?

eat as much as possible in case food runs out”

When you feel stressed describe how it effects you

“I do psycho-dynamic therapy. It’s all about looking

both physically and mentally?

at people’s childhood and connecting it with their behaviour and problems now. For example, people

What causes you to feel stressed?

may have trust issues, and this could be due to being abandoned by a parent when they were a child”

How do you deal with your stress? “With my clients – sometimes it can be a Do you think stress is a good thing or bad thing and

bereavement or a loss (death, loss of job and

why?

relationship breakdown), where something really big has happened and they have gone back to work too quickly. That can cause a lot of stress”

Each response was very unique with diverse coping strategies / visual ideas / causes and responses to stress. I also spoke to a psychotherapist to learn more about it from a professional point of view. I wanted to know what options are currently available to help people with stress problems and what the general causes of severe stress in people are.

“When something bad happens to a person like a massive shock their normal defence mechanisms will stop working – and they will have a real feeling of not being able to cope”

Greg Mathews “A stressful environment has lots of noise and

“On the whole challenging situations are a good

agitation – it’s not easy to relax. Also an

thing and they can help you develop but situations

environment where there could be a lot of demands

that are over-challenging can have the opposite

for you to do something quickly to a deadline.

effect therefore are not good. I think that with the

Perhaps a number of things where you have to

right attitude a lot of stressful situations can be

juggle priorities”

managed more easily and a lot of stress comes from your mind – your mind can create the stressful situation. The right attitude can translate the situation

“It would be a nagging gremlin

into positive action and you can avoid the stress”

with a grimace on its face with

“Organisation and planning are major tools that you

a look of dissatisfaction and

can use to solve a situation and stop the stress from

long pointy fingers that keep

manifesting! Stress is a kind of natural fight or flight

prodding you”

of danger but our minds so often trigger it through

reaction that is supposed to empower us in situations negative thinking – that dysfunctional thinking results in a natural reaction that is counter productive”

“Physically I could be sweating and feeling kind of all jittery and unsettled. I can get tension headaches and aching eyes. I can feel panicked and maybe a feeling of wanting to run away from everything or escape from the situation” “I am more prone to it if I am tired and if I am up against something very challenging that I’m not used to doing and the expectation is to get results fast. (My work most of the time!)” “I try to calm down and then come up with a sensible plan of how to address it. I get organised. As quickly as possible I try and put the first part of that approach into action” 32

Lewis Son “A stressful environment is somewhere cramped and

feel almost unwell, but to me stress is more a mental

small – makes you feel claustrophobic. There are

problem – it effects me much more in the mind,

a lot of people and it’s very busy and crowded –

effecting my sleep”

like public transport. It’s not a very nice day – like overcast or raining. Rush-hour – the big rush to get

“Work or very significant tasks that I have not done

somewhere and get something done. Surrounded by

yet but I should’ve done”

annoyances and annoying people” “I deal with my stress by procrastinating” “There would be a key to unlocking stress (feeling calm and relaxed) in a box but it would be the tiniest

“To me, stress is good because it shows that you’re

key in the world. The box would be very large and

passionate about the task. It shows that you really

filled with similar keys. The other keys represent

want to get It done, I know that some of my friends

annoyances and unlocking other things – but it

use stress as a way to work better and faster and I

doesn’t solve the underlying problem of stress”

know some people that get crushed underneath the stress. I can work under stress, in my opinion I think

“With stress you can get on

that it’s inevitable that stress will occur when it is a

with other stuff, but it would

the stress to their advantage and to not crush under

big task however it is down to the individual to use pressure”

always be underling and in the background – it would be difficult to find the solution because of all the other ‘keys’ (tasks, jobs, things to do) that get in the way” “Mentally – I am always aware of stress. It never seems to go away at times. Physically it makes me 33

Chloe Hind-Fletcher

Savannah Stott

“A stressful environment for me has a lot going on,

“When you feel out of your depth or if you’re trying

not necessarily being busy with lots of people, I

to communicate and the people around you aren’t

could be in my office and have loads of paper work

understanding, just feeling frustrated is the most

or social situations that make me anxious which

stressful thing for me. ”

causes me to feel stressed” “You know when you look at the sun and when you “I’d visualize stress as a scribble of pen that’s

look away everything goes fuzzy and all you see is

cartoon like in a big ball and its moves. ”

dots? That’s what stress is like to me - just hectic and takes a while to see and feel things clearly again”

“Stress mentally shuts down my brain and then I have panic attack or just feel anxious where I can’t

“Mentally I just get really angry

concentrate and it just spirals from there. Physically

and physically I will feel like

– a panic attack I guess, so palpitations, sweaty, shaky, crying, less likely to make sense of what I’m

punching something and when

saying.”

I’ve got past the angry phase I’ll

“I eat Chinese food to cope, or food in general or

just want to be alone in bed and

talk to my friends to take my mind of it, if it’s bad ill sit in my bed and cry till I feel better”

just not cooperate with anyone or anything. ”

“I think stress is bad, because when I’m stressed I’m not a little

“I don’t really know how to channel my frustration

stressed I’m fully stressed and

head in the sand, you could say...”

and a lot of the time I’ll isolate myself and bury my

it just escalates so I try to avoid

“In the sense if something needs to be done urgently

stressful situations as much as I

before I have time to make means of the stressful

can.”

get things done whilst the pressure is on so I suppose

situation I’ll used the adrenaline of the urgency to that is good. However, stress is bad if it’s constant or goes on for long periods of time. Really takes its toll and changes you as a person (well that’s what I’ve found)”

Melissa Ozdamar “When the surrounding environment is different from

“If I’m REALLY stressed I find myself feeling down

the norm, disturbed in a negative way”

and it puts me in a really dark place, kind of reminds me of when I was depressed and that’s the worst feelings I’ve ever felt”

“Stress is a big mess, vague and indistinguishable.”

“I surround myself with positive thinking people, no matter the

“Stress causes sleep deprivation in me, “bags” under the eyes, headaches, could step into

situation”

depression”

“I think it can be a bit of both. Stress in some cases

“I don’t, I usually just deal with it because I have no

can help you finish whatever your working on, e.g.

choice 80% of the time. but if anything I cope by

my dissertation. But also bad because some people

laying down trying to relax, usually spend time with

can get too stressed, to the point where it can make

my girlfriend”

them be anxious and in worst cases, depressed”

“Both. Can’t pick. It’s bad because too much leads

Saul Kaplin

to ill health, but also it can help motivate and drive you to your goal.”

“Clouded, noisy, dangerous, unpleasing place. Construction site maybe.”

Jodie Stedman

“Many small black scribblings, maybe” “A stressful environment can be a number of things for me: a workplace where there’s negative vibes.

“Stress is a part of myself so I

Deadlines for university of course. For instance, for

can’t tell? sitting on a chair and

our graduation film anything at any moment could drastically go down hill, for example, an actress

just thinking is a bad sign for

could drop out last minute. That would stress the hell out of me as it’s basically our whole grade and

me.”

could cost me my degree. I always get stressed at my girlfriend about small stupid things. ”

“If it’s big, walkaway and comeback, do cycling in my case. if its small solve it asap.”

“You know them elastic rubber band balls your grandma would normally have in her cupboard.

“I don’t mind it. Solving the stress is fun.”

That’s how I would picture it”

Imogen Mathews “A stressful environment I would describe as a

have deadlines and expectations of them.”

pressurized chaotic atmosphere where so many things are happening at once, that it’s hard to just

“I’d visualize it as a knot,

keep track and focus. It’s an atmosphere that you

like lots of different elements

don’t feel at peace in and have no control over.”

(thread) that all come together

“I would imagine stress as a big

to create a big mound of stress

black cloud that has so many

(if that makes sense) like a messy

things happening in it at once.”

knot”

“When I feel stressed I feel physically tense, and mentally I feel under pressure and find it hard to do

“Mentally I am less able to cope with the small

everything at once and feel genuinely fatigued and

things that happen in life when I’m stressed, little

a bit out of control if there is so much to do”

things seem even worse”

“With stress I use coping strategies such as

“Usually talk to family and try and think about how

problematic thinking and organization to make

to resolve the problem, write myself to do lists to

me feel like I am under control and attending

organize myself”

to everything that needs doing within a certain time frame. I use rational thinking and stay calm

“Stress is bad for you mentally and physically

reminding myself that I am capable and just take it

and we should try to avoid high levels of stress

at my own pace and try whatever I am doing to the

but a small about of stress (or pressure in other

best I can within the period I have to do it”

words) may help us achieve our goals (e.g. Gain a degree)”

“Stress is both good and bad, because it motivates

Eleanor X-RJ

you to do whatever you’re under pressure with and has a positive outcome because you get what you need to be doe. But then I think it is also bad

“A stressful environment is when we have a deadline

because it can have a detrimental effect on your

and its group work and no one else has done

well-being and have a knock on effect to both your

anything!”

physical and mental health long term”

“I would picture it as a scribble on a page that

Abbie Smith

breaks up a straight line!” “Stress effects me physically by – I get a rash, panic

“Perhaps an office/university/ school where people 36

attacks (if it’s bad!!!), can’t concentrate etc, can’t eat, can’t sleep, Mentally... same as above”

“Stress of course motivates you and is usually connected to things important to you sometimes I wish I felt stress more mentally as I could possibly

“I think a little bit of stress is

cope better then the physical side effects”

good as it can be motivating.

Luke Baker

Too much stress is debilitating though and counter productive”

“Any scenario where I’m losing something (I.e. Fifa)”

“I cope with stress by: exercise, sleep, smoking, calming music, a glass of wine, sex, meditation,

“Stress is lots of red”

intense exercise and midnight runs”

Dorothy Kay

“I get a headache and just exhausting” “I Have a fag and chill for 5-10 mins”

“I guess all is relevant it could be anything from people talking over each other or stone cold silence.

“ Stress is good because it means you care and bad

It’s more a personal reaction to it then what perhaps is going on around as we all perceive environments

because it’s frustrating and makes things harder”

differently” “I guess a lot happening all at once. Nothing particularly as you expect. For me stress feels like I just want to scream at the top of my lungs” “I tend to not feel stress emotionally. A lot of the time I will know I’m stressed due through my body whether that be acne appearing, loss of appetite, IBS symptoms and even my tattoo tends to become raised - apparently your body tries to push anything foreign out of your body when strained causing the ink to raise” “I probably don’t- i.e. Why I feel stress mainly physically. I’m very much the type to ignore and try and push away any emotions” 37

Online Survery How would you describe a

- Crowded, No windows or lighting, loud

stressful environment?

- Busy and loud

- overwhelming, crowded, messy, unhappy,

- Lots of people, cold, loads of noise

- Everyday.

- A stressful environment involves a situation where there is a lot going on, a lot beign said or done and

- Chaotic, unorganized

its where the individual feels a lot of pressure is on them and things (to them) may feel like they are out

- Moody, busy and surrounded by other people who

of their control

are stressed or in a hurry.

If you could visualise stress how

- Loud, busy, lonely

would you picture it?

- A lot of things to do all the time. And people asking from something you to do all the time.

- squeezing tight, trapping, dark

- Busy, crowded, loud

- I don’t. It just happens, no need to visualise it :)

- People putting unnecessary pressure on you

- Getting a pen and just creating a big squiggly mess on a piece of paper

- Loud/crowded in a situation where you need to concentrate

- Like a massive tug of war where no one wins.

- Makes you feel panicky & overwhelmed

- A scribble

- Annoying/stressful

- A black circle.

- very tense atmosphere. less lively in the good way

- Being given something to carry that’s too heavy but you can’t not carry it

- Noisy, broken and messy

- A big weight pushing down on your lungs and

- Clutter, disorganization

heart making everything harder

- Busy, noisy, angry and condescending

A noisy library or a busy supermarket

- Pulsating

- Something being squeezed really tight like it’s 38

about to burst - A ball of wool that is all tangled up or a squiggle

- Makes me not want to do anything including talk to people.

- A shadow of responsibility looming over me like a

- I loose all motivation and only want to sleep. Both

tsunami

physically and mentally tired

- It was like you are being surrounded by all the

- Physically I having a tired face that makes me feel

people you hate in the middle of a traffic jam with

uncomfortable and ugly and feel tired body and

them playing musics you hate out loud.

heart beats rapidly. Mentally it brings me negativity.

- a continuously flashing light

- I have a stress induced intolerance to sugar Mentally it makes me feel too overwhelmed to do

- A swirling dark purple, black ball of goo

the tasks I’m over whelmed by

- Sort of like throbbing heat

- Physically more exhausted, mentally overpowered, it can be rated to think with a straight head

- Dark, chaotic, suffocating - Agitated, wanting to shout or hit something. Gives - Red, frantic movements, suffocated/restricted

me a headache. Often I run out if I can’t handle it.

- loads of scribbles all over a page

- Makes me feel tired and irritable Makes me anxious and impulsive -makes me seek instant

- I would visualize stress as a small room with a lot of

gratification in order to relieve stress

belongings in and mess everywhere and hardly any room to move

- Exhausted and I get twitches in my eye - Mentally: Insecure but also pumped to get shit

When you feel stressed describe

done Physically: Tired

how it affects you both mentally

- It makes me tired physically and mentally and

and physically?

- My pulse is faster, I get a headache from

somehow depressed. overthinking

- feel tired/drained, overly emotional, on edge, sometimes unmotivated

- I panic and get angry. I list a lot and dissect everything which means I then don’t actually get

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u06DpcFXc4U

anything done and panic more.

- Lack of sleep, panic attacks, easily annoyed

- I can’t breathe properly, increased heart rate, 39

probably go red

stressed about)

- Physically i feel suffocated like I’m covered in tar.

- Unpleasant noises and too much pressure from

Mentally over thinking

school/work.

- Tired, slow, irritable

- Anything that doesn’t go as planned

- I just want to climb in bed and hide

- Time restrictions and strained communication

- physically stress makes me feel very tired and

- Annoying housemates

moody. Mentally I feel completely exhausted and drained

- Crowded, Sitting still for long periodes

What causes you to feel stress?

- Coursework, requirements, and expectations - work, deadlines, people, mess

-uni work, relationships, feeling incapable, pressure from myself

- There are various things that cause me to feel stressed: university deadlines, public speaking,

- Donald Trump. Seriously, not kidding...

leading a group of people (for example teaching dance) but at the same time when I have completed

- Deadlines, new situations

these things I feel a sense of accomplishment. in addition to this, arguments stress me out both

- Other people who are stressed. Not having money

physically and mentally me

- Being behind on work. Overload on work

How do you deal with your

- Thinking on how many things I have to do. Even if you organize yourself you feel more stressful as you

stress?

don’t have free time to enjoy life.

- take time out when needed and do enjoyable

- Deadlines The work/life balance

things but also be productive when able to and focus on getting things done

- People, work etc

- I visit my cousins in Amsterdam.

- When I want to do something simple and loads of little things get in my way

- Listen to music, breathing/relaxation techniques

- Things I need to do, and anxiety from thinking

- Talk to family members about it see if they can

about needing to do them

help.

- Work deadlines, catching buses and trains etc,

- Try catch up... Pamper myself with a bath and a

people being stupid

film night - I am going walking around the city or at the beach.

- Uni work (literally the only hing I’ve ever been 40

- Meditation apps Exercise - gym and dance

- It depends... In my honest (and hopefuly humble) opinion, most of the times there’s another question

- I tend not too and then break down

that overpowers this current one: how to manage expectations? It becomes the primary premise,

- Go sit somewhere quiet, make a tea, listen to some

actually. So, stress itself can be used as the variable

music for a minute

resource for positive results and actual achievements. Having this in mind, consider the following syllogism:

- By seeking instant gratification from illicit substances

Achievements are great, Achievements imply stress, So stress can be great. Does this answer your

- By breathing and removing myself from the

question, no?

situation - Depends, sometimes it can be good as it can - Sleep and distract myself with friends and movies

encourage you to get something done but it can be bad and really distressing

- Listening to a soft music, taking deep breaths,eating sweet treats and taking some rest.

- I don’t think it’s good to feel stressed because it can have serious affects on a person like causing

- I try to organise everything else around me, to

them to become depressed etc. However, there is a

make me feel in control of something

difference between stress and the pressure to do/

- Making bullet points of my issues and how I can

achieve something which is always a good thing to

fix them. Also visualise everything in a board then

have to push you forward in life to achieve goals.

taking things off as I deal with them. - In the right quantity its good - Kalms - Of course bad thing, it doesn’t only affects your - Focus of breathing, or fidget with somthing

positivity but also brings heart problems.

- Glass of wine, watch a film

- Bad thing It makes me unable to be productive

- go to bed, cry

- It is good in small doses but can easily become too much

- I deal with my stress by the use of colouring books, meditation - I use the app called ‘headspace’ and

- On the fence. Some types of stress helps you focus

sometimes even prayer or listening to classical music

(deadlines stress, time related instances) and others are there to throw you off your day (emotional

Do you think stress is a good or

stress, falling out with someone for example)

bad thing and why?

like fear or anxiety

because then there are other things that go with it

- A bad thing because life feels better without it

- bad - it can be detrimental to my ability to make

and stress can prevent you from reaching your full

decisions, can be consuming/overwhelming, puts

potential as a person. Also a good thing as you

pressure on my mental health good - can encourage

become more tolerant to stress and learn to deal

me to work harder, focus more 41

with it better. - Both because it enables us to deal with stress when we are unable to control the environment or situation but too much stress is bad for your well being - Can be for fight or flight mode and just getting on with ur tasks but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of an unfair deal. Happiness for productivity - Stress is both good and bad. Life is aint challenging without things that gives you problems or etc. that may lead to stress, but stress is bad if you cant handle it well, it may lead to death. - Sometimes good, sometimes bad. It can make you work faster, but it can affect you too much and you end up burning out. - Both. Good to force you to get thins done and bad for maybe prioritising wrong in the heat of the moment. - Bad thing! I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be creative - Bad, reasoning previously highlighted - Can be both, it can be productive but too much does the opposite - very bad as it effects your health - I think stress Is normal to feel, however too much stress can cause it to be a bad thing as the complications that may arise (eg to oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and mental health). Sometimes stress is a good thing as it can act as motivation to complete a task (such as university coursework)

“A stressful environment involves a situation where there is a lot going on, a lot being said or done and it’s where the individual feels a lot of pressure on them and things may feel like they are out of control”

INITIAL IDEAS / THOUGHTS

Thoughts Whilst gathering the results of the primary research I had a quick initial brain storm of ideas - a direction that my project could take me in and possible outcomes/solutions. I thought about a possible booklet on how to cope with stress that could be interactive, it could include activities, mindful games, relaxation techniques, different kinds of treatments, patterns/art therapy etc. But after some research I found that many books like this already exist (Such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Calmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is also a mindful mediation app). I thought about possibly documenting and visualising the journey of stress - from where it initially manifests to what damage it can cause. This journey could be the physical one right down to the smallest detail. I had very vague Ideas at this point and felt I needed to do some in-depth secondary research to explore my knowledge further.

EXPLORING VISUALS / INSIGHTS

Primary insighs - what does stress look like? “A nagging gremlin with a grimace on its face and a look of dissatisfaction with long pointy fingers always prodding you” “A large box full of keys - stress would be a tiny key, lost in the box” “A tight helmet that is stuck on the head and gets tighter and tighter - there needs to be an explosion to break out of it” “A pen scribble - it moves around and expands” “When the sun blinds you and make your vision funny” “A big mess, vague and indistinguishable” “An elastic rubber band ball” “Many small black scribbles” “A big black cloud with so many things inside it” “A knot with lots of different elements that all come together to create a big mound of stress” “A lot happening all at once” “Lots of red”

EXPLORING VISUALS / INSIGHTS

Primary insighs what does a stressful environment look like? “Lots of noise and agitation” “Lots of demands” “Cramped and small - makes you feel claustrophobic” “Very busy and crowded” “Surrounded by annoyances and annoying people” “The people around you don’t understand what you’re trying to communicate” “Different from the norm - disturbed in a negative way” “Negative vibes” “Deadlines” “Crowded, noisy, dangerous, unpleasant” “Pressurised, chaotic atmosphere - too much happening at once” “Have no control over and can’t keep track or focus”

VISUALLY EXPLORING

Stress manifesto From the insights I gained I found that majority of the insights were from young students who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have particularity productive or helpful coping strategies so I decided to design a quick stress buster manifesto that could be handed out to students to help them cope better.

Many responses to dealing with stress from the students were to cry, smoke, drink alcohol etc. I wanted this quick visual guide to provide young people with an easy go-to guide that they could have a look over when they are feeling overwhelmed with stress (caused by deadlines etc). The tips and tactics in the guide were found online, and from printed books such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;calmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and meditation and mindful drugs, as well as some information I received from the psychotherapist that I interviewed about the best ways for people to cope with stress. I also designed a set of badges that could be given out and worn by students, to create calm positive vibes and a sense of community.

Sometimes the solution can be so simple, such as taking a walk in a nature.

Chill out A little guide on how to cope with stress. 1. Keep hydrated Looking after your body and general health is essential when trying to manage stress levels. Hydration keeps the body at a healthy state allowing you to cope better with stressful and demanding situations.

2. Nature Spend time in nature, walk bare footed in the grass, take a walk in a park. Meditate and picture nature. Begin sitting in a comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Take a few breaths, allowing your mind to relax. With your body planted ﬁrmly on the ground, feel the earth beneath you. Picture yourself in a ﬁeld or forest beneath a large, leafy tree with strong branches. Smell the trees rich smells and visualise it’s leaves. Appreciate it as a living organism.

3. Exercise High stress levels increases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline in your body. Physical exercise can be used as a surrogate to metabolize the excessive stress hormones and restore your body and mind to a calmer, more relaxed state. When you feel stressed and tense, go for a brisk walk in fresh air. Try to incorporate some physical activity into your daily routine on a regular basis, either before or after work, or at lunchtime. Regular physical activity will also improve the quality of your sleep.

4. Avoid drugs Avoid, or at least reduce, your consumption of nicotine and any drinks containing caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and so will increase your level of stress rather than reduce it. Swap caffeinated and alcoholic drinks for water, herbal teas, or diluted natural fruit juices and aim to keep yourself hydrated as this will enable your body to cope better with stress.

4. Get more sleep Sleep enables your body to heal itself. We think of sleep as a passive state, but studies show that during some sleep phases, parts of the brain are more active than they are when you are awake. As you rest, your body and brain are busy repairing and rebuilding themselves. Aim to maximise your relaxation time before you go to sleep - avoid screens and try to read a book instead. Have a bubble bath or listen to calming music in a low lit environment. Make sure that your bedroom is a tranquil oasis with no reminders of the things that cause you stress. Avoid caﬀeine during the evening, as well as excessive alcohol if you know that this leads to disturbed sleep. Stop doing any mentally demanding work several hours before going to bed so that you give your brain time to calm down.

Slow down

5. Listen to music Sound is one of the ﬁve senses and therefore a big contributor to/eliminator of stress. Silence while working is usually preferable, but when you’re in a crowded classroom or workspace sometimes that’s not possiblewhich is when a quiet play-list of songs comes in handy. Some people ﬁnd music without words to be more helpful as you’re less likely to be distracted by lyrics.

6. Eat healthy Keeping your physical health under control is essential: even if it doesn’t eliminate any current problems you might have, it will prevent extra unnecessary stresses about your well-being from occurring. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables keeps your body fuelled with the right vitamins and energy levels you need to cope better with stressful situations.

7. Talk to someone Just talking to someone about how you feel can be helpful. Talking can work by either distracting you from your stressful thoughts or releasing some of the built-up tension by discussing it. Stress can cloud your judgement and prevent you from seeing things clearly. Talking things through with a friend, work colleague, or even a trained professional, can help you ﬁnd solutions to your stress and put your problems into perspective.

8. Plan and organise By planning and organising your life/a task that you have to do allows you to visually conceive your problems. One of the most stressful things to have on your mind is something that you need to do before a certain time, but you know you’re going to forget as soon as you encounter your next problem. Write it down before you do!

9. Try mindfulness Mindfulness, an ancient practice that focuses your brain on the present, is as old as Buddha. But it’s experiencing a surge of popularity; companies like Google and General Mills have mindfulness programs for employees. Like CBT, it conditions your mind to be more stress-resistant. In a 2012 study, students trained in a mindfulness technique had a signiﬁcant decrease in stress-related cortisol and an increase in signalling connections (called axons) in a part of the brain that controls emotions You can try yoga, guided meditation, art therapy and mind-body/breathing exercises. It’s all about becoming aware of your body and getting in touch with your senses, and stepping out of auto-pilot.

Slow down

Don’t stress

Relax

You can do it

Deep breaths

Calm down

Chill out

Take your time

Chill out

You can do this

Smile

Don’t rush

Everything is OK

Keep going

Drink tea

Take a break

Relax

Be mindful

Believe in yourself

Don’t give up 53

RESEARCH

Secondary research I began to do some further secondary research on stress

“The sympathetic nervous system sends out impulses

online.

to glands and smooth muscles and tells the adrenal “Typically, mindfulness practices include sitting

medulla to release adrenaline and noradrenaline

with your feet planted on the floor and the spine

into the bloodstream”

upright. The eyes can be closed or rest a few feet in front while the hands are in the lap or on the

“Stress hormones cause several changes in the

knees. The attention is gently brought to the rest of

body, including an increased heart rate and blood

the sensations of the body - as thoughts continue

pressure”

you keep returning to these sensations, gently “Major stress leads to-

encouraging the mind to not get caught up in thought processes but observe their passage”

- Heart rate and blood pressure increase The fight or flight response is an interesting neanderthal

- Pupils dilate

animal instinct response to a stressful or dangerous situation.

- Veins in the skin constrict to send more blood to major muscle groups

“To produce the fight or flight response, the

- Blood-glucose levels drop

hypothalamus activates two systems: the

- Muscles tense up, energised by adrenaline and

sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal-cortical

glucose

system”

- Smooth muscles relax in order to allow more oxygen in the lungs

I attempted to use the fight or flight response as a narrative in

- Non-essential systems (like digestion and

my visual experiments.

immune system) shut down to allow for energy for emergency systems

“The sympathetic nervous system uses nerve

- Trouble focusing on small tasks (The brain is focused

pathways to initiate reactions in the body, the

on the big picture to detect the threat)”

adrenal-cortical system use the blood stream” “The combined effects of these two systems are the fight or flight response. The body speeds up and becomes very alert” 54

VISUALLY EXPLORING

Visual experiments I began to create visual experiments to explore my findings about stress from my research.

I tried to reflect the internal and external stress through typography - showing the different levels and causes of stress, that it is a complicated thing and can be caused by many different things. I also tried to show the journey of the fight or flight response, from seeing the initial threat to how the body responds releasing stress hormones from systems to activate the muscles which speeds up the heart rate. I found that these experiments and this point were very literal, and I found they lacked focus.

I decided to have a tutorial to see how I could extend and develop my project further.

s tR e s s o r s

The situations and pressures that cause stress are known as stressors. We usually think of stressors as being negative, such as an exhausting work schedule or a rocky relationship. However, anything that puts high demands on you can be stressful...Of course, not all stress is caused by external factors.

External stress comes from outside us. It is caused by external situations - this could be pressure from work or university to meet a deadline or complete a task within a time restraint or a death in the family. It could also be caused by an unpleasant environment - such as too much noise or an unpleasant space.

emotions

lack of sleep

infection & illness attitudes Memory loss bad health

lack of sleep

Internal stress comes from inside of us and determine our body's ability to respond to external stress-inducing factors or stressors. Internal stress can be caused by our attitude, feelings, thoughts and perception.

emotions

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

De-stressing environments I decided to focus more on looking into stressful

• UNPLEASANT ODOURS

environments and how they can be ‘de’stressed’ through

• UNCOMFORTABLE

innovative and abstract design solutions. I carried out

• FURNITURE

extensive research to get an idea of what other designers

• BAD LIGHTING

have created to create a more calming or distracting visual

• POOR VENTILATION

display in an otherwise overwhelming environment.

• SCARY

This is where I came to discover non-rhythmic

Stressors that are found in our surroundings are

sensory stimuli and its impact on people, which

called environmental stressors.

then lead me on to discover biophillic design which is incorporating nature into our urban and interior

Everyday life is full of environmental stressors that

environments - I found this to be a very interesting

cause minor irritations. If you use an alarm clock

and inspiring area to explore.

to wake up, the loud noise from your alarm is an environmental stressor.

From primary research I learnt that there are many factors leading to an environment where people end up feeling more stressed. These included:

• NOISE AND AGITATION • DEMANDS • MESS • CRAMPED AND SMALL • VERY BUSY/CROWDED • SURROUNDED BY ANNOYANCES • DANGEROUS • UNUSUAL • NEGATIVE VIBES • PRESSURISED • CHAOTIC • NO CONTROL OVER • CLUTTER 64

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Early environments New University of Washington research finds that children’s

the age of 24 months had stress system responses similar to

early environments have a lasting impact on their responses

those of children being raised by families in the community.

to stress later in life, and that the negative effects of deprived early environments can be mitigated — but only if that

The results suggest that children’s early experiences can

happens before age 2.

impact the development of the stress response system, and that removing them from adverse environments can mitigate

Published April 20 in the Proceedings of the National

such damaging effects.

Academy of Sciences, the research is believed to be the first to identify a sensitive period during early life when children’s

“Institutionalization is an extreme form of early neglect,”

stress response systems are particularly likely to be influenced

McLaughlin said. “Placing kids into a supportive environment

by their caregiving environments.

where they have sensitive, responsive parents, even if they were neglected for a period of time early in life, has a lasting,

“The early environment has a

meaningful effect.”

very strong impact on how the

Stressful environments:

stress response system in the

Hospitals

body develops”

Offices Public transport

Said lead author Katie McLaughlin, a UW assistant professor

Busy roads

of psychology. The study focuses on children who spent the

Somewhere new and unfamiliar

first years of their lives in Romanian orphanages and others

School/University

who were removed from orphanages and placed in foster care. It finds that the institutionalized children had blunted stress system responses — for example, less heart rate acceleration and blood pressure increases during stressful tasks and lower production of cortisol, the primary hormone responsible for stress response. By comparison, children who were removed from the Romanian institutions and placed with foster parents before 65

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Nature trail Jason Bruges Studio has completed a unique project for Great Ormond Street Hospital for children to improve their journey to theatre.

The brief was to design and install a distraction artwork helping to create a calming yet engaging route that culminates in the patient’s arrival at the anaesthetic room. Inspiration came from the idea of viewing the patient journey as a ‘Nature Trail’, where the hospital walls become the natural canvas, with digital look out points that reveal the various ‘forest creatures’, including horses, deer, hedgehogs, birds and frogs, to the passerby. The work has been installed in the theatres floor within the hospital’s new Morgan Stanley Clinical Building, the first part of the Mittal Children’s Medical Centre. The work, which covers the corridor walls, has essentially two main elements; integrated LED panels and bespoke graphic wallpaper. The LED panels are embedded into the wall surface at various heights in order to be accessible to the eye levels and positions of patients travelling along the corridors. Across these digital surfaces abstracted ‘animal movements’ are recreated as interactive animated patterns of light which reveal themselves through the trees & foliage of the forest. The artwork consists of 70 LED panels, with a total of 72,000 LED’s.

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Nature utilised to de-stress urban environments Nature has the ability to help us relax and de-stress.

We are not static beings, yet the spaces we live,

How can we create this feeling of reflection in our

study and work in are too often just that — static and

urban spaces?

predictable.

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli

Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli are stochastic and ephemeral

The average American spends a staggering 93% of their life

connections with nature that can reduce stress and improve

indoors whilst Europeans spend 85-90% of our time indoors.

productivity.

These Interior environments where we live, work, study, or relax are all too often static spaces, devoid of the rich

Studies of the human response to stochastic movement of

sensory stimuli that we find in nature.

objects in nature and momentary exposure to natural sounds and scents have shown to support physiological restoration.

However, there is evidence that introducing Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli (NRSS) into them could enhance our well-

Evidence shows the positive impact of non-rhythmic sensory

being. NRSS comes from objects or materials in consistent yet

stimuli on occupant heart rate, systolic blood pressure and

unpredictable motion.

sympathetic nervous system activity, but it is the relationship between ocular stress and eye lens focal relaxation patterns

These types of stimuli are found in abundance in nature for

that is perhaps the most intriguing and logical reason to

example the sway of grasses or leaves in a breeze, or the

incorporate non-rhythmic sensory stimuli into architectural

ripples on water. Even brief exposure to NRSS have been

design and the user experience.

shown to have positive effects on a human’s heart rate, blood pressure and sympathetic nervous system activity. As a result

The 20x20x20 Rule

they are often found in doctors and dentists waiting rooms in

For instance, when sitting and staring at a computer screen,

the form of fish tank aquariums.

as so many of us do for hours on end, or any other task with a short visual focus (often less than 3 feet), the eye’s lenses

Nature is never static; it’s always moving, growing, adapting.

become rounded with the contracting of the eye muscles.

We notice when a room is visually monotonous, when the air

After about 20 minutes, eye muscles begin to fatigue and the

is stale, and when the same sound, or lack thereof, persists

lenses must harden to maintain that shallow depth of focus.

beyond what’s pleasant.

Eye strain, headaches and physical discomfort can result. As

How often do you find yourself, or your children staring at

we have a habit of staring at our computer screens for much

televisions and computer screens for hours on end?

longer durations than 20 minutes, our ability to stay on task becomes depleted, as does our productivity. 68

The average person may not notice this is happening, they

periodically and momentarily adjust visual focal lengths.

may blink or rub their eyes to refocus, and it may take a few minutes or longer to regain correct focus. If we allow

Mechanically delivered breezes and electronic

ourselves, either deliberately or by chance, to look away from

streaming of natural sounds, for example, can be

the computer every 20 minutes or so, fatiguing of the eye

very effective stimuli.

muscles and hardening of the lenses can be avoided. We also perceive movement in the peripheral view much These measurements of distance and duration can serve as

quicker than straight ahead, which, from a conceptual and

a general guideline for incorporating non-rhythmic sensory

space planning perspective, allows great flexibility in design

stimuli into the built environment.

interventions.

I find it easy to remember as the “20x20x20 rule”, whereby

Passersby can be perceived as a distraction when proximity

sensory experiences are designed to shift our focus

is immediate, but from 20 feet away and in the periphery, is

approximately every 20 minutes for about 20 seconds at a

less likely to engage in discourse but is still close enough to

time and, for visual stimuli, from a distance of more than 20

provide periodic visual breaks.

feet away. A space with good Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli is fresh,

Looking Behaviour & Visual Perception

interesting and energizing. It evolves organically as a brief

When immersed in nature, we continually experience

but welcome distraction. While a biophilic intervention

instances of non-rhythmic stimuli: birds chirping, leaves

that leverages naturally occurring stimuli may necessitate

rustling, the faint scent of eucalyptus in the air.

collaboration with the interior designer or the horticulturist, one that leverages simulated stimuli will likely necessitate

Studies in looking behaviour and visual perception show

early collaboration with the mechanical engineer or facilities

that the brain processes the movement of living things in a

team.

different place than it does of mechanical objects. In either case, it need not be a complex endeavour. The

Natural movement is generally perceived as

important factor is to continuously reassess opportunities

positive, and mechanical movement as neutral or

with each iteration of a design. Whether its a interior refresh

even negative.

or new construction, it is the iterations that improve the adaptability of a space to its place, for to feel alive and be

As a result, the predictable rhythmic motion of a pendulum

engaging enough to mitigate potential for low-level stress in

will only hold one’s attention briefly, the invariable ticking

a way that improves our ability to concentrate and be more

of a clock may come to be ignored over time, and an ever-

productive, yet happier people.

present scent may lose its mystique with long-term exposure; whereas, seasonal scented plantings or the stochastic

Although nothing can compare to first hand “direct”

movement of a butterfly will capture one’s attention each time

experiences of the living environment, increasing

for recurring physiological benefits.

technological developments are going to make it possible to replicate nature and gain the benefits of Biophilic Design

However, simulated interventions delivered by way of

and specifically NRSS in places where it does not or cannot

mechanical systems should not be confused with mechanical

exist. We are really excited to see what will come out in the

objects that are predictable or robotic in character.

next few years and think technology offers a low maintenance

Simultaneously, while we focus not surprisingly on visual

nature connection for those whose lifestyles are increasingly

stimuli, non-visual stimuli can also help prevent low-level

removed from the natural environment.

physiological stresses when the stimuli encourage us to 69

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Biophilic design is all about creating spaces that are calming and stimulating â&#x20AC;&#x201C; taking inspiration from outdoor spaces around the office. There is a real connection to mental well-being and that feeling of space and freedom thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s associated with bringing the nature into the office. Biophilic design, means harnessing the power of nature; and it is key to attracting and keeping the very best talent. Non-Rhythmic Sensory Stimuli are stochastic and ephemeral connections with nature that can reduce stress and improve productivity.

A natural distraction every 20

environments can allow us to experience their health and well-being benefits in the urban environment.

minutes, 20 feet away that lasts

This can be done at various scales, from the inclusion

20 seconds.

of planting, or lightweight fabrics, alongside windows and other ventilated areas to using

NRSS can also have beneficial influence on productivity

undulating reflective surfaces on walls, ceilings or

levels and stress reduction; according to Kaplan and Kaplanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

floors that will enable dynamic light reflections (with

Attention Restoration Theory the brain has limited capacity to

their calming benefits) to occur as viewers pass by.

focus on a specific task and exposure to natural environments (and the stimuli with them) encourages a brief redirection in focus, allowing us to replenish our capacity for directed attention. The movement found within NRSS, when caught in our peripheral vision can cause us to look up, allowing our eyes to relax after a prolonged period of shortened focal depth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reducing muscle fatigue in the eyes that can lead to eye strains and headaches. While NRSS is all too often lacking in built environments, it can be emulated through a range of Biophilic Design considerations. Mimicking the non-rhythmic motion found in rural 71

Sur-Natures Sur-Natures, an interactive installation by Miguel Chevalier, projects a virtual garden onto the walls within Charles de Gaulle airport which grows and changes in real time every day.

Technology within the installation responds to the motion of passersby, causing the plants to bend and sway. The responsive nature of the installation draws the eye and allows passengers a period of mental respite from the less dynamic airport spaces, encouraging distraction and mental restoration within an otherwise stressful travelling environment.

Virtual Skylights Sky Factory creates realistic illusions of nature, through the insertion of digital ‘virtual skylights’.

These products create moving sky vistas in sequences several hours long, which allow people to experience the natural motion of clouds in an interior environment. Clouds drifting across the sky – a prime example of constant motion that is always changing. It has been suggested that such gentle, whimsical movements can be psychologically associated with safety or comfort and furthermore, may facilitate creative thought.

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Diffusion Choir A spectacular example of mechanically generated NRSS can be found in ‘Diffusion Choir’ a kinetic sculpture commissioned by Biomed Realty for its offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts US. Made up of 400 folding elements (resembling umbrellas) which open and close based on a ‘flocking algorithm’, the sculpture mimics the murmerations of a flock of birds and never exactly repeats itself.

Installed in an impressive atrium, the sculpture works in conjunction with glass screens and an open plan office environment which allows motion into the peripheral vision of the employees. This helps to provide a visual break for those within the space as well as introducing the calming influence of NRSS into the working environment.

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Obscura Digital Digital technology has been utilized in a spectacular fashion by Obscura Digital for the lobby of Salesforceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship office in San Francisco; transforming the space into an impressive hyperreal environment using a huge LED screen wall which plays high resolution films of the Redwood National Park and a stunning computer generated waterfall, providing employees and visitors exposure to natural analogues and imagery.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blurring the outside world with the inside worldâ&#x20AC;? - Google architect

“In nature things aren’t overprogrammed or over-prescribed, and in a way if our cities or our work environment could have more of this flexibility or openness interpretation they would become more stimulating and creative environments” - Google architect

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Natural patterns, forms, texture and water “There is an instinctive bond

How can we consistently re-energise and renew our attention so that we can work more productively and efficiently?

between human beings and

Water

other living systems, a yearning to be closer to nature, not just

The presence of water - from crashing waves to trickling streams, wading pools, and water fountains enhances the experience of a place.

by spending time outside, but

The presence of water biophillic design pattern has evolved

by bringing the natural world indoors”

from research on the health and well-being benefits associated with access to water, including reduced stress, lower heart rate and blood pressure, increased feelings of

According to this theory, then, workspace design that takes

tranquillity, positive emotional responsiveness, improved

inspiration from this natural sympathy between humans and

concentration and perception, and memory restoration.

nature will help improve worker health and happiness, in turn leading to more productive workforces.

The general take-away from the research is that a frequent multi-sensory experience of clean water is very good for our

Creating office spaces that take this yearning for nature into

psycho-physiological well-being.

account will ensure that employees are not just healthier and happier, but more productive and creative as-well.

Nature as a positive distraction Workers top 5 list for a working environment:

Biopphilia hypothesis

-Quiet working space

When designing to create a more productive and stress-

-A view of the sea

free working indoors environment the senses need to be

-Live indoor plants

considered. Sight, hearing and smell - incorporating natural

-Bright colours often found in nature such as yellows, greens

cues into these senses positively affect our well-being and

and blues

reduce stress. If these implement visual mimics of nature are in spaces situated 20 feet or so away, it allows depth of view

In his 1984 book, The Biopphilia Hypothesis, the

beyond our computer screen.

theorist Edward O Wilson suggested that:

“Thermal variability” - it can be incorporated into air flow or temperate through fans, natural textures and fabrics. 78

If our environment echoes nature, it will positively affect

which surround us. Colours can provoke different emotions

our well-being. Natural surfaces, forms and patterns such

with different people - they can naturally affect our mood and

as crystals, leaves, sea shells, snow-flakes etc. will create a

behaviour.

positive response among humans. Humans tend to seek out colours which are within the colour Structures and elements that capture natural forms - designer

palette of nature when it is thriving - greens and blues.

Buckmunster fuller claims that with this “you feel something

Biophillic engagement

has a resonance with the natural world”.

What can we do to create sustainable interiors for long term Light-flow, windows and exposure to natural diurnal patterns

human occupancy in the majority of yesterdays buildings that

all create a connection to the rhythm of life and the living

we already know are not optimal for human health and which

systems found in nature.

will continue to be used tomorrow?

“In a world that never sleeps - where information

Biophillic illusions of nature represent an opportunity to

always flows, boundaries blur, transparency reigns

immerse the patients (in a hospital setting) in a deeper, much

and the sound of silence ceases to exist - our instincts

more healing and therapeutic experience than positive

prompt us back to nature, with its subtle yet clear

distraction has to offer. This deep experience is biophillic

cues on how best to live and work”

engagement.

Surroundings can communicate the subtly and richness of

Biophillic engagement is our innate response in natural

nature - but change and evolve as we do. It will bring out the

environments; how our physiology reacts when we walk

very best in our complex and glorious human nature.

along a seashore, look out from a secluded buff or dip our toes in the currents of a wild river. When our sense are ignited

Statistics have shown that there has been a major

and immersed in nature, because of our genetic proclivity, our

movement of populations globally into urban areas

familiarity and sense of beauty, our attention draws us into a

and that we are as disconnected from nature as we have ever been.

deep and refreshing experience of the nature around us. The

In a recent nationwide survey carried out in the Neverlands,

opposite to the fight or flight response.

“relaxation response” is a cordial aspect of this dynamic. It is

95% of the respondents indicated that they believe a visit to nature is a useful way of obtaining relief from stress.

Biophillic engagement is able to elicit a deep psycho-

Nature contains very calming stimuli - referred to as “soft

physiological experience because the environmental cues

fascinations”. These aesthetically pleasing natural elements

used to assemble the illusion.

have the ability to attract and hold an individual’s attention effortlessly and sometimes involuntary. It’s this effortless

Fractals

attention which is so important in comparison to complete

Fractals are irregular self-similar geometry found in nature.

focus and directed attention that goes into lengthy tasks and

They are effectively the ‘finger prints’ of nature. We see them

work.

in coastlines, snowflakes, leaf veins, lungs, trees, lightning and other natural occurrences.

Ecological Valence Theory Object and colour association is a concept that Palmer

In recent years, physicists have found that people

and Schloss have called the ‘ecological valence theory’ - it

invariably prefer a certain mathematical density of

contributes to our natural colour preferences and rule our

fractals - not too sparse or too dense.

everyday decisions.

We respond so dramatically to this pattern that it can reduce stress levels by as much as 60%.

Everyday we are subconsciously affected by the colours 79

How can I incorporate the constant and unpredictable movement found within nature into static and uninspiring urban environments to reduce stress and increase productivity? My key question

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Visual research How can I integrate and incorporate the constant and unpredictable movement found within nature into static and uninspiring urban environments?

I decided to do some visual research and gather up a huge range of colourful natural patterns to inspire my ideas and creativity. I wanted to harness nature through design in an abstract yet beautiful way. Many of the patterns I found were very intricate and visually stunning, which could be used as a bases for designs, but as of yet I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure what the outcomes were going to be. I also created several collages of images of biophillic interior design and architecture, to gain an understanding how sophisticated designers have been inspired by nature when creating an urban environment. I found large windows, green walls, plant life and the presence of water to be important themes within biophillic design. The designs also captured natural textures in the surfaces, such as wood and grass. These were mimicked through pattern and colours.

How can we make our environments less static and mechanical through fresh, energising, interesting and natural moving design interventions? How can objects/materials capture the constant, evolving and unpredictable movement we find in nature? How can we design to make a space more engaging, stimulating and reduce stress? How can the solutions be integrated into already existing dull, static and un-stimulating environments?

brief distraction / constant / unpredictable / movement / momentary / exposure / sounds / scents / moving / growing / evolving / adapting / ephemeral / connections / de-stress / environments / seasonal / water / breeze / rain / butterflies / birdsong / bird-flight / waves / flow / sway / weather / ripples / peace / rustling / leaves / perception / visual / 20x20x20 / visual / shift the focus / stimuli / peripheral vision / fresh / energising / interesting / biophilic / design

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

NRSS I found myself captivated by non-rhythmic sensory stimuli - this natural movement that can really reduce stress and improve peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s productivity that I never knew even had a name, or gave a second thought.

Nature is never static, it is always moving, growing and adapting - it makes sense that us as humans respond positively to and feel connected to this movement. I began to think about where in nature we find this movement - bird flight, leaves in the wind, trees, breezes, water (streams, rivers, the sea, rain), weather, seasons, animals etc. On second thought, I always find myself to be the happiest when immersed in nature, and really benefit from its abilities to calm mind and stimulate the senses. I also felt very intrigued by the 20x20x20 rule, (a natural distraction, every 20 minutes, 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and began to ponder how I could create a design intervention that would offer this calming distraction in a more innovative way than just a plant or a window - which would really help people who spend long days in the office staring at a screen (it will help prevent tension headaches).

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Capturing natural movement I decided to go out with a camera and capture elements of nature to gain further inspiration and insight to help drive my visuals and design thinking.

I captured trees in the wind, water movement from streams to the sea. I captured the sights and sounds of a forest. My aim was to find inspiration from this natural movement - once I had recorded it I could use it as a basis for design. I observed the different movement I saw, from the expanding rings of rain drops in a puddle, to the slow and fast rhythm of leaves in the wind - I found that none of the movement had a sequence, or set pace, it was all random.

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Water movement I decided to try and capture the slow and gradual movement of water through ink and oil.

I wanted to capture this mesmerising and slow movement as inspiration of how I could possibly take these visuals further and integrate them into interior environments to make an environment more relaxing and interesting. I dropped ink into small bottles and jugs, and filmed it in slow motion as the colours dispersed and created slow moving patterns. I also poured in oil, which separated the ink and water to create a relaxing display of colours and movements. The blue ink and oil created a visual display similar to that of the ocean, almost like I had a miniature ocean in a bottle directly capturing an impression of nature.

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Cloud lamp For another experiment, I created a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cloudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lamp - I used an old plastic bottle and filled it with fairy lights. I then covered the outside of the bottle with cotton wool, creating the texture and shapes similar to that of a cloud.

This lamp, lit up as though it were a real cloud in the sky with sunlight shining through it. It immediately made an interior space more interesting and dynamic, integrating a direct aspect of nature that we see every day.

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Ideas / thoughts I began to explore ideas of what objects/things I could

These walls could be situated through interior environments

create that would capture nature and integrate it into an

that are stressful - such as crowded train-stations/airports,

interior space.

hospitals or work spaces. These nature walls could show natural movement, such as the rain drops on water and how

I thought about a ‘nature bubble’, this would be a round glass

they generate circles which gradually expand, or the ink and

bubble, filled with aspects of nature from wood, flowers, grass

oil movement which I captured in my experiments, creating

etc. It could generate a ‘Breeze’ inside the bubble making

interesting and dynamic visual displays, which would offer a

the plants appear as if they are blowing in the wind. It could

calming, natural distraction.

also have small speakers that make nature sounds like birds singing, and release natural smells of plants and grass.

They could also show rain falling, leaves blowing in the wind through interesting shapes and colours and show the flow of

I also thought about creating a ‘rain box’, this would be a

water in a river or stream.

bubble/tube/box capturing a rain storm. This could work in conjunction with the 20x20x20 rule. The box would

I thought about dynamic walls with 360 live streams of

constantly be raining, the rain would be operated by a pump

natural environments, there could be theme such as a jungle/

which would constantly pump the water up through a tube

beach/forest/sky/rain/storm/waves etc. I thought about kinetic

and it would fall down through small holes in a disk. This

sculptures (inspired by diffusion choir) which could move

could be placed on someone’s desk, making an environment

and echo natural forms - flowers/plants etc.

more relaxing and soothing, with the gentle constant movement of the water and the soft sound. It could be 20 feet away, and every 20 minutes there could be lights which flash and speakers which make the sound of thunder creating a miniature thunderstorm, which would go on for 20 seconds, giving a person the distraction and eye relief from the screen they have been starring at.

I also thought about interactive nature walls. 114

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The organic nature display I thought about a display that could be put up on walls which have different elements of nature framed within spaces.

There could be pressed leaves and flowers, natural patterns of water, clouds, rain, there could be plants, wood, a waterfall and miniature green wall. This display would be interesting and calming to look at.

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Do you feel like your working environment is stressful and why? Do you spend much time outside and in nature?

Primary research I decided to do some quick questionnaires to find out how

when I want! I make sure I go outdoors every day too.

much time people spend outdoors and in nature, and if their working spaces are static and uninspiring like my secondary

- My working environment can be stressful due to the fact

research suggests.

when there is conflict you are normally sat next to or near someone however I think Siemens way of working is old hat.

Do you feel like your working environment is

In more modern companies you can work from home or hot

stressful and why?

desk

- My working environment is stressful cause technically

- Yes, due to high pressure and pace, big caseload, working

people’s life’s are on the line but at the same time I don’t do

with people with you high risk. I find the IT side demanding

much work so it isn’t very stressful.

(lots of processes and often complicated and repetitive and time consuming) Also stress with multi tasking

- My work environment is not stressful because there are no patients on my day and only one staff. The jobs I have to do

- My working environment, is really not stressful, I work in

are very minimal and after that I can do my own work so it’s

a small family business, the actual job I really enjoy , very

yore relaxing to be honest.

social, sometimes the people you make have to work with can cause you stress?

- My working environment can be stressful when there isn’t enough staff for the amount of customers or if other staff

- Yes! There’s too much to do.

members are shite - Sometimes it’s very stressful at work as there’s so much to - My work place stressful because people always on my case

do. Other times its not stressful.

pressuring me - About half and half. - No because I work from home and can do what I want 120

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

- Yes because my office is so small and cluttered, and it can

much time as you can out side , I certainly , am a person who

be quite claustrophobic and uninspiring, also I have so much

need to breath in the fresh air !

work to do it builds up and becomes very stressful.

- Not too often now in January - just once last week - but several times a week when the weather is better.

- No it is stress free and pleasant, thanks to the great team. - Outside time - I try to. I cycle to work through Richmond - Not too stressful, I feel I can deal with stress at work quite

Park so I’m outdoors then. I sometimes walk at lunchtime. I

well.

often get outside at the weekend

- Yes. Workload and balancing work and family is difficult.

- When I can, but when I am so busy with work and the weather isn’t too great I spend most of my time indoors.

Do you spend much time outdoors and in nature?

- Not as much ad I’d like to.

- I spend a lot of time outside on the airport etc. And if I’m out

- Nowhere near as much as I want too – need to get outside

on my days off it’s usually more cities I would spend my time

more but I am so busy.

in than nature - Not a lot, mostly weekends I spend 4 hours outdoors and - And I don’t really spend much time outside or with nature

mon-fri is going to work then home.

probably every month will go for a walk with mum & gabes in woodland gardens or something like that - And I spend time in nature but not as much as id like - And I spend time in nature love a good park and travel to different country’s - I make sure I go outdoors every day too. - I am trying to spend more time outdoors as I feel as though it’s good for my mood and health - I go outside and in nature as much as possible as find it replenishing and grounds me. Also it offers beauty (spirituality). Enjoy dancing. - I think I’m very lucky to live in a very beautiful part of Dorset , where we have a lot of green around us , I spend as 121

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Natural patterns I began to try and capture and mimic natural patterns that could be used in design solutions as I had learnt from my research that spaces that mimic natural textures and patterns can ignite our senses, reaffirm our connections with the natural world and reduce stress.

I explored different textures such as wood, pebbles, water, leaves, coral. I painted some and created some digitally on illustrator to experiment with different mediums and forms.

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Thoughts I had a tutorial to discuss my current ideas and process, and how I could develop it further into a coherent visual response/outcome.

The designs looked too much like decorative wallpaper, they were too illustrative and detailed - I needed to push the visuals further. Something more abstract, that echoes nature in a more sophisticated, unique and experimental manner. How could I capture/make an impression of nature without it just being a pattern? How could I push my visuals further? Nature can merely be an inspiration. I should think about different possible materials I can use, 3D objects/ paper and experiment with filming their movement to echo natural shapes and forms. It was at this point that it was discussed that I could create visuals that capture the movement in an abstract manner which could be presented as an art exhibition at the Tate - this allowed me to really explore and experiment with visuals. I should show the growth, the unpredictability, the evolution and the movement of different elements of nature. I decided to do some research into 3D interactive exhibitions using nature and moment as an inspiration, and look further into biophillic architects and designers.

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How can I capture/make an impression of nature without it just being a pattern? How can I visually capture the movement with graphical shapes? How can I really show the unpredictability, the evolution and the movement?

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Troika Limits of a known territory ‘Limits of a Known Territory’ is a site-specific installation

Territory’, in which the viewer is surrounded by water, ‘Testing

by Troika shown for the first time at NC-arte in Bogotá,

Time’ crystallises the notion of control over chaos, man over

transforming more than 200 square meters of the foundation

nature into a distinct object.

space into a crepuscular, seemingly abandoned environment, flooded with water.

Drawing upon Troika’s interest in the connections between randomness and the exercise of control, ‘Limits of a Known

The gallery echoes with the variable sound of eleven

Territory’ becomes the simulation of a parallel reality or the

streams of water dripping from the ceiling, behaving

stage for a glitchy futuristic reminiscence of what might once

in different and unfamiliar ways: some are frozen

have been a casual occurrence.

in time, others running slower, faster or in reverse. The visitor navigates the space by walking over

The exhibition also draws

stepping-stones scattered across the floor.

on and captures the flow of

The subjective and intangible experience of time is made

nature and its invariability and

physical by the controlled choreography of the varying speeds

unpredictability - the movement

and illogical directionality of the water streams. These assume in the empty space of the gallery the somewhat architectural

is both chaotic and organised in

value of liquid pillars while imbuing the space with a visual sense of rhythm.

a formation.

‘Limits of a Known Territory’ is Troika’s second use of water within a sculptural environment. ‘Testing Time’ operates on a similar formula, suspending a single stream of water, so it separates into static, singular droplets. Unlike the unpredictable, immersive nature of ‘Limits of a Known 145

RESEARCH - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Barbican The rain room of contemplation.

Known for their distinctive approach to digital-based contemporary art, Random International’’s experimental artworks come alive through audience interaction. Their

The work also invites us to explore what role science,

largest and most ambitious installation yet, Rain Room is a

technology and human ingenuity might play in stabilising

100 square metre field of falling water for visitors to walk

our environment by rehearsing the possibilities of human

through and experience how it might feel to control the rain.

adaptation. Random International said: Rain Room is the latest in a series

On entering The Curve the visitor hears the sound of

of projects that specifically explore the behaviour of the

water and feels moisture in the air before discovering the

viewer and viewers: pushing people outside their comfort

thousands of falling droplets that respond to their presence

zones, extracting their base auto-responses and playing with

and movement.

intuition. Observing how these unpredictable outcomes will manifest themselves, and the experimentation with this world

At the cutting edge of digital

of often barely perceptible behaviour and its simulation is our main driving force.

technology, Rain Room is a carefully choreographed downpour – a monumental installation that encourages people to become performers on an unexpected stage, whilst creating an intimate atmosphere 146

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Thomas Heatherwick â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;British designer Thomas Heatherwick founded Heatherwick Studio in 1994 to bring craft, design, architecture and urban planning together in a single workspace. Today a team of 200, including architects, designers and makers, work from a combined studio and workshop in Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross, London. Rather than identifying with any particular style or aesthetic, Heatherwick Studio is best characterized by its working methodology. The studio explores and tests responses to produce a design that fulfils spirit and letter of the brief in an inventive way. This process is independent of scale: from developing a chair or a masterplan, the same system of collaborative inquiry and experimentation is applied.

The concepts and designs, very much consider the importance of a biophilic living space, integrating natural shapes, forms and lots of greenery.

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Oliver Heath design alike.

Oliver Heath is an industry recognised expert in the field of sustainable architectural and interior design. With strong media and presentation skills, he has presented television

Retail: increased numbers of visitors, plus improved

programmes since 1998 working for numerous channels

sales and an extended duration of visit per customer.

including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Discovery Channel and

Create spaces your customers want to visit and enjoy

Norway’s TV2, most recently for the BBC’s DIY SOS where

spending time in.

his show was BAFTA nominated.

Homes: can become more calming, restorative, HOW WE IMPROVE SPACES:

invigorating and energy efficient with improved overall health & well-being. These benefits create

Biophilic design uses human’s innate attraction to

happier healthier spaces benefiting home owners

nature and natural processes to improve the many

and businesses alike.

spaces we live and work in. Key aspects include improving natural light, improving views onto

Biophilia (meaning love of nature) focuses on human’s innate

nature, incorporating natural materials textures

attraction to nature and natural processes. It suggests that we

patterns, ventilating spaces and creating restorative

all have a genetic connection to the natural world built up

spaces.

through hundreds of thousands of years of living in agrarian settings.

Through strengthening the human connection with nature we can deliver significant benefits to the health and well being

It is a term popularized by American psychologist Edward

of the many spaces we live and work in with a research led

O Wilson in the 1980’s, when he observed how increasing

approach and demonstrable results.

rates of urbanisation were leading to a disconnection with the natural world. With high rates of migration to urban settings

WHAT SPACES CAN BE IMPROVED:

in the developed world and soaring rates in developing

Using Biophilic Design principles our research indicates

countries – Biophilia is of ever increasing importance to our

improvements to:

health and well-being in the built environment.

Office design: productivity can be increased by

Biophilic Design uses these ideas as principles to create a

8%, rates of well-being up by 13%, increases

human centred approach that when applied improves many

in creativity, with reduced absenteeism and

of the spaces that we live and work in today, with numerous

presenteeism

benefits to our health and well-being.

Education spaces: increased rates of learning 2025%, improved test results, concentration levels and

“The World Health Organisation expects stress related illness,

attendance, reduced impacts of ADHD.

such as mental health disorders and cardiovascular disease,

Healthcare spaces: post-operative rates of recovery

to be the two largest contributors to disease by 2020. With

reduced by 8.5%, reduced pain medication by 22%,

a diminished connection to nature, the increasing pressure

improved conditions for patients, staff and visitors

on urban space & the ubiquitous technological presence we 150

absenteeism of 3.5 days per pupil.

have less opportunity to recuperate our mental and physical energy.”

HOW DO WE IMPLEMENT BIOPHILIC DESIGN? Incorporating direct or indirect elements of nature into the At Heath Design we take a quantitative and qualitative

built environment have been demonstrated through research

approach to define the brief and requirements. We work

to reduce stress, blood pressure levels and heart rates, whilst

alongside the client plus financial, HR, FM managers and the

increasing productivity, creativity and self reported rates of

spatial users themselves to build a complete picture.

well-being.

This leads us to better understand the spatial and human

Businesses at the vanguard of work place design such as

opportunities that exist and realise more focused results to

Apple, Google and Amazon are investing heavily in Biophilic

the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit.

Design elements. These principles are shown to improve worker concentration, engagement and cognitive ability but

Our investigations would like lead us to make improvements

also to attract and retain staff in the “war for talent”.

to:

There have been numerous studies over the last 35 years on the benefits to the built environment

- Optimization and organisation of spaces with a human

through improving a connection to nature.

focus - Thermal comfort levels - Air quality, toxin levels and ventilation

A recent study called the Global Impact of Biophilic Design

- Acoustic comfort

in the Workplace, by carpet tile manufacturers Interface

- Improved natural and artificial lighting

looked at 7600 office workers over 16 countries. The results

- Internal and external views onto nature

were clear, that those work spaces with biophilic elements

- The use of natural materials textures, patterns and colours

were:

- The incorporation of recuperative spaces

• 6% more productive

aesthetic environment with brand recognition

• 15% higher levels of self reported well-being

psychological and physiological effects of the space

• 15% more creative In healthcare spaces a report carried out 1984 by Roger Ulrich demonstrated benefits to patients recovering form gall bladder surgery in rooms with views onto nature : patients recovered 8.5% faster, and required 22% less medication, and felt less pain. In schools with biophilic features there are a pyramid of benefits; to the student, the staff, the education establishment and the economy on the whole, such as: children learn 20 to 25% faster when natural light is present, classrooms with plants can see improved performance in spelling, mathematics and science subjects of 10 to 14%. Green walls improve acoustics and air quality whilst reducing CO2 levels in spaces with poor ventilation reduced 151

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EXPERIMENTS - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Animation / projector experiment I decided to start experimenting by making an animation capturing the movement of rain when it hits puddles/water, as I found the expanding rings to be quite mesmerising and relaxing.

As I don’t have much experience with animation and motion graphics, I made this basic animation in illustrator, creating each layer and exporting it as a flash file. It is effectively a stop motion animation. This meant that it took a while creating all the layers, and the final result didn’t look particularity smooth or sophisticated. I studied the video I took of rain drops in a puddle, to get an idea of how the rings form and expand. At this point what made the animation quite unrealistic was that all the drops started at the same time, meaning the circles were expanding in unison. On a puddle when the rain drops hit the water, they all hit it at different times, making the movement more random and dynamic, as all the circles will be different sizes and expanding at different rates - however I struggled to bring this into my animation, as it was a very lengthy process making all the layers. The next part of this experiment was projecting the animation onto the wall, to make it become part of a static interior space. I used a mini projector for this, which meant the projection appeared very small, and wasn’t as effective as how I had envisioned it, but it still brought this natural movement off my laptop, and into the environment immediately making the space more interesting.

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IDEAS - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Flow meets static exhibition After experimenting with the basic rain animation, I began

environments to create a fresh and inspiring atmosphere

to explore what the potential exhibition could be called and

promoting productivity.

how I could create and present it. I thought that dots/circles could blow around like leaves in

Possible names:

the wind - capturing the autumn leaf colours (browns/yellows/

- Natural distractions

greens). At this point I thought about making these animations

- Evolving kinetics

as stop motion animations - either drawing the frames on

- Nature’s movement

illustrator or by hand.

- Nature’s flow - Evolving kinetic flow

These would be reflections and visual imitations of nature so

- Kinetic natural flow meets static

would need to be abstract. I thought about capturing rain,

- Natural flow meets static

growth, birds, butterflies, leaves in wind, cells, sea, waves. At

- Flow meets static

this point I wasn’t too sure how I was going to do it however, I knew I would need to experiment with shapes and colours to create the right abstract visuals, which would effectively

Flow meets static - the natural

create and represent what I want show.

flow and rhythm of nature combined with a static and dull interior environment. I thought that this could be an exhibition for Tate about bringing the natural, unpredictable and constantly evolving movement of nature into our static uninspiring urban 158

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“Important healthcare research is starting to show how Biophillic design can reduce stress, enhance healing and improve hospital performance”

“We grow as children by interacting with nature and learning about the world and ourselves - when we cut that off we are limiting a child’s development” 160

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Biophillic design the architecure of life

I discovered a really interesting and informative film online all about biophillic design, so I decided to watch it and jot down important information to further expand my knowledge. - ‘Spirit of place’ - 90% of our time is in built environments

- Convey the feeling of connection to landscapes

- Shapes and forms inspired by design found in nature - Nature - necessary for our survival, linked to our

- Enhanced learning, quicker recovery, satisfaction

fundamental existence as beings

- Biophillic design can improve people’s lives

- Flowers - new bursts of nature - Sensory deprivation

- Sensory, touching things and listening things

- Sustainability - what impact does nature have on us?

- Nature deficit disorder, disengagement from children and nature

ELEMENTS OF BIOPHILLIC DESIGN

- Botanical gardens / nature discovery centres for children

- Direct/obvious or more subtle/less obvious

- What is a column, what is a tree?

- Can be singular or in combination

- Buildings like trees and cities like forests

- Interior atrium decorated with plants and decorations that mimic natural forms

- People in hospitals with a view of nature recovered quicker, felt less pain and were in better spirits

- Open yet secure spaces

- Reduces stress - hostility and aggression

- Participant/spectator

- Children’s hospitals - full of nature, plants/animals models, birds hanging off walls - makes the place more healing and pleasant

- Emotional aspects/connections - Life follows life

- Increasing biophillic design in work places - more productive, better work morale - social and psychological well-being

- Materials obtained from nature - stone/tree - more functional and beautiful

- Office design - in a box/ no view to the outside (images and artwork of nature) -Johnson wax building

- Forms and patterns of nature, motion of natural light - Blur that connection between outside and inside - Shelter/connector - connection to landscape - Not just decoration - spaces and how that affects people’s behaviour 161

IDEAS - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Developing Ideas I began to think further of the animations I could create to

lapsed.

capture nature. At this point I realised that the best way to create these I thought about dots and circles for leaves, flowers

animations would be through after effects as motion graphics,

blooming, seashore, fish shapes swimming in water.

this would effectively capture the pace and movement. So I decided to use youtube tutorials to teach me how to use aftereffects and how to create these different animations.

I had a tutorial to discuss ideas. It was said that I needed a

The animations would need to

sophisticated colour palette and

be random, abstract and formed

that the shapes needed to be

of sophisticated and interesting

abstract and dynamic.

colours.

I decided to do butterflies/birds, clouds, rain on water, leaves in the wind, growth (plants/trees) and water movement.

I could also create the branding and necessary posters

I thought that the butterflies/birds could be made out

advertising the exhibition - I could have still prints and

of triangles, which flap like wings but give more of an

moving posters (a like the ones we see at train stations and

impression of flight and insects as opposed to a detailed

bus stops). I would need to do the branding effectively to

representation. It would be a reflection, echoing the form and

present the exhibition in a beautiful and alluring manner,

movement.

and bring it to life as if it were a real thing. I could then project these animations onto walls, and film it, over the

I thought that the clouds could be large grey and blue circles,

interesting quotes that I discovered about nature and humanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

slowly moving from left to right and overlapping each other.

connection to it (I could stick these on the wall with vinyl).

I thought that the rain drop circles would have to be more grey than blue, and hit the screen at random intervals, as the circles expand they would slowly disappear. The growth could be different shades of greens, like plants and trees, and could be triangles slowly getting taller and expanding, as if the growth had been recorded and time 162

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ANIMATION/OUTCOMES - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Butterfly animation I initially started drawing the shapes needed for this

wing to the null object, which in-turn made the wings flap.

animation as more detailed butterflies with two shades of

I also made the butterfly a 3D object, so I could adjust the

blue. But in the tutorial it was said that I needed to take

orientation to make it more realistic.

the detail down a notch, make them more abstract and

Once I had done this to all of the butterflies, I

interesting with their shape and form.

duplicated them and brought them in, one by one, to

So I simplified the form, and created around 23

a separate composition with a white background.

different ones, different sizes and shapes to capture the diversity and randomness of nature. I chose the

I drew a separate path for each butterfly to follow, I knew it

colours by collecting different pantones of beautiful

was important that all the paths the butterflies followed were

butterflies, and lowered the opacity so that when

different - emphasizing the randomness and diversity of the

they fly and overlap each other they can be seen

movement. I also changed the speed so some butterflies were

through it each other.

faster, and some slower.

I used a tutorial on youtube to teach me how to make the

This animation took me over 2 days, with a lot of trial and

butterflies wings flap realistically, and then fly along different

error, as I have had no previous experience with creating

paths around the screen. I began by saving the illustrator file

motion graphics. But the final result looked interesting,

as layers and brining it into aftereffects as a composition with

capturing the dynamic and random movement of insects. The

each layer. To create the flap effect, I had to create a null

only problem was that the movement was very fast, making

object, and add two slider controls (flap & speed), I put the

it a bit overwhelming to look at. I attempted to slow down

speed to 11 and added an expression for the flap which was -

the pace of each butterfly by deleting several key frames, but because the wings flapped so fast, they didn’t look right flying

Math.sin(time * effect(“Speed”)(“Slider”)) *45

so slowly. And butterflies and insects do fly very fast anyway.

I got this expression from the youtube tutorial, and for a while aftereffects didn’t recognise the expression, which I eventually realised was because the ‘Speed’ and ‘Slider’ needed to start with a capital letter. This was my first time using expressions - so it was a challenge to get my head around. Once I had the sliders created with the expression working, I pickwhipped each 167

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Cloud animation For the cloud animation I created several circles in different

I had different clouds coming in from the left and

sizes which were light blue and grey, to create an impression

right at different times, giving it more diversity. The

of a cloud.

final outcome was quite relaxing and soothing to watch, as they gently glided across the screen. This

I made the opacity low, so the clouds can be seen

animation was a much more soothing and calmer

when overlapping each other, much like they

one than the butterfly one.

actually are in the sky.

I created different sized clouds as in the sky they come in all I chose light blue and grey, and white clouds in the cloud

shapes and sizes, but I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to make them too cloud

appear blue sometimes against the blue sky, and grey clouds

like, to step away from a more detailed illustration and keep it

represent storm/rain clouds. I made two versions of this

abstract alike the butterfly animation.

animation.

If it were to be more realistic, I would make the This one was quite simple and easy to create as I simply

clouds move even slower, but this may be a bit

made straight paths from left to right and vise versa for each

boring to watch - so for the purpose of entertainment

individual cloud. The first version the clouds appeared to

they are faster which looks more interesting and

move much too fast, making it unrealistic as in the sky they

visually dynamic.

are very very slow. So in the second animation I made them much slower by moving the key frames further apart. 174

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Growth animation For the growth animation I made several different layers of green triangles, small short and wide and others tall and thin.

I chose calming and visually complementing greens, to reinforce that these shapes represent natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth - from plants to trees. I used the stop watch for size, and changed the height of each triangle for the key-frames so they all gradually grow upwards in a slow and calming manner. Some of the triangles also stop, and changed in width, creating a more visually dynamic effect, and more realistic representation of growth.

I made several different versions of this animation, to experiment with how I could present it. In the first animation all the plants gradually grow upwards, making it more calming and realistic. In the second they come in from above and grow down, making it more visually stimulating and in the last they grow out from the sides too. However in the second two, the final animations seemed more â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;violentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reminiscent of teeth/a mouth closing, or a space being taken over - which took away from the soothing and calming element I needed it to harness.

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Leaf animation(s) I found this animation more difficult as capturing the

tracing an image of leaves on Illustrator - making the shapes

movement of leaves in the wind isn’t easy.

more angular and diverse like real leaves.

I started by making the leaves circles, and choosing

I also selected new pantones - which I took from an

a red and yellow to represent autumninal colours

image of autumninal leaves - these were more calming,

- however these colours seemed too bright and

complementing and aesthetically pleasing colours.

unnatural.

I then animated these new leaf shapes, making them glide across in the screen at a much more gentle and slower pace,

The circles flew across the screen at a very high speed, with

effectively capturing the natural movement.

many in the background moving round and round. I used the wiggle expression to make them individually move in circles,

I then changed the yellow and blue circle animation by

whilst they move across the screen.

making all the circles blue, so they would appear more like bubbles in water, creating another reflection of nature through

The overall outcome however didn’t really bring

animation.

leaves to mind - it was too busy, fast and manic and didn’t hugely represent the more gentle movement. They were more reminiscent of cells than leaves and the colours didn’t quite work, nor did it complement the overall theme and other animations I had created. I tried to slow it down, and include less ‘leaves’, but it still looked cluttered and unnatural. So after showing it in a tutorial, and discussing how I could develop the visuals further, I decided to make the ‘leaves’ more leaf like by 182

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Water animation The next animation I created was the water animation. I started this by inspecting videos I had taken of moving water (in the ocean, streams, puddles, rivers and ponds) and figuring out how I could recreate this movement through motion graphics in an abstract manner.

As water has many layers to it, and depth with different currents creating different movement I decided to create this animation from several shapes which all move individually and overlap each other. I chose 3 different colours, as I wanted to keep my colour palette limited, calming and sophisticated. I chose 2 shades of blue and a grey, since these tend to be the colours found in water. I brought each shape into aftereffects, and animated each in individual compositions - I made them all gradually rotate, all at different orientations and speeds. I then brought all the moving shape layers into one composition with a white background and duplicated them, layering them over each other so no background can be seen. The final animation was calming and interesting, echoing water in a non-obvious and subtle way.

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ANIMATION/OUTCOMES - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Rain animation For the rain animation I already had an idea of how I was going to do it from the initial stop frame animation I did for an experiment.

I created 3 layers, a dot, and two rings, one slightly larger than the other. I then brought these layers into a composition on after effects. I started by making just the dot appear, like the initial splash the rain drop makes when it hits the water. I then made it disappear and made the two rings expands from it, at slightly different speeds. I then duplicated the 3 animated layers, and placed them in different spaces all over the screen.

I then made it so the individual animations appear at different times, making it more realistic. In my first attempt at this animation the screen eventually became too cluttered with all the circles as they expanded, meaning the new forming circles couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be seen so well. I resolved this by simply changing the opacity of the rings as they get larger, meaning they slowly fade out and disappear as they would in real life.

I chose a blue/grey pantone for these drops, as water tends to be of this colour. If it were any other colour it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t properly represent it.

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Posters/branding After I created all my animations I decided that I needed to create posters and an identity to advertise it, as though it were a real exhibition. I had fun with all the shapes, and overlapped them and experimented with how they could work together to create a colourful and diverse visual language.

I started by experimenting with different fonts for the title of the exhibition â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Flow meets staticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. As the whole look and feel of the animations are experimental, unique and contemporary I wanted the font to have a contemporary look and feel to it to complement this. I eventually chose the font futura as this equated with the modern look I was going for. I made the text into shapes and cut them out of a white rectangle using the path finder tool effectively making it a hollow cut out. I then placed the patterns (created from the shapes used in the animations) behind the hollow text so they can be seen through. This created an interesting an effective look.

I overlapped the shapes to create interesting patterns, which can be used for each poster. There would be a poster per animation, which would be placed in different locations giving away a hint of the visuals of the exhibition, without communicating too much.

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5th June ~ 5th July 2017 a dynamic exhibition using shapes to explore and echo the constant and evolving movement found within natur e

Southbank The tate modern visit www.tatemodern/flowmeetsstatic

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5th June ~ 5th July 2017

a dynamic exhibition using shapes to explore and echo the constant and evolving movement found within natur e

Southbank The tate modern visit www.tatemodern/flowmeetsstatic

5th June ~ 5th July 2017

a dynamic exhibition using shapes to explore and echo the constant and evolving movement found within natur e

Southbank The tate modern visit www.tatemodern/flowmeetsstatic

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Southbank The tate modern visit www.tatemodern/flowmeetsstatic

5th June ~ 5th July 2017

a dynamic exhibition using shapes to explore and echo the constant and evolving movement found within natur e

Southbank The tate modern visit www.tatemodern/flowmeetsstatic

5th June ~ 5th July 2017

a dynamic exhibition using shapes to explore and echo the constant and evolving movement found within natur e

a dynamic exhibition using shapes to explore and echo the constant

Southbank The tate modern

and evolving movement found within natur e

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Southbank The tate modern

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Final posters After a tutorial and showing my current posters to others it was said that I needed to make the typography of the date on the poster much smaller and have no black as that takes away from the visuals and colour on the posters.

So I developed them further, It was also said that I need to make them larger (they were A3) so I made them into A2 posters so they are much more attention grabbing and visually powerful. It was also said the patterns are almost works of art, and that I should print them separately as limited edition prints. I put a lot of white space around the edges to draw more focus on the patterns, and it was said that I could write â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;flow meets staticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the corner in handwriting, to make them more personal, and as separate outcomes to the promotional posters.

I also began to experiment with other formats that I could place the patterns and visual language in - I created post cards that could be handed out or purchased at the exhibition.

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Moving/ Interactive posters I decided that to really effectively advertise the exhibition there would need to be ‘moving’ posters too which would show each animation. These posters would be displayed at locations where moving posters are displayed - such as in train stations, bus stops and public places on an LED display.

I created these by making a PNG of the cut out ‘flow meets static’ and bringing into a portrait aftereffects composition. I then put the animation on the composition and overlayed the png, so the moving shapes can be seen behind the words ‘Flow meets static’. These posters really capture the natural movement, and are more visually pleasing and exciting then just printed posters. I also thought that they could be interactive (if possible), people could touch the screen and the moving shapes would react to their touch. For example, they could touch on the ‘leaf’ and it would stop moving, then they could manipulate its path by moving it across the screen. This would make the posters more engaging, and hopefully would intrigue and motivate people to go to the exhibition if it were to be a real thing.

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ANIMATION/OUTCOMES - NEW FOCUS: ENVIRONMENTS

Making the exhibition / Final video For the final outcome of this project I aim to ‘create’ the

The promotional video will begin with the key statistics and

exhibition and make a promotional video advertising it.

facts that I found out about people spending too much time indoors -

I aim to project the animations onto walls (in the drawing studio, if possible) and film it as though it were a real

The average American spends a staggering 93% of

exhibition. I wanted to have quotes from my research on

their time indoors while Europeans spend 85% - 95%

the walls too (in vinyl) which would lie next to and behind

of their time indoors.

the projected animations to shed more information on the exhibition and its purpose/objective and narrative. However, I

These interior environments where we live and work

won’t be able to put these quotes on the walls as the drawing

are often dull and static, devoid of the rich sensory

studio will not allow it - so I will try and edit them into the

stimuli that we find in nature.

footage afterwords. I also want to have a few people as actors in the video - touching the walls and parts of the animations

The biophillic theorist Edward O’Wilson claims that

as if they were people viewing the exhibition.

“There is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems, a yearning to be close to

The information on the walls:

nature, not just by spending time outside, but by

FLOW MEETS STATIC:

bringing the natural world indoors”.

Flow meets static is an installation exploring the

It will then say ‘Introducing’ and ‘FLOW MEETS STATIC’ will

constant and unpredictable movement found within

appear as a cut out PNG with the butterfly animation behind

nature through abstract shapes.

the letters so they can be seen through. It will then fade to grey, and the words ‘a dynamic exhibition using shapes to

“We are as disconnected from nature as we have

explore and echo the constant and evolving movement found

ever been”

within nature’ will appear underneath. It will then fade into the shots of the projected animations on the walls - but will

“In a world that never sleeps, our instincts prompt us

only show short shots of each one to act as a teaser/glimpse of

back to nature”

what the exhibition is to intrigue people to go. It will be put to

“Nature is constantly moving and evolving”

a soundtrack of relaxing/calming but powerful music -

“There is an instinctive bond between humans and

‘Somewhere inbetween’

other living systems”

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EVALUATION

So. What went well? I found this project to be the most challenging project that

satisfied with the visuals I have created.

I have done over the entire course of this degree and I feel it has pushed my abilities to really be creative by thinking

I feel my weaknesses in this project are in experimenting - I

outside of the box, experimenting, taking risks, discovering

found it difficult to do experiments without clear direction in

and learning about interesting and new areas of design.

my project - I struggled to find experiments that would help push my project further. I feel given that the time I had to

This project started off very slow - and I felt stuck on where

do this project (considering that I have put a lot of time into

to take it for a while which blocked my creativity to some

competition briefs) I am happy with how it has turned out.

degree. Finding a focus and topic for the project was difficult for me, as I’m still discovering my strengths and weaknesses

To improve this project further I would create more

and exploring what kind of design I would like to go into

animations reflecting different aspects of nature and

once I leave university.

experiment with how I can develop the visuals further (e.g. simplifying the leaf animation as it looks a little out of place

I used this brief as an opportunity to explore a subject area I

aside the others). I would also develop my skills further on

haven’t explored before and to experiment with using after-

after-effects, so I can experiment more with different ways of

effects and animating - something I have barely touched and

animating that may capture my intentions better.

is new to me. I enjoyed the challenge - and had to teach myself from scratch how to use after-effects, which I have

I enjoyed the promotional/advertising side to my solution(s)/

avoided using before as I felt animation wasn’t an area of

outcomes - I liked creating the postcards/posters and

design I wanted to go into, but after this project I would love

experimenting with all the patterns and visuals.

to improve my animation skills further. Overall this project was very difficult and challenging - it I feel my strengths in this project very much come from the

started off slow and it took a while for me to find direction

in-depth research I did - as that really inspired my creativity

and focus, however I feel it all came together in the end and I

and helped give my project narrative, focus and direction. I

am proud of the work that I have done for it.

have learnt about an area of design I knew nothing about Biophillic design, which really interested me - I would like to work on more projects involving this discipline/subject in the future, although I am aware that it is more architecture and interior design than it is graphic design. My strengths also come from the solutions that my project led me to - I am 236

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