Abstract

The research investigated the creative strategies for creating an Interior Design that can support the wellness and well-being of the occupants. It focused on analyzing the ‘in-between’ elements in the design and the experience that affected user perception. The research was conducted through a literature review about the spatial qualities to support wellness and wellbeing in a spatial design. Research also happened through the design process of ‘Shepparton Wellbeing Centre – Nutritious Hub’ from exploration study with physical model making, the final visualization stage, and the feedback from the design community. The design processes were documented and then written as a reflection summary to be analysed further.

The result showed that several aspects are crucial in the making of design supporting wellness and wellbeing. It had to be mindful of user positive experience. In the case of the design of Shepparton Nutritious Hub, the goal was to create a healing atmosphere considering affordance and inclusivity as an approach to supporting wellness and wellbeing for the user.

Within the design process, the research found interesting atmosphere generators and the role of experience within ‘in-between’ space to achieve the goal. The tangible elements such as layout and architectural form were the trigger of the inclusive experience. Moreover, the quality of material, texture, shape, and lighting were the generator of the atmosphere. Both affected the users in the space which determine the happening of atmosphere inclusivity.

For the designer, there was a limitation in this research as it was strongly based on visual communication. It had not happened within a real physical experience to be experienced by the user. Further research suggested covering the process of making in the physical environment to get a hint of user experience.

Keywords:

Wellness and Wellbeing, Interior Design, Atmosphere Inclusivity, In-between Space