Happy Healthy Spaces
JOURNAL
A more mindful way of being is driving a step change in how we live, work and travel. It’s time to design brands and spaces in tune with people and nature.
The concept of eco-tourism isn’t particularly new, especially here in Australia, however, as designers, it’s safe to say that when a space embraces both sustainability and aesthetics, the brand becomes much stronger and much more appealing across all measures. This hasn’t always been the case.
There are some truly breathtaking places and spaces that have a much more respectful footprint, that honour conscious choices while being beautiful to behold and to experience. This is clever business strategy, no doubt about it. We know that there’s an increasing market of big spenders who value sustainability and luxury, who want to keep their green credentials in check when they travel, work, stay and play across different hospitality and travel spaces. They want to minimise their impact and make a positive contribution to the communities they visit while being conscious consumers. They’re inspired by nature and contemporary (perhaps realistic) imaginings of off-the-grid experiences.
So what does this actually look and feel like in terms of design? Biomorphism is a concept that originated in the art world, which was leapt upon by designers. Why wouldn’t we? Literally, it’s the blend of two greek words - ‘bios’ for life and ‘morphe’ for form. It’s about taking the shapes, patterns and textures found in nature and applying them to a design context. They feel organic and natural and add a sense of serenity. Think of your favourite day spa with their muted tones on everything from the staff uniforms though to the wall colours, and beyond visual to the essential oils, the low, understated lighting and the subdued soundtracks. Biomorphism as a design concept also extends to the hospitality space beautifully - but only when it’s sympathetic to context.
It’s an indirect nature experience, inspired by nature. It has the means to build brand by influencing the experience through a perception of place identity that’s connected in community and culture.
From the aesthetic to the practical, a happy, healthy space is one that is measurably and demonstrably sustainable. It’s not just reusing towels or removing plastic straws, that’s just the start. It’s offering clear options to help people make eco-conscious and health-inspired choices aligned to their values and those of the community as well as reflective of and in tune with the local natural environment. Potato Head, Bali, is one of our favourite examples of a business offering clear options to help educate people about being eco-conscious and living more sustainably within a local tourism community. Not only is the furniture and amenities featured made locally out of recycled plastic bottles, the hotel itself was part constructed by a local village by hand, making 1.5 million mud bricks for construction. The hotel also partner with local farmers to organically grow and source ingredients from around the region too.
During the pandemic they launched the ‘Sweet Potato Project’, a farming initiative which saw them help to feed their staff and other local communities during this critical time. The project has evolved and has been extended to guests of the hotel as they reopen to the world, a kids club ‘Sweet Potato Kids’, offers educational and engaging workshops to educate children about the importance of sustainability and its impact on the planet. Classes include planting coconuts, building and flying bamboo kites, and making paints using sustainable pigments from leaves, petals and soil. Putting sustainability at the heart of everything they do, it’s part of the fabric and truly engaging the staff, local community and guests.
In terms of the actuality of a space, there are so many innovative materials and products that support an eco-friendly approach to travel and hospitality, some such as Nood Co becoming cult brands of their own. It involves embracing smart, high quality, raw and robust materials that limit the carbon footprint across the lifecycle of a space. It is decreasing energy consumption and saving water. It’s about creating spaces that cater to conscious consumers and designing happy healthy spaces that speak to people and the environment.
If we sparked a thought with this journal, we’d love to hear from you.
Come on Barbie
We explore what makes the perfect partnership as a rising wave of iconic brands come together to create one-of-a-kind experiences and pop-up stays.
Style and Substance
It's easy to get lost in an ever growing world of "locally inspired" lifestyle hotels. The abundance of choice and quality makes it hard for hotels to standout.
Design You Feel
We’ve always held tightly to our values led approach, the opportunity to articulate them more openly is one that we’re excited to take forward.
Experience Makers
Commerciality meets creativity. Life meets design. The result? A design studio working with the change makers enriching how we live, work and travel.
Soul Searching
There’s nothing like travel to teach us about ourselves, our sense of identity and belonging. When those same ideas shape a brand, the outcome is something deeper: design you feel.
Part of The Fabric
When a connection to community and place becomes a powerful, persuasive force, positively reshaping our cultural landscape.