The sand between your toes, the whisper of silk on skin, the creak of a wooden floor, the deep cool of stone walls, the handshake of the doorknob; these sensory experiences have an impact upon our mind, our body, the totality of our existence in space.
Philosophical materialism would go so far as to suggest that we are nothing more than the aggregate of our perceptions. That mind and consciousness are by-products of our brain chemistry in interaction with our surroundings.
Whether this is true or not, we can probably agree that materials are important from a psychological perspective, and that a deep understanding and appreciation of materials is essential to good design.
During London Design Festival, we will be hosting a panel discussion based on the question, “How do materials shape positive experiences?” Our panellists are luminaries from the worlds of design and psychology, and will certainly provide a lively and entertaining conversation.