Milan Fair Tests to See If Quality of Interior Design Affects Health

By the end of the year's first month, Kathy Russel cited a number of different tips to achieve healthy interiors. Russel pointed out that people spend a significant amount of time in their homes. The writer explains that there are some things that might be seen as unimportant or insignificant could actually have a great impact on the people that inhabit the space.

Russel added, that some design elements could even trigger positive or negative emotions or memories, that might completely change or set one's disposition for the day. Design elements that can impact health include light, air quality, room function, and furniture placement.

International architecture and design firm, Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, agrees with the concept, highlighting the importance of Salutogenic design which is design centering on the wellness of the occupant.

The design firm cited examples such as good lighting, which could lower risks of headache or reduce blood pressure; and good planning with proper way-finding could mean less stress for a user of the space, as compared to a confusing space that is difficult to navigate through.

Putting these theories and concepts to test, Salon Del Mobile teamed up with furniture giant Muuto, Reddymade Architecture, and InternationalArts + Mind Lab of Johns Hopkins University's Brain Science Institute.

During the 2019 furniture and design fair held in Milan, an interactive installation called "A Space for Being" was spearheaded by the Google VP of Hardware Design, UX, and Ivy Ross.

Google worked with Johns Hopkins team on a wristband that guests will use during the five-minute immersion in each room of the installation. The said wristband was made to measure body temperature, sweat, movement, heart rate, and breath rate.

"A Space for Being" is made up of three rooms designed with distinct differences. As the guests would enter each room, the wristband would record their physical reactions.

Reddymade designed each of the three rooms and were furnished with Muuto furniture. While each room was aesthetically appealing, the designs differ in theme. The "Essential" room features a cozy space with lush textures and warm tones. The playful room was called "Vital." Lastly, the "Transformative" room featured cool undertones within its minimal space. Coordinated lighting and appropriate music were also played during room visits.

By the end of the immersion in the designed rooms, data was collected from the wristbands. Data was then interpreted and analyzed to determine which of the three rooms makes the guest feel comfortable or at ease.

The importance of the project is the accuracy of the choice that could be made for homeowners in determining which room would work for them. Gone are the days when people will have to work with what a setting imposes.

Since well-being, including physical and mental health, is shown to be affected by interior design, this technology and concept can eliminate a homeowner's possible indecisiveness and promote higher efficiency in productivity while maintaining their health.