Biophilic Design has so many aspects to it, it is not just plants, greenery, light, colour ways, it is also about using natural materials in products, using natural materials to enhance a space and provide happiness and comfort to those using it. A recent (and we hope successful!) entry to Surge for Water 2020, an annual design competition in Dubai run by the charity which is aiming to end poverty and provide clean water in challenged locations (eg Uganda and Haiti). I spoke to the design team of AAID, Allen Architecture Interior Design, is based in Dubai, about the concept behind their LINK entry. Working together they created an hexagonal modular wall system made out of sustainable local and recycled materials which also employ local artisans and labour. Just as we do, each 'LINK” block relies on the one below, and can be adapted as shelves, planters, like little pods. Obviously the hexagon is an important shape in nature, just look inside a Bee Hive.
With Lockdown preventing many of us from having our own space, the privacy to be able to pursue a hobby, to connect back to yourself, this challenge stuck the team at AAID as a key issue they wanted to help. Seeing people in labour camps, or being unable to move from four walls, when home becomes work, how do we reconnect to us? Their concept allows the community where it is installed to move it around, to make it taller or shorter, shape it.
One of the overarching elements of this project which for me is excellent, is that the manufacture of these LINK pod modular system supports local community, local farmers, local artisans, helping preserve specialist skills. Being surrounded by four walls wherever you are, whether that’s in an office building in Dubai or in a home in Wisconsin, you need something natural around you to help your wellness, your focus, your creativity, your happiness, your joy. This LINK system ticks all those boxes, and to top it all, it is a beautiful and inspirational piece of furniture! I wish them luck!
To find out more about AAID visit their website. For more about Surge for Water see theirs.
A big thank you to the team in Dubai for spending time with me and sharing their project with us too. Thanks to Regina Mathew, Mansi Tewari, Ruqaiyya Reza, Somya Garg.
Credits: with thanks to George Harvey Audio Production for the calming biophilic soundscape that backs all our podcasts.
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