Eden-Gabriela Uta (she/her)

My view as a designer:

My interior design practice is very much user-centric. With my interest in cognitive psychology, I am creating an intergenerational healthcare facility for autism and dementia, a space that stimulates the senses and works with the user, not the other way around. By careful consideration of the journey and activities, the interiors are aiding the user in navigating the space. My design view is for the interior to feel safe and healing, while also using a range of different textures, colours and lighting in unexpected combinations. I am often designing bespoke elements to enhance the character of the historical site and to create moments of interest in each area of the building.

About the project:

IVANI- Introducing wellbeing through the interior environment

Concept

I want to create an intergenerational space that aids people in navigating their journey through life having dementia and autism. The project showcases an inclusive safe space that removes environmental triggers and confusion, establishes a sense of independence in the user while also having access to resources and support whenever needed.

There is a shortage of care homes that provide support not only through services, but also through the interior environment. Bland interiors, intricate circulation spaces only causing disorientation act as triggers. The environment is very important and it should be a healing space.

Although it is both a community centre and a residential accommodation, I do consider the typology to be healthcare and wellbeing.

Manifesto

How come we as designers strive to create better spaces without diving deep into the matter?

We must truly understand the issue so we can tackle it. And no, that doesn’t mean you get to read a few articles and that does the job. You need to feel it, live with it.

Your design concept needs to be there everyday with you. The first idea isn’t enough.

And frankly, it usually isn’t even that much thought through, has no relevant substance to it. You need to take a deep dive into it.

A very very deep one. Look into the experience of others, hear out their struggles, look at what they’ve had to go through just because of the lack of understanding of the general public. Because of stigma, because of labelling.

Go into specifics, hear out their stories. Sit with it. Go to bed and sit with your newly acquired information. Wake up and sit with it some more.

Go about your day and put yourself in those people’s shoes. Every step of the way, before every move you make think whether or not they would’ve been able to do that as easily as you.
Does it feel good?

Chances are if you are uneasy doing that, for them it is even harder. Your “user” it’s not just a user. That’s so impersonal. They are a person with needs and wants and wishes, just like you and me and us. The difference is they just don’t speak up for themselves. Your job is to speak up for them through your design. Design with care and love.

Design with empathy.

So go deep, look into it, ask around and listen.
But no, really listen. Listen and feel it.
Design with both you heart and your brain.
You need both.