Theia.

Solo project     

 

Brief

​

Due to our predominantly indoor and nature lacking lives, people are suffering creatively, cognitively, and mentally. Whilst we must accept that spending time indoors is a reality, improving the natural vitality of indoor areas through design can alleviate the subsequent issues.

 

    Research has shown that people who are exposed to biophilic design see drastic improvements in their overall mental health and productivity. The term "biophilia" was coined by biologist E.O. Wilson to describe humans' innate affinity for nature. Studies have shown that exposure to nature and natural elements in the built environment can have positive effects on mood, productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. As a product designed inspired by biophilic design, I aim to study these principals and apply them into my work, hopefully bringing these benefits to those who engage with it.

​

    An aspect of biophilia that I have explored and I studied deeply is natural light and the impact it has on us. As a result 

, it is the very essence of my latest project, Theia. Through the way it refracts, reflects, and casts shadows, natural light is an astonishing phenomenon that we are deeply connected to as humans. Theia intends to replicate aspects of this experience through the ambience it brings to a room and the design of its hand crafted aluminium body.

 

    Theia houses two powerful LEDs which cast light onto two reflective discs. These can be rotated to adjust the type of reflection, and what direction the light projects. The lower faces are white to reflect a solid functional light, and the upper halves are mirrored stainless steel, casting a reflection that emulates the interaction of water and light. Through increasing the natural ambience of our indoor areas, Theia intends to be a practical solution to the reality of our predominantly indoor lifestyle. It does not only intend to provide the benefits of biohpilia to our mental health, but also to remind us of positive associations with nature, encouraging us to spend time in it when we get the oppurtunity.

​

The prototyping and research process that I have carried out as a designer has brought myself closer to nature as a person and definetely as a designer.

​