Google’s Installation Tells You What Spaces Make You Feel Better than Others

Google, in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University’s Arts + Mind Lab, unveiled an installation titled _A Space for Being_ at Salone del Mobile in Milan. This multi-room experience is designed to demonstrate how aesthetically pleasing environments can positively impact human physiology, moving beyond subjective perceptions to provide data-backed evidence. The installation is spearheaded by Ivy Ross, Google’s vice president and head of design for all hardware products, and features spaces designed by architect Suchi Reddy, furnished with pieces from Muuto. _A Space for Being_ builds on Google’s previous Milan exhibition, ‘Softwear,’ continuing the exploration of design's impact on daily life. Ross, who also advises the Arts + Mind Lab as a Luminary Scholar, highlights that neuroscience can now prove what designers have long intuitively understood: that aesthetics, encompassing sensory systems like space, color, texture, music, and shape, influence brain activity, physiology, and overall well-being. The installation aims to be a thought leader in design, provoking discussions on the intersection of design and science. The installation consists of three distinct room environments: ‘Essential,’ ‘Vital,’ and ‘Transformative.’ Each room features subtle variations in lighting, scent, music, artwork, materials, and proportion, creating unique sensory experiences. Before entering, visitors are equipped with a specially designed band from Google Hardware and its Advanced Technology and Projects division. This wearable device measures physiological responses such as heart activity, breathing rate, skin conductance, temperature, and body motion. At the end of the experience, the collected data is downloaded and analyzed to provide visitors with insights into their personal reactions to the different environments. Suchi Reddy, the architect responsible for the interior and architectural design, describes her process as integrating art with science. She made conscious choices for every element and the sequence of the experience to evoke specific moods, balancing scientific research with aesthetic intuition. For instance, the ‘Essential’ room offers an intimate, earthy feel with curved walls, soft lighting, and touch-inviting surfaces, including a commissioned wool tapestry by Claudy Jongstra. The ‘Vital’ room is designed to be more playful with angled walls, concrete floors, bright colors, light patterns, and reflective surfaces. The ‘Transformative’ room features a natural, refined feel with a neutral palette, textured walls, indirect lighting, plants, and a minimal sculpture by Sabine Marcelis. The interiors, furnished exclusively by Muuto, maintain a common aesthetic, ensuring that visitors’ physiological reactions are primarily influenced by sensory stimuli rather than personal taste. Christian Grosen, Muuto’s design director, emphasizes the project's ability to create a new language around aesthetics, helping individuals understand and articulate their preferences beyond mere words. Susan Magsamen, executive director of the Arts + Mind Lab, notes the growing interest among neuroscientists in how the brain responds to aesthetic experiences, focusing on practical applications for health, well-being, and learning, including personalized neuroaesthetics. The installation allows the public to engage with this cutting-edge research, offering feedback on their responses to different environments. To ensure privacy, all collected data is erased in front of participants after assessment. Ross emphasizes that the initiative underscores the profound impact of design on well-being, encouraging people to make informed choices about their environments to enhance their physiology and foster a more peaceful state. #GoogleDesign #Neuroaesthetics #SaloneDelMobile #MilanDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #SensoryExperience #JohnsHopkinsUniversity #SuchiReddy #Wellbeing #DesignInnovation

The article explores the phenomenon of "AirSpace," a term coined to describe the homogenized aesthetic and environment propagated globally through digital platforms and Silicon Valley's influence. This concept highlights how technology shapes not only online interactions but also physical spaces, leading to a worldwide sameness in cafes, bars, startup offices, and co-living spaces. The genesis of this uniformity is illustrated through the experience of Igor Schwarzmann, co-founder of Third Wave, a strategy consultancy. He observes that Foursquare, a recommendation app, consistently directs him to cafes that share a strikingly similar faux-artisanal design—raw wood tables, exposed brick, and Edison bulbs—regardless of the city, from Odessa to Seoul. This isn't due to global chains but rather independent establishments adopting the same style, a "harmonization of tastes" facilitated by digital platforms. AirSpace is characterized by minimalist furniture, craft beer, avocado toast, reclaimed wood, industrial lighting, and fast internet, appealing to a specific connoisseurial mindset. This homogeneity makes travel frictionless for a particular demographic, enabling people to move between locations without a significant change in environment, embodying a concept akin to anthropologist Marc Augé's "non-places" that now permeate everyday life. This placelessness is actively fostered by companies like Airbnb. Airbnb, founded by Rhode Island School of Design graduates, transformed from a functionalist platform to one showcasing high-resolution, magazine-quality interior images. This shift propelled it past competitors by offering aspirational living spaces, promoting an "International Airbnb Style" that blends unfamiliarity with recognizability. Hosts, though not explicitly mandated, gravitate towards certain tasteful, mass-produced decor, leading to a consistent aesthetic across listings worldwide. This trend, while offering comfort and a sense of belonging for some travelers, also risks becoming generic. The article also delves into the social implications of AirSpace, including issues of accessibility and discrimination. It references the #AirbnbWhileBlack hashtag and a Harvard Business School study highlighting racial bias within the platform, demonstrating that the comfort and belonging promised by AirSpace are not universally experienced. Furthermore, the article recounts a lawsuit against Airbnb by a French couple whose apartment design was replicated for a meeting room in Airbnb's San Francisco office, illustrating how the company actively participates in reproducing this aesthetic, blurring the lines between private and corporate spaces. Startups like Roam exemplify the concept of AirSpace as a holistic lifestyle. Roam offers co-living spaces across different countries, promising users a consistent experience with shared kitchens, private bedrooms, co-working spaces, and specific furniture like Eames chairs, all for a monthly fee. This fulfills a demand for aesthetic homogeneity, with investors noting the familiarity this creates across diverse locations. The author raises a critical question: if one can be at home everywhere, does it mean one is truly at home nowhere? The article suggests this globalized aesthetic, while seemingly superficial, is a symptom of deeper conditions, fueled by the vast interconnectedness of social media, creating a global "grid" where tastes and desires converge. This leads to a form of "aesthetic gentrification" across urban centers, where economic divides manifest as a stylistic isolation between the "fashionable" (AirSpace dwellers) and the "unfashionable." The author, while acknowledging a personal fondness for the AirSpace style, calls for a reevaluation of its roots and negative implications, urging a conscious choice to seek out difference and invest in local experiences over mobile, generic ones to resist the potential depersonalization and stifling homogeneity of unchecked AirSpace expansion. #SiliconValley #GlobalAesthetic #DigitalPlatforms #Airbnb #CoLiving #HomogenizationOfTaste #InteriorDesign #TravelTechnology #CulturalHomogeneity

The author shares their experience of using AI, specifically Google Gemini and NotebookLM, to navigate the complex and often stressful process of moving into a new apartment. The article details how AI assisted in various aspects, from deciphering legal documents to tackling interior design challenges. When faced with over a hundred pages of legal paperwork filled with jargon, Gemini proved invaluable for clarifying specific clauses and terms, such as warranty policies. For a more comprehensive analysis of all purchase-related documents, NotebookLM was utilized, allowing the author to create a dedicated notebook to quickly retrieve information and verify details, saving significant time. Beyond legalities, Gemini acted as a personal design consultant for interior decoration. It provided advice on color schemes, maintaining visual balance and proportions between furniture items, and practical spatial planning, including suggestions for minimum comfortable distances and appropriate rug dimensions. These recommendations were then visualized using a 3D home design planner tool, leading to a cohesive layout. Lighting, another intricate aspect of home design, was also simplified with Gemini's help. The AI calculated necessary lumen levels for different areas, suggested appropriate color temperatures (kelvins) for various rooms, and even explained the technicalities and cost implications of smart home lighting systems, such as IKEA's. This assistance eliminated the need for extensive research through numerous online resources. The author also highlights how Gemini aided in resolving unexpected issues that arose during the move, such as identifying and suggesting cleaning methods for stubborn stains and providing quick summaries of rights based on warranty clauses when dealing with defects in a brand-new property. An ambitious application of AI involved providing Gemini with the apartment's floor plan to solicit furniture positioning advice. The AI offered practical ideas like "zoning" an open-plan living area and using mirrors and lighter-colored furniture to create an illusion of spaciousness in a narrow space. These suggestions not only confirmed some of the author's instincts but also sparked new ideas. Despite the extensive assistance, the article concludes by pointing out a missing feature: the ability for AI to generate an interactive 3D model from a floor plan and then allow users to virtually design and decorate the space based on personal preferences. The author used HomeStyler for this purpose, acknowledging it as a time-consuming step that could be streamlined if integrated directly into AI tools like Gemini. This anticipated future capability is seen as a potential game-changer for home setup and design. #GoogleGemini #ArtificialIntelligence #HomeMoving #InteriorDesign #SmartHome #LegalAssistance #SmartLighting #3DHomeDesign #HomeAutomation

Creating a dedicated meditation corner within one's home can serve as a sanctuary for peace and tranquility, moving beyond the perception that meditation requires an entirely separate, pristine space. Even a small, thoughtfully arranged area can foster a connection to one's higher self and facilitate a consistent meditation practice. Experts emphasize that such a space doesn't need to be elaborate; instead, it should resonate personally with the individual, perhaps incorporating cherished family photos, childhood mementos, favorite flowers, herbs, or crystals. For some, a personal meditation spot might even be as simple as their bed, where they can utilize an eye mask and a meditation app to maintain their practice. The process of designing a meditation corner should prioritize personal comfort and sensory engagement. Individuals are encouraged to consider what truly defines comfort for them and then translate this into tactile textures and calming colors. The Five Sense Collective, for instance, employs tapestries in neutral hues like beige, browns, and cream to create communal meditation domes, focusing on activating all five senses through elements such as incense for smell and sound bowls for hearing. A crucial initial step in establishing this space is decluttering to ensure it remains organized, tidy, and clear, preventing the accumulation of unnecessary items that could detract from its peaceful purpose. Adding elements like rugs and pillows can introduce warmth and comfort, while candles, incense, and herbs can infuse the space with soothing scents. Personalizing the meditation corner with items that highlight beauty and personal aspirations is also recommended. This could include photographs representing one's ideal self or qualities they wish to cultivate, or mementos collected during travels that evoke positive feelings. The primary goal of meditation varies among individuals, but common benefits include maintaining calm amidst daily chaos, enhancing focus, and fostering a greater presence in life. It's suggested that the ideal time to begin a meditation practice is before one perceives an urgent need for it, as it serves as a proactive tool for mental well-being. Experts also advise against the misconception that meditation must be a grand endeavor, noting that even two minutes of focused breathing can be a valuable starting point. The overarching message is to dedicate space and time for self-care, acknowledging that while external circumstances may change, the individual remains a constant. Essential items for creating a personal meditation corner include a versatile meditation chair or cushion for comfortable seating, scented candles for atmosphere, a small relaxation waterfall for calming sounds, an essential oil diffuser with various essential oils for aromatherapy, Palo Santo or sage bundles for cleansing energy, and a Tibetan sound bowl for enhancing the meditative experience through sound therapy. These elements collectively contribute to a harmonious environment conducive to a mindful practice. #MeditationCorner #HomeDesign #WellnessSpace #Mindfulness #InteriorDesign #StressReduction #Aromatherapy #SensoryDesign #PersonalSanctuary

The article introduces Microsoft Places, a new connected workplace platform designed to address the complexities of hybrid work. The platform aims to transform physical office spaces into dynamic 'places' by integrating technology that supports flexible work arrangements. Hybrid work models often present challenges such as employees experiencing 'commute-regret' when finding themselves alone in the office, and leaders lacking sufficient data to make informed decisions about workspace optimization. Microsoft Places is presented as a solution to these issues, focusing on three key areas: coordinating where work happens, modernizing the office with intelligent technology, and optimizing space and costs for changing needs. The first core aspect, coordinating where work happens, involves features like hybrid scheduling. This system uses data from Outlook and Teams to show employees when their colleagues and key collaborators plan to be in the office, enabling them to align their schedules for in-person collaboration. Intelligent booking is another feature, assisting users in finding suitable meeting spaces with appropriate technology and even providing recommendations for shortest commute times based on traffic conditions and meeting schedules. These tools are designed to help employees prioritize their time and maximize the benefits of in-person interactions. Modernizing the office with intelligent technology is the second pillar of Microsoft Places. This includes wayfinding capabilities that allow employees to navigate office layouts using mobile devices, reducing time spent searching for rooms. Desk booking features enable users to reserve desks near their colleagues, fostering collaboration. Microsoft Teams Rooms are highlighted as crucial for ensuring inclusive participation in meetings, regardless of whether attendees are in-person or remote. Additionally, Microsoft Places aims to facilitate serendipitous meet-ups by allowing colleagues to easily organize impromptu gatherings within the office, thereby strengthening bonds and encouraging informal interactions. Finally, the platform focuses on optimizing space and costs for changing needs. This involves providing leaders with space insights, such as utilization data, energy-saving opportunities, and occupancy trends. This data enables dynamic adjustments to office layouts, for instance, converting excess huddle rooms into collaboration spaces as demand changes. Advanced knowledge of expected occupancy allows for strategic space optimization, such as reducing the number of open floors on lighter attendance days to save energy and improve the overall workplace experience. Leaders can also aggregate trends across their entire real estate portfolio to create more flexible, dynamic, and sustainable work environments. Microsoft Places integrates with existing Microsoft 365 solutions like Outlook, Teams, and Viva, leveraging and enhancing the data available on the Microsoft Graph. This integration combines 'people' and 'place' signals to provide comprehensive insights. The platform adheres to stringent privacy standards, ensuring users have control over their data, and information is presented as trends without singling out individuals. Microsoft Places will be available through a private preview in 2023 and is being developed in collaboration with a wide ecosystem of partners across various segments of the Connected Workplace market, including Accenture, CBRE, EY, and Honeywell, among others. The article concludes by emphasizing that Microsoft Teams Rooms serves as an ideal starting point for organizations, as its usage data will feed into Microsoft Places to drive further space optimization and support the realization of hybrid work's full potential. #MicrosoftPlaces #HybridWork #WorkplaceInnovation #SmartOffice #OfficeOptimization #ConnectedWorkplace #DigitalTransformation #SpaceManagement #EmployeeExperience

The article explores the concept of positive space in interior design, defining it as the area occupied by furniture, lighting, artwork, and other decor elements. It emphasizes that understanding and effectively utilizing positive space is crucial for creating well-balanced interiors with optimal ambiance. The piece differentiates positive space from negative space, which refers to the unoccupied areas around and between objects, highlighting that both are essential and interact to form a cohesive design. Erica McLain of McLain by Design Interiors explains that positive space is the backbone of a well-balanced interior, defining function, creating focal points, and conveying a room's personality. She argues that without thoughtful use of positive space, a room can feel sterile, disconnected, or lacking soul. McLain stresses that positive space provides structure, expresses the inhabitants' lifestyle, purpose, and aesthetic narrative, and should be treated as a canvas for storytelling and well-being. This approach ensures interiors are not only visually stunning but also purposeful and restorative. To make positive space intentional, every element within a room must serve a purpose aligned with the room’s overall function and mood. The article suggests integrating science-backed design principles like neuroaesthetics and biophilia to enhance well-being. This includes arranging furniture for optimal flow and placing artwork to create focal points. Utilizing design patterns such as symmetry or biomorphic shapes can subtly influence the space, making it feel cohesive and curated. The deliberate layering of materials, for example, juxtaposing textured fabrics with sleek furniture, contributes to tactile and visual harmony. The relationship between positive and negative space is continuously in dialogue. Negative space provides visual pauses between objects, preventing a cluttered and visually overwhelming environment, and allows the positive space elements to be appreciated and make their intended impact. A balanced interplay between these two types of spaces is key to a successful interior design. The practical application of positive space should always serve the functions of the interior. New York City-based interior designer Julie Anne Burch illustrates this point with an example of a home designed for comfort and entertaining. In this project, positive space was thoughtfully maximized to ensure functionality without sacrificing spaciousness. By strategically placing a sofa, she was able to frame the lush greenery outside, curating a sense of indoor-outdoor living. Burch also highlights how positive space can be used to create intimate areas within a home, inviting relaxation and catering to various needs, from large gatherings to quiet reflection. The article concludes by recommending that readers also explore other important design principles, such as rhythm in interior design, for a more comprehensive understanding of interior aesthetics. #InteriorDesign #PositiveSpace #NegativeSpace #DesignPrinciples #HomeDecor #SpatialPlanning #Neuroaesthetics #Biophilia