Being in a well designed space reminds me of hiking through the mountains. Often plant material, a stone, or some other object catches my eye and draws me over to experience it. Out of curiosity I pick it up, feel its weight, its texture, its consistency…discovering the properties of such an object is naturally very pleasing to me. It is such a simple notion, but such experiences can prove to be overwhelming.
When this experience is hindered in some way, a space can be very unappealing. If I see a stone bench, and I expect to feel stone, but feel plastic, I am often put off, for example.
I feel it is this search for the pleasure of natural experience that can be equated to “quality design”. The use of real materials where possible, and the creation of an experience that is nearly as natural as hiking through the mountains.
