It comes as no wonder that I felt inspired by reading the two words: 'Serene Environment' in HOMEWORK, a book my daughter had gifted me recently. In this troubled time of geopolitical chaos and raging wars, the word 'serene' has an extra appeal.
My daughter bought this book because she had noticed I was looking (if not struggling) for ways to set up a perfect home. Our family needs multi-functional rooms but we live in an urban apartment that seems to have done all the design thinking for us. Not that I like that. Like the Austrian architect Hundertwasser, I believe that truly good architectural design allows owners (or renters) to decide for themselves how to utilize a space. Maybe they need adjustments for their health. Perhaps they require two distinct areas or integral sections: one for work and another for relaxation. We need deeply personal and inspirational design, not "we have decided for you where you wash, sleep, or do the cooking."
This book inspires me greatly and makes me realize how old-fashioned our current living space is, given its static nature! After reading HOME WORK (ISBN 9780500519806), how can I not yearn for mobile units in our home that can transform our living and working environment instantly? Mobile units for working, sleeping, and relaxing. Is there too much noise in the front of our apartment? Just push a unit aside to create a sleeping chamber at the back and enjoy a peaceful night.
Same with working. I need a clean, neat, and 'serene environment' to draw and paint. I cannot work in a place that is cluttered, where books yell 'Read me!', objects shout, 'Dust me!', laundry demands, 'Fold me!', and even plants cry, 'Water me!' How cool would it be to block those distractions by moving a few mobile walls to create a zen-like work desk?
"A serene room, to me, is a minimalist space where inspiration can swirl around and flourish".
What exactly is the relation between serene environment and proper design? And what is a serene environment anyway? Isn't that a very subjective idea?
A 'serene' home is indeed a very subjective idea. A messy home might not cause any emotional or physical friction to a messy person. On the contrary! I once organized a friend's home while she was ill and she didn't seem to be happy with the result. 'I can't find anything!', she complained.
So, what is that subjective serenity? I think it translates as a streamlined or seamless place: one that does guarantee smooth living, a proper work flow, and doesn't interrupt that flow with irritation or frustration. The design therefore emphasizes the absence of interruptions. It is low stimuli, a space that allows living/working without distraction. The minimum amount of friction one feels because of that seamless design, results into feeling more at ease, more serene. It isn't aesthetics alone. It is about the person's feelings.
Paula Kuitenbrouwer
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