Surface Design Awards – Complete

• INTERIOR SURFACE OF THE YEAR - NEW
  This is a new category that recognises wall, floor, ceiling and surface design products, including decorative, creative and inventive surfaces for the interior of buildings including both commercial and residential properties.

In a world teeming with diversity, the extraordinary springs forth from the ordinary. Inspired by the captivating beauty of individuals encountered during my global journey, I have come to appreciate the richness of our sensorial experiences, especially within autistic communities where I noticed that materials have a unique language that speaks to them. Believing in the transformative power of diversity, the collection aims to catalyze a conversation on material inclusivity at a sensorial level, envisioning a future where all sensory experiences are celebrated.

SPLASH is a tale of oneness, merging the organic fluidity of water with the structural beauty of Renaissance architecture. By blending these seemingly opposing elements, it reveals the concealed connectivity between all things and humanity. Through a collaborative design process involving diverse individuals, their shared feedback on their unique sensory experiences has guided the collection towards embracing a more inclusive design. This collaboration influences the design process of colours and materials, activate more inclusive ASMR—an euphoric and tranquil response to visual, sensory, and auditory stimuli within interior spaces.

The consideration of material usage in our collection is not just a matter of aesthetic appeal but a profound response to a critical pre-design stage inclusive sensory survey. Our motivation stems from a deep understanding of the adverse impact that inappropriate materials or colors can have on individuals with sensory differences. By acknowledging and addressing this issue, our project has sought to revolutionize the conventional design process, placing the power in the hands of the people it directly affects.

Our approach aims to amplify the voices of individuals with sensory differences, giving them a platform to articulate their preferences and needs. We recognize that the choice of colors and materials can profoundly influence the well-being and emotional state of a wider range of audiences, far beyond what is typically considered in design. We set out to design materials that would not only be visually appealing but also trigger euphoric and tranquil responses, thus enriching the sensory experience for wider audiences group. Thus, the collection serves as a pioneering exploration into how textiles and materials can be harnessed to embody the principles of inclusive design. It is a testament to our commitment to putting humanity at the core of our design process.

For these reasons, we believe our material usage deserves strong consideration for a Surface Design Award. Our work transcends mere aesthetics; it is a testament to the power of design to create a more inclusive and empathetic world. By celebrating neurodiversity through our design approach, we envision a future where every individual's unique sensory experiences are not just accommodated but celebrated, ensuring that design truly serves all members of our diverse society.

With a commitment to responsible design, the collection SPLASH has been developed with careful consideration of sustainability in the design process and material sourcing, aiming to reduce negative environmental impacts and support local communities. First and foremost, the dyeing process of the collection incorporates natural dye recipes using natural herbs, replacing a few direct dye colors on the color swatches. This shift to natural dyes helps minimize chemical pollution in water and soil, indirectly benefiting local biodiversity. Moreover, the natural dye ingredients are sourced from less-developed areas in China, thereby involving local communities, particularly in regions where Rubia and Indigo have traditionally been cultivated in the North-west. This approach supports community participation, encourages fair trade practices, and provides access to education and training, promoting social equity.

Moreover, By utilizing second-hand materials obtained from the Material Swap Shop, the collection aims to reduce the carbon emissions associated with producing new products and minimize greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. For example, in the initial stages of the project, 100% of the materials and objects used in my ASMR survey process were sourced from the Swap Shop. This approach allows for a diverse material matrix that would have been cost-prohibitive without the use of second-hand materials.

Lastly, during the design process, great emphasis was placed on ensuring transparency in material sourcing. Materials and suppliers with clearly labeled sources and sustainable production processes were prioritized. This commitment aims to encourage the growth of a circular economy and design responsibly not only for the environment but also for the human community.