MONDAY 28TH
Today we begin the National Live Project. This module focuses on real-world challenge-based learning, through a nationally located live brief set by an external client, user, community or audience. We are commissioned by visiting professor Jason Bruges, founder of Jason Bruges Studio, to develop a spa concept for the upcoming Therme wellness centre in Manchester.
Building on skills developed in the previous modules, the scope is now bigger, with a national perspective, an employability focus; thus building professional communication skills. We will collaboratively question and explore this brief while iteratively moving through the Thought, Materials and Digital Labs. Throughout the module me and my newly assigned group will work together to share, display, discuss, and critique.
INITIAL GROUP IDEAS
I was inspired by the bathing snow monkeys of Japan and Alex suggested mist projections
Amelie and Hanna proposed the idea of an Immersive Rainforest and we wanted to spend time building on those ideas before Jason came.
BRAINSTORM
JASON'S TALK
Jason Bruges Studio has become internationally renowned for producing innovative installations, interventions and ground breaking works. This practice involves creating interactive spaces and surfaces that sit between the world of architecture, site specific installation art and interaction design. Considered a pioneer of this hybrid in-between space, Jason has subsequently paved the way for a new genre of design studios, artists and designer-makers.
NOTES I TOOK DURING HIS TALK:
AFTER THAT WE STARTED DEVELOPING IDEAS, PUTTING EVERYTHING TOGETHER ON MIRO.
RAINFOREST CONCEPT MADE BY HANNA AND AMELIE.
BROADER CONCEPT EXPANSION MADE BY ME.
TUESDAY 29TH
Today we had a creative technology workshop where we explored biomimicry.
I began thinking of types of geometry because I didn't know what to do.I ended up with a few concepts.
I initially drew from my understanding of sacred geometry, designing structures from the flower/ seed of life.
I then tried implementing fractal geometry, inspired by aspects of traditional Western, Central and Southern African architecture, and fibonacci sequences to the design of the biome idea Hannah suggested, along with Amelies tunnels, figuring out ways to structure the different areas. ( e.g biomes structure - mushroom village )
Tried making an origami Fibonacci shell using a video tutorial
Flower waterfall inspired by Singapores airport.
An icosahedron Vitruvian man fountain sculpture we can place by a waterfall.
Vitruvian Man: A drawing by Leonardo da Vinci that depicts a nude man in two superimposed positions, corresponding to the natural icosahedron of the human anatomy that Sophie mention.
I also developed further ideas like:
A geometric mangrove
An interactive flowers
Hannah though of a castle of clouds
Geometric Fountains and Semantic Tibetan Baths.
//add photos vids, drawings, mushroom, oline images, nomad sculp visuallisation of structure - video and gallery etc..
NIGHT SCHOOL
WEDNESDAY 30TH - SATURDAY 2ND
RESEARCH
A lot of this research you can find on my Miro mind map as well, just click on any of the scattered 'S' bubbles where I explain these topics in more depth.
BIOMES
Environments are the natural and human-made surroundings in which living and non-living things exist. There are different types of environments, such as aquatic, terrestrial, urban, rural, polar, and tropical. Biomes are areas of the planet with a similar climate and landscape, where similar animals and plants live. Some of the world's main biomes include rainforest, desert, savannah, grassland, woodland and tundra.
WONDLERLAND (FANTASY)
The BFG, is a film I used to watch al lot as a kid, particularly when I was 5-7 year old. Talking about glow gaves reminds me how I used to imagine myself in the BFG's magical glowing cave, and I want to translate that simple nostaglic feeling into our experience. By adding subtle element of surrealism so much that it still feels like realism, not like those tacky theme parks, but as if you've actually travelled across the world to encounter this strange wonderful place; we can add floating lights in the cave walls, air and water, or projecting bioluminescent wildlife and butterflies or adding natural background sounds similar to the flute sounds of Hermeto Pascoal .( NOT the aggressive bubbling). All these different ideas connect in my mind, it's something I cant properly explain unless made.
ANTHROPOLOGY: CULTURES AND RITUALS
ROMAN
Thermal springs surrounding Budapest have been a draw since ancient Roman times, and the Hungarian capital has claimed the nickname “City of Spas” since 1934.
The Roman Baths are well-preserved thermae in the city of Bath, Somerset, England. A temple was constructed on the site between 60 and 70 AD in the first few decades of Roman Britain. Its presence led to the development of the small Roman urban settlement known as Aquae Sulis around the sit.
AMAZONIAN
The Water Protectors Of The Amazon - Amazon FrontlinesIndigenous peoples in the Amazon use the region's abundant water for bathing and other daily activities. They also have a deep respect for the spiritual beings that live in the rivers, and believe that water, rivers, and the forest should be respected. Here are some things to know about bathing in Amazonian culture: Respect for spiritual beings Indigenous peoples believe that rivers are home to spirits and beings, and that all beings are important to the whole. For example, the Kichwa people believe in Yacumama, the mother of rivers and anaconda who takes care of all the water. Contaminated water Indigenous peoples in Ecuador's northern Amazon have faced challenges with contaminated rivers and creeks. Families have had to travel long distances to find clean water, or bathe and drink from unsafe sources.
In the Amazon Rainforest, indigenous tribes such as the Yanomami and Kayapo have long understood the forest as a place of profound healing and spiritual nourishment. They have a deep reverence for the plants, trees, and animals, viewing them as living beings with whom they share a reciprocal relationship. Many of their healing rituals involve walking through the forest, foraging for medicinal plants, and using the natural world as a source of physical and spiritual rejuvenation. For them, "forest bathing" can involve silently walking through the jungle, paying attention to the medicinal herbs and trees around them, and communicating with the spirits of the forest through ritual.
Amazon
JAPANESE X INDIGENOUS
What is forest bathing? This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation; known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way. It is a practice that involves immersing oneself in nature, particularly forests, to relax and rejuvenate. While popularised in modern wellness, the concept is deeply rooted in indigenous traditions worldwide for millennia, where nature is seen as a source of spiritual, mental, and physical healing. Indigenous cultures, such as Native American, Amazonian, and Aboriginal Australian tribes, have long recognised the healing power of the natural world. For many, forests are sacred spaces where humans connect with spiritual forces, ancestors, and the environment. Practices like walking through forests, meditating, and using natural remedies for physical ailments are integral to their belief systems.
Japan
Forest bathing in these traditions serves not only as a physical cleanse but also as a spiritual and emotional renewal. Whether through ritual, prayer, or quiet immersion, being in nature is a way to heal, gain insight, and restore balance. Modern science has validated many of these benefits, showing that time spent in nature reduces stress, boosts immune function, enhances mood, and fosters a deep sense of connection to the environment.Ultimately, forest bathing connects contemporary wellness practices with ancient indigenous wisdom, offering a path to holistic health by returning to nature, something we wish to achieve with our Biome concept.
In many cultures, forests and trees are seen as sacred spaces—places that are full of life, energy, and wisdom. For indigenous peoples in various parts of the world, these natural environments are not simply landscapes, but living entities imbued with spiritual significance. Forests are often seen as places where humans can commune with the spirits of the land, ancestors, and the natural world itself.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature, especially forests, has numerous health benefits, including:
Reducing Stress: The simple act of walking or sitting in the forest, away from the distractions of modern life, has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The calming effect of nature helps to reduce anxiety and mental fatigue.
Boosting Immune Function: Research has demonstrated that time spent in the forest can boost the immune system, thanks to increased exposure to phytoncides—natural chemicals released by trees and plants that have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Enhancing Mental Well-being: Forest bathing can help improve mood, reduce feelings of depression, and enhance cognitive function. It allows individuals to reset mentally and emotionally by connecting with the natural world in a mindful way.
Fostering Connection: Just as indigenous practices emphasize the deep relationship between people and nature, forest bathing encourages a reconnection with the environment, helping to foster a sense of belonging, respect, and gratitude for the natural world.
Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Health
AFRICAN
Bathing holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in many indigenous West African cultures, going beyond simple hygiene to serve as a ritual that connects individuals with spiritual beliefs, communal identity, and personal well-being. In West Africa, bathing is often seen as a form of spiritual cleansing, where water is believed to purify not just the body but also negative energies or misfortune. Special bathing rituals using sacred herbs, oils, and potions are performed to mark rites of passage, such as coming-of-age ceremonies or weddings, and to protect against spiritual harm.
In addition to spiritual purification, bathing is also an integral part of medicinal and healing practices. Herbal baths, often made with local plants, are believed to have healing properties for physical and emotional ailments. For example, the Akan of Ghana and the Bambara of Mali use herbal infusions to treat conditions like skin rashes or stress.These practices, while rooted in West Africa, share common themes across the continent, such as the use of water as both a physical and spiritual cleanser. In East Africa, particularly among the Swahili people, public baths influenced by Islamic culture serve as social and spiritual purification spaces. Similarly, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania incorporate bathing into important life rituals, such as coming-of-age ceremonies, connecting cleanliness with religious and cultural rites.
Water is also considered medicine in Yoruban culture, and is sometimes referred to as omi ni olóògùn; which is very true if you look at water with negative ions.
BIOMIMICRY FICTION AND NON FICTION
Biomimicry is the practice of solving human problems by imitating nature’s models, systems, and elements. The term comes from the Ancient Greek words βίος (life) and μίμησις (imitation). It can be applied at three levels: organism, behavior, and ecosystem.
Examples of biomimicry include:
Sharkskin-Inspired Swimsuit: The texture of sharkskin, with its grooves and dermal denticles, reduces water turbulence, increasing speed and preventing parasitic growth.
Wave Energy: Researchers have studied underwater plants' ability to withstand currents and applied this to design flexible power modules that generate electricity by spinning turbines.
Xylem Transportation System: Plants use xylem to filter and transport water, offering inspiration for filtration systems in technology.
Hexagro Bins: These bins mimic a beehive's efficiency to grow pesticide-free food at home by using misted nutrient solutions on plant roots suspended in the air.
SUPERPOWERS: The user can bio-energetically control and connect to the aspects/forces of nature, such as commanding the elements, animal life and other natural phenomena. The user also has the capability to communicate with nature, gaining information of their surroundings, attaining a deeper connection to them.
The Greek myth of Icarus is an example of a fantasy that involves biomimicry, the practice of drawing inspiration from nature to solve human problems: The myth: Icarus tries to fly like a bird by attaching artificial wings to himself, but dies when the wings burn from the sun.
BIOMIMICRY CAN BE USED TO:
1. Improve product design Biomimicry can help make products more efficient and ecologically balanced.
2. Create sustainable innovations Biomimicry can be a promising way to create sustainable innovations.
3. Solve human challenges Biomimicry can help solve human challenges by drawing inspiration from nature's systems, processes, and designs.
4. Create immersive experiences Biomimicry can be used to create immersive experiences, such as the "AUROBOROS world" created by Sello and Aulbekova.
SOME EXAMPLES OF BIOMIMICRY IN THE REAL WORLD INCLUDE:
1. Winter coats: Down feathers from birds are used to insulate winter coats.
2. Temperature control in buildings: Architects and engineers have designed office complexes that mimic the temperature control of African termite mounds.
3. Planetary rovers: The BISMARC system is an example of biomimetic control applied to a planetary rover.
