Finding Meaning Through Experiential Design
By Julie Maggos | Senior Director of Experiential Design
While celebrating IA Interior Architects' 40th anniversary, we reflect on the milestones that have defined our journey. One significant advancement to our practice has been the integration and evolution of experiential design over the past 13 years, which has transformed how we connect people to places through engaging and meaningful experiences.
Experiential design is more than just aesthetic enhancements or decorative elements. A sophisticated approach creates a deep relationship between people and the spaces they inhabit. By moving beyond static and superficial design elements, experiential design facilitates profound interaction and emotional engagement with the environment.
Designing memorable moments in shared space creates a warm, welcoming complement to a busy urban campus.
Users can digitally manipulate the canopy's light installation to influence the setting.
Facilitating a Sense of Belonging
A sense of belonging is fundamental to human experience. By building in moments of wonder, user-influenced activations, and personalized elements, experiential designers create environments where everyone feels valued and at home. Additionally, at gathering areas or to complement features like benches, it can facilitate a connection between people, creating places where interaction naturally occurs, relationships flourish, and the sense of belonging deepens.
Visitors can seek shelter and convene together while enjoying the natural landscape. This "Tide Bench" uses regional waterflow data to generate its sectioned polygonal form - a functional piece that connects to a larger environmental story.
With augmented reality, users can scan the bench to reveal information on local tide patterns that determined its form.
Bridging Cultural Divides
In an increasingly diverse world, it is critical to bridge cultural divides by establishing spaces that respect and celebrate various cultural backgrounds. Through thoughtful experiential designs that acknowledge and incorporate different cultural elements, environments become comfortable and familiar for a wide range of users, promoting understanding and inclusivity.
The “Story Log” tells stories of the culture and history of the Pacific Northwest.
Just like each ring of the tree holds another season’s worth of stories, the Story Log can be scanned to reveal an algorithmically generated tree with stories from its past and present in the region.
Creating Equitable Spaces
Experiential design can influence and improve the user experience, ensuring spaces are accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background or abilities. With the skillful integration of universal and experiential design principles, spaces speak to the needs of diverse users, creating multisensory environments where everyone can thrive.
Large signage "boulders" provide intuitive navigation with the use of varied materials and scales to accommodate diverse needs. Colorful patches offer visual cues while strategically placed holes create rhythmic sounds when a breeze passes over them.
Scanning these monumental elements allows users to discover deeper digital storytelling by way of augmented reality.
Fostering Personal Ownership
When people see their identities and stories reflected in their surroundings through experiential design elements, they develop a personal connection, feelings of belonging, and a strong sense of ownership of the space.
"Data Formations" glow with an ever-changing ambient light show reflecting real-time data on global activity.
Users can input specific information about their personal data and see the display change based on their impact.
Connecting to the Natural World
Experiential design also emphasizes a connection to the natural world, promoting well-being and environmental stewardship. The integration of sustainable practices and natural elements can establish spaces that resonate with an organization’s ecological values, encouraging a deeper appreciation and connection with the environment. These designs not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to a greater sense of responsibility towards our planet.
"Air Veil" is a dynamic, kinetic installation whose structure and articulation are reminiscent of the veronoi patterning of tree leaves, juxtaposed with reflective cells that can be manipulated by electromagnetic motors or allowed to spin in the breeze, helping to amplify wind patterns.
Users can interrupt the dynamic Air Veil installation with a mobile app that allows them to impact the screen at a distance.
Over the past 13 years, experiential design has evolved significantly at IA and, more broadly, across the design profession. From augmenting the traditional design of space, it has become a central element in crafting impactful and meaningful experiences. Moving forward, we are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what experiential design can achieve, creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but inspire and connect users.
In celebrating our 40th year, we also celebrate the importance of these advancements and affirm our intention to lead the way in experiential design. Looking towards the next 40 years and beyond, IA is committed to creating a connection between people and the spaces they occupy through innovative and evolutionary design.
