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biophilic travels: a moody and textural design gallery

in biophilic travels

Biophilic design is for all styles and vibes. This episode of Biophilic Travels will prove it, as we’re visiting a design gallery in Italy that uses biophilic elements to enhance its moody and dramatic atmosphere.

A biophilic mysterious view: peek through the greenery of a chair vignette.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada

getting in

Six Gallery is located in a typically local building that previously hosted a monastery – a detail that adds local relevance to the space.

The external courtyard is a lush and somewhat wild explosion of greenery with conversation areas making the most of the outdoor. Glass arched doors create a smooth connection with the interior, whose first room feels like a continuation of the outdoor. The glazed ceiling floods the space with natural light and plants create an interesting game of textures and heights while acting as partitioning elements. Different design moments punctuate the big room and the planted partitions make the exploration of the space mysterious and compelling.

External courtyard with lush greenery.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Conversation area in the courtyard.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Another seating area in the courtyard.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of the entrance door with plants reflected on the glazed surface.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
View of the bright indoor through the entrance door.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Seating area screened with a line of varied plants on the back.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
A biophilic mysterious view: peek through the greenery of the space.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada

moving deeper

Moving deeper into the space, the bright and airy atmosphere turns into a moodier vibe.

Enclosed areas are created against the charcoal brick walls, whose rough texture adds dimension and drama – an effect that’s accentuated even further with lighting. Once again, the floor plan is not partitioned with walls but – this time – using lush and organic screens made of straw and stained bamboo. This solution effectively creates rooms-in-a-room without disrupting the overall continuity of the space, which is what invites visitors to pursue their exploration.

Zoning is further enhanced with ceiling treatments: dark blue textile screens cover the light that shines through the windows, hanging wheat spikes mirror the rug zoning, and a backlit sea of paper umbrellas creates an even more intimate refuge experience in the small side room.

Dining vignette surrounded by tall plants.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Seating vignette with tall plants behind.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Dark brick wall texture highlighted by sconces light.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Moody dining area zoned with a curved bamboo screen.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Straw room divider.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
View of a flower arrangement against the bamboo screen.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Textile panels hanging from the ceiling cover the light.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of the textile screens.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Seating area with wheat spikes hanging from the ceiling.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Side view of the seating area with wheat spikes hanging from the ceiling.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
View into a side room with paper umbrellas hanging from the ceiling.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of the paper umbrellas.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada

the experience of the space

Every corner of this gallery invites visitors to look close, touch, and explore. The design stimulates the senses with a variety of natural materials and a rich juxtaposition of textures that enhance each other. The alternation of light and shadow does the rest, drawing the eye (and the hand) towards those textured surfaces.

Straw fans diffuse the light from wall sconces.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of a shiny wood surface against the mat and rough wall bricks.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of a wood & rattan chair, a natural fibre rug, and flowers in a vase.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of a hydrangea displayed into a shiny glass vase against the rough brick wall.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada
Close-up view of the straw room divider on the concrete floor.
Credit: Six Gallery – Photo: Alberto Strada

In this interior, biophilic elements are designed to fit into the distinctive aesthetic and functional identity of the space. The result? A moody ambiance that sets an explorative vibe, a mysterious space that just awaits to be discovered, a compelling experience for the senses.


Design: Quincoces-Drago’ & Partners

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