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.
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.
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.
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.
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
