KOYL : A multisensory experience for healing
The aim of this project was to understand the ill effects of confinement and isolation and using that to create a built environment that could counter some of the illnesses. In 2019, the whole world went through isolation at home due to the pandemic and during the life of lockdown, the idea of being alone and having to be at one place for a long time has made some uncomfortable to get used to the new normal life and having to adapt with it. There was not just one lockdown but everyone of us had our own as some people had no choice but to endure months of continues loneliness. Studies has shown how people’s life have been severely disrupted due to the result of the outbreak which resulted in a change in human behavior choices as we were forced to stay indoors and have as little human contact as possible which resulted in change of lifestyle.
KOYL is a space of escape and a therapeutic experience that guides you to explore the journey of self-healing by using all our main senses being sight, sound, smell, and touch as a medium. The aim of the space is for people who are dealing with mental health, stress or have experienced traumas before to use the space that has a built environment designed specifically to improve and elevate their mental and physical conditions. It is built to inspire users to implement technology, techniques, materials, and colors into their own personal space that they can have control over.
Anechoic Experience :
Upon entering KOYL, the first thing users will be greeted by is the anechoic experience where it uses parabolic speakers to help calm users mind with relaxing tones that will be produced from the speakers. The movement of the sound waves are determined by the umbrella-like form. The curved surface of the umbrella helps the sound to be dispersed in a specific direction. In addition to that, the flower-like form can induce a more positive outlook in the space, boosting energy and happiness.
The tactile library is where users can feel different textures hanging on a thin rod and pick the ones that reflect on their emotions and feelings without needing to use words. From there, they can assemble it into a piece of installation. The materials used such as clay and resin, will create an installation piece that differs in weight, temperature and tactility. This will help users to engage in multiple senses.
Breathing lights :
The breathing light structure uses organic smooth rounded forms because unlike other geometric forms, circular forms feel gentler and milder and are commonly used to symbolize unity and protection as it has the tendency to make the space feel safer and more comfortable. The lights around the structures are by using led and pendant lighting that hangs from the ceiling to guides users to do breathing exercises that can help with anxiety, stress and pressure.
Diffusers :
Diffusers is where users will explore with smell by using olfactory installation to hold scents that will help to calm an individual’s nerve such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, rose, coffee, and the list goes on. The olfactory installation is an art form that uses scents as a medium. The circular ball shape is where users can smell different types of calming scents and the structure with many funnels is where the essential oils are being kept.
Scenetic experience :
Scenetic experience is a space of escape that takes users to an illusion of nature. The effect can make them feel connected with the outdoors without needing to drive out from their busy city life. The space will use the indoor water feature, form and complimentary materials, such as the polished concrete floor that has a reflective effect to give out the illusion of water. And also by implementing plants ,greenery and pebbles to further enhance the ambiance.
Heal :
Heal is where the space plays with the different types of materials and temperature to CALM USERS SENSES. As we all know, temperatures can affect individuals in many ways. Therefore, with HEAL, the space implemented specific materials to the surroundings that will change depending on the temperature of the day.
Rewind :
Rewind is a space for meditation. The water coming out from sprinklers is to replicate the element of rain as our brain processes it as a calming, non-threatening noise . Rain noises are a staple to daily meditation practices and studies have found that when rain sounds enter the brain, our body unconsciously relaxes and produces alpha waves . It's also a form of white noise that can help with relaxation and calming an individual’s anxiety. With the main structure being connected it represents the connectivity of the brain and body. Due to the slight elevation of the seating structure, it enable users to sit in a lotus position with the illusion of being elevated which enhances the user's meditative state.
Reset is a space where the structures are designed for people to sit, relax, and socialize to recollect on their overall experience. The space has a lot of natural lighting as sunlight helps lower depression and anxiety levels. The seating area is designed in an organic shape because circular form gives a feeling of unity and openness so it can help users to feel more comfortable to connect with one another.
