Beyond the Binary: Crafting Playful Portals for Connection, Joy, and Awe

In a world where the line between the digital and the physical is increasingly blurred, the challenge of building a culture that balances the best of both worlds has never been more important. As a multidisciplinary artist, futurist, and strategist, I have been fascinated by the idea of creating playful surreal design that encourages people to engage with the world in new and unexpected ways. This approach necessitates a reevaluation of the role that spaces play in our lives and how they can be designed to better serve our needs in this rapidly evolving world.

Central to my work is the exploration of the concept of the "playground for adults," where people can come together to explore their creativity, challenge their assumptions, and have fun in the process. This idea draws from the fields of architecture, urban planning, and environmental psychology, which have long recognized the importance of third places – spaces outside of home and work where people gather to socialize, collaborate, and unwind (Oldenburg, 1999).

At the heart of this idea is the importance of awe as an emotion. Awe is a feeling of amazement and wonder that comes from experiencing something truly remarkable. It is a powerful emotion that can inspire us to see the world in a new light, to question our assumptions, and to connect with others in a deeper and more meaningful way (Keltner & Haidt, 2003). In the context of designing for third places, it is crucial to create spaces that evoke this sense of awe and wonder. By doing so, we can create spaces that encourage people to engage with each other and with the world around them in a way that is both playful and transformative.

To achieve this, we need to embrace the idea of ‘rewilding’ – creating spaces that connect us to our ‘rawest’ form of self and inspire people to explore and experiment. This could take many forms - from interactive installations to playful lighting, from sensory experiences to gamified activities in connection to our surrounding and biomimicry (Benyus, 1997). These spaces should not only encourage exploration but also blur the boundaries between the natural and the artificial, between reality and fantasy.

One of the key elements of designing for third places is the concept of wellness and neuroaesthetics. Neuroaesthetics is the study of how our brains respond to beauty and aesthetics (Zeki, 1999). It is a fascinating field that explores the connections between our sensory experiences and our emotions. In the context of designing third places, it is important to create spaces that are visually engaging, that evoke positive emotions, and that promote a sense of well-being. By doing so, we can create spaces that not only foster social connections but that also promote mental and emotional wellness.

Incorporating these ideas was the focus of a recent workshop I taught at New York University on designing for third places. In the workshop, we explored the concept of "third places" and their importance in community building. We also discussed the role of art and culture in design concept development and the role of AI in the future of design (Marr, 2019). By breaking the students into groups and encouraging them to brainstorm about their favorite third places, we were able to create a collaborative environment that fostered creativity and connection.

One possible direction to enhance these spaces is by incorporating elements of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Merging physical and digital realms can create immersive experiences that challenge our perceptions and stimulate our senses, as seen in the innovative work of artists like Marshmallow Laser Feast (1) or teamLab (2). These experiences can serve as catalysts for meaningful conversations personal growth, and community-building in third places. Another approach is to incorporate biophilic design principles (3), which aim to reconnect humans with nature by integrating natural elements, materials, and forms into the built environment. This can enhance the sense of awe and wonder while promoting health, well-being, and productivity. Examples include the Google Campus in Mountain View, California, or Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport (4), which offer visitors lush greenery, natural light, and water features in a visually stunning setting.

We should also consider the role of smart city technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) in fostering a sense of belonging in third places. By leveraging data and connectivity, we can create responsive environments that adapt to users' needs and preferences, enhancing their sense of comfort and control. This might involve personalized lighting, soundscapes, or temperature controls, or even using AI-driven recommendation systems to suggest activities and experiences tailored to individual preferences. Moreover, the concept of "co-creation" could be incorporated into third places, allowing users to actively contribute to the design and function of the spaces themselves. This could be facilitated through digital platforms that encourage user-generated content, as seen in initiatives like the "Playable City" movement (5), or through participatory design processes that engage community members in the decision-making process.

Another direction is incorporating immersive art into third places can further elevate their ability to foster connection, wellness, and awe. Some notable examples include Yayoi Kusama's immersive installations (6), Olafur Eliasson's large-scale environmental artworks (7), and James Turrell's exploration of light and space (8). These artists have successfully blurred the boundaries between art and architecture, creating spaces that inspire contemplation, conversation, and personal growth.

Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirror Rooms" offer visitors an immersive experience of endless reflections, encouraging a sense of wonder and connectedness. By integrating these art installations into third places, we can create spaces that transport users into a fantastical world, allowing them to escape the mundanity of daily life and connect with others through shared experiences (6).

Olafur Eliasson's work, such as "The Weather Project" at the Tate Modern in London, demonstrates the power of large-scale environmental artworks in transforming public spaces. By incorporating elements of nature, light, and reflection, Eliasson creates installations that provoke awe and foster a sense of belonging. Integrating similar artworks into the design of third places can enhance the user experience and promote a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the environment and each other (7).

James Turrell's exploration of light and space offers another compelling example of how high art can be integrated into third places. His installations, such as the "Skyspaces" series, encourage users to engage with their surroundings and experience the beauty of natural light. By designing third places with Turrell's principles in mind, we can create spaces that evoke a sense of serenity and contemplation, offering a respite from digital fatigue and fostering personal growth (8).

Furthermore, collaborations between artists, architects, and designers can lead to innovative third places that challenge our perceptions and engage our senses. As noted in my prior newsletters, "art can and should play a role in designing the branded spaces of the future" (9). The involvement of high art in the design process can contribute to the creation of third places that promote connection, wellness, and awe, effectively combating digital fatigue and enhancing our overall well-being in a hybrid world.

In conclusion, designing third places for a hybrid world demands an interdisciplinary approach that embraces the awe, the wild and untamed, the neuroaesthetics, and the cutting-edge. By incorporating elements from art, architecture, and technology, we can create transformative spaces that not only foster connection, wellness, and a sense of belonging but also combat digital fatigue and reinvigorate our lives. As we navigate this age of digital and physical convergence, third places will play a crucial role in enriching our communities and reigniting our shared sense of wonder. Ethical considerations, such as privacy, surveillance, and equitable access, must also be addressed to ensure these spaces are inclusive and welcoming to all users. The challenge of striking a balance between the digital and physical realms in third places is an exciting opportunity for collaboration and innovation, ultimately enhancing our overall well-being in an increasingly hybrid world.?

So, as we embark on this grand odyssey of innovation and collaboration, let us ponder this: If you were to design a third place that captures the essence of your dreams, what would it look like, and how might it spark a sense of wonder and belonging in the hearts of others? Close your eyes and envision this space; then, share your vision with someone near you. Together, let us paint a vibrant future in which third places light the way to a harmonious, hybrid world.

References:

(1) Marshmallow Laser Feast. (n.d.). From https://www.marshmallowlaserfeast.com/

(2) teamLab. (n.d.). From https://www.teamlab.art/

(3) Kellert, S. R., Heerwagen, J., & Mador, M. (2008). Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life. John Wiley & Sons.

(4) Jewel Changi Airport. (n.d.). From https://www.jewelchangiairport.com/

(5) Playable City. (n.d.). From https://www.playablecity.com/

(6) Yayoi Kusama. (n.d.). From https://www.yayoi-kusama.jp/

(7) Olafur Eliasson. (n.d.). From https://www.olafureliasson.net/

(8) James Turrell. (n.d.). From https://jamesturrell.com/

(9) Younes, S. (2023). From https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/collaborating-connected-future-role-art-brand-shaping-samar-younes/