EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF SURFACES AND DESIGN ON OUR SENSES AND WELL-BEING

Living and working in a city often inundates us with sensory overload from various environments we encounter. Many of us grapple with detrimental effects such as pollution, traffic congestion, incessant noise, harsh lighting, overcrowding, and the chaotic behaviour akin to animals vying for space on public transport or manoeuvring through traffic. These factors can lead to psychological and physical ailments like stress, anxiety, depression, and anger.

How can we mitigate these challenges, and what role does surface and design play in this endeavour?

Reflecting on spaces that induce a sense of calm and well-being, one might conjure memories of serene environments, such as a deep forest, where the myriad shades of green, the vast expanse of the blue sky, the crisp air, and the natural symphony of sounds evoke a harmonious connection with nature.

As designers, we can delineate factors that contribute to creating such tranquil settings:

• Incorporating natural landscapes to foster a sense of connection with the environment.
• Harnessing the impact of sensory stimuli to design green spaces conducive to relaxation.
• Ensuring optimal air circulation for freshness and vitality.
• Maximizing natural lighting while embracing light and shade variations.
• Utilizing natural surfaces and colours to evoke a sense of authenticity.
• Introducing elements like flowing water to enhance the auditory experience.
• Mitigating artificial noises such as car horns, airplane engines, construction clamour, and phone alerts in favour of more soothing, anthropogenic sounds like children's laughter or birdsong.

Research underscores the detrimental effects of noise pollution in urban landscapes, including sleep disturbances, hypertension, and an increased risk of heart ailments.

Additional principles guiding the creation of conducive spaces for well-being include:

• Establishing safe and comfortable environments.
• Providing seclusion to foster tranquillity and relaxation, such as intimate interior spaces like bathrooms or bedrooms.
• Offering opportunities for mental and physical retreat from daily pressures, allowing individuals to disconnect and rejuvenate.
• Incorporating tactile materials that emulate nature, encouraging engagement with our sense of touch, which can induce physiological relaxation.
• Introducing natural fragrances like flowers or rain, enhancing the sensory experience and deepening the connection with the environment.

In essence, by integrating these principles into design practices, we can curate spaces that promote mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being amidst the bustle of urban life

Surface Design encompasses color, design, and finish, and at NITCO, our design philosophy has always revolved around replicating the natural world. By studying natural stones, their formation, and their therapeutic effects, our surface narratives commence at the intersection of humanity and the natural environment — from the awe-inspiring majesty of mountains to the soothing sensation of barefoot walks on the beach.

We believe that nature promotes wellness, which in turn fosters happiness. Our objective is to curate the tactile, sensory, and aesthetic beauty of nature to enhance the well-being of your space.

CERAMIC, as a surface material, possesses numerous qualities that often go unnoticed:

Clean air is paramount for you and your family's health, and NITCO tiles offer a natural solution. Crafted from natural ingredients and devoid of toxic chemicals, our tiles shield you from exposure to harmful contaminants present in other surfaces.

If allergens and asthma concern you (especially considering the increased coughing and sneezing post-COVID), tiles stand as the superior choice. Unlike other surfaces, tiles are both hard and impervious, rendering them inhospitable to dust, mites, bacteria, fungi, mould, and other irritants. Moreover, tiles, manufactured at temperatures reaching 2500 degrees Fahrenheit, are inherently inorganic, emitting zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

VOCs emitted by most flooring types consist of harmful gases that can induce headaches, nausea, and irritation of the nose, eyes, and throat. VOC emissions are also a leading cause of "sick building syndrome."

With zero formaldehyde content, tiles offer a safer alternative to other surfaces containing binders like medium-density fibreboards, plywood, or particleboards. Formaldehyde exposure is linked to increased asthma rates, particularly in children and the elderly.

Tiles are also free from PVC, a resin commonly used in other surfaces to enhance mechanical flexibility and heat stability. PVC contains phthalates and Organotin compounds that often raise concerns among health experts.

At NITCO, we focus on creating tile surfaces that embody the design, colour, and texture of natural materials while adhering to principles of harmony and well-being.

Designing environments that promote healing and understanding how design principles and surface materials impact us are the legacies we aspire to leave for future generations to flourish.