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INSIGHTS
ARB accreditation, the UK branch is operating as a “strategic interior design consultancy,” collaborating with local architects. Young herself has accreditation from the British Institute of Interior Design, and the ILFI (Foundations of Biophilic Design Certifi cate). Learning from the differences between the architectural landscapes of Chicago and the UK has been “transformative,” says Young. Chicago’s famous design heritage, such as Louis Sullivan’s “form follows function” philosophy, is formative in her ideas, but in contrast, she says that UK infl uences ranging from “architectural traditions, respect for preservation, and deep connection to nature” offer “new opportunities to evolve the practice’s mission.”
Nature, wellbeing & personalisation While biophilic design remains a cornerstone of the practice’s ethos, Young sees it as part of a broader mission to “promote emotional and psychological wellbeing” in the spaces it designs. This took on a personal dimension for Young when she was caring for her late husband, who had Parkinson’s disease. Experiencing fi rst-hand how architecture impacts emotional and
UChicago Child Development Center © Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing
physical health inspired her to deepen her focus on creating spaces that enrich lives. “That experience solidifi ed my commitment to designing environments that truly support the people who inhabit them,” she refl ects.
Drawing inspiration from mentors like Allison Ewing of HEDS Architects, Young embraces evidence-based approaches to biophilic design, to create “nurturing, functional spaces.” Young asserts that Symbiotic is “redefi ning the role of architecture and interiors in promoting wellbeing, combining a profound respect for nature with evidence-based research.”
Symbiotic Living approaches design holistically, treating spaces as
part of ‘ecosystems,’ not isolated environments. Informed by fractal patterns in nature, their philosophy sees each part as contributing to a cohesive whole. “From orientation of buildings on a site to the careful connection of interiors and exteriors, every element is designed to foster a seamless relationship between people and their surroundings,” says Young.
She also draws inspiration from Colin Rowe’s teachings on Giambattista Nolli’s Map of Rome, which emphasises the continuity between interior and exterior spaces, to create environments that “foster belonging and align with the natural context.” Fundamental to their ethos is the integration of “prospect and refuge” – balancing openness and security to “promote a deeper connection to nature.”
The practice also puts a large focus on lighting spaces for wellness benefi ts: “Thoughtfully designed lighting not only infl uences mood and energy but also supports circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep and overall health.” They also orient furniture to maximise natural light and views, and “ensure that each space functions intuitively while feeling uplifting.” Personalisation is at the heart of Symbiotic Living’s ethos.
Lakeview Penthouse © Steve Hall, Hall + Merrick + McCaugherty
The fi rm recognises that “each individual’s connection to the natural world is unique, and shaped by sensory experiences
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK ADF JANUARY 2025
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