The house as a refuge | The duty

This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook

Even though the notion of well-being has always been present in architecture and design, it is sometimes supplanted by the importance we give to trends. By putting the occupant at the center of an architectural or design project and respecting the DNA of the space, we also obtain unique places that promote well-being. And this comforting, enveloping and warm feeling is perhaps becoming the new trend.

The L. McComber workshop defines living architecture as the act of building sensitive and innovative spaces and, above all, the art of doing it in harmony. “Our mission is to give shape to your living spaces. We imagine places where life is good, which age well, explains Laurent McComber, architect and founder of the company. Well-being is a fundamental issue and we work very hard on it. Residential projects sometimes allow us to be more creative, but the soul of the family, couple or individual must shine through in the design choices. »

Certainly, there are things that naturally please us or do us good. So why force yourself to incorporate a defined color, material or style just because it’s fashionable? “There is fast fashion and there is fast design,” notes designer Émilie Jobin. If we only follow trends, there will always be something more beautiful offered to us. But from a financial and environmental point of view, it doesn’t make sense. I much prefer a timeless approach,” she says. The one who founded her company in 2008, Atelier Émilie Jobin, has made the holistic approach an essential element in the planning and preparation of projects, both for primary and secondary residences.

Feel at home, really?

Confinement has shown that a property, when you are forced to stay there, can be a place of refuge, a sanctuary that you appreciate for its light, its vegetation, its decor, its history. And teleworking has forced people to rethink their space. “Our homes shouldn’t just be big wardrobes. These are living environments that we want to reflect our image,” believes Émilie Jobin.

In a study published in 2015 in the journal Perspectives on Psychological Science, University of California, Berkeley, social and personality psychology researcher Lindsay T. Graham has explored how our homes can be altered to impact our cognitive and emotional states, influence our activities, or even “combat feelings.” of isolation and loneliness. The specialist’s analyzes of interactions between humans and their environment were widely talked about during the pandemic. Today, she describes the living space as a tool that allows us to express ourselves, manage our emotions and… work.

Globally successful shows like that of Marie Kondo also demonstrate the growing interest we place in well-being and balance in our homes. A place that feels good is not one that you will want to flee at the first opportunity, on the first day of summer vacation or as soon as a long weekend begins. “We pay more and more for a living space that we do not use to its full potential,” believes the designer.

A buzzword

Let’s call him feng shui, hygge, wabi sabi, slow living Or good design, well-being in the design of our homes is not a new concept, although the words that define it change from one culture or time to another. “Indeed, we have always sought to be comfortable at home. For example, by maximizing natural light or creating strong visual links with the outdoor environment,” explains Mr McComber.

Function, pleasure and balance

What is the difference between functionality and well-being? Does one necessarily imply the other? The two specialists are of the same opinion: functionality aims above all to meet specific needs through practical solutions. “While functionality may contribute to greater satisfaction, it does not necessarily guarantee complete well-being. In my opinion, factors linked to comfort contribute more to feeling good at home: quality of natural light, air circulation, aesthetic harmony or even soundproofing,” describes the architect.

For his part, Mme Jobin agrees. “We can be very mathematical, technical, we think about circulation areas, calculate clearance spaces, ensure that the opening of a drawer does not conflict with that of a door. But all this is not necessarily aesthetic or a guarantee of well-being for the occupants. We are in a society where beauty is good,” she recalls.

“It’s possible to make people happy with architecture and design,” defends Mr. McComber. We are increasingly seeking comfort and inner peace. This results in a well-designed and pleasant space that makes us want to be there. »

This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.

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