In a module led by architect and designer Lorenzo Guzzini, students from the Master in Interior Design embarked on a research driven project that explored the intersection between physical environment, natural materials, and human perception. The design challenge: to create a spatial concept that is rooted in a specific location, shaped by a chosen natural element, and enriched by sensory experience.
Atmosphere as Design Tool
Students were asked to design a space that responded to three core components: a geographic location, a natural element, and one human sense. The space could be open or enclosed, a single room or a sequence of experiences, what mattered was the connection between these three dimensions.
Contextual and Cultural Research
Each project began with the selection of a real-world site. Students investigated its climate, seasonal patterns, and cultural traditions, while also reflecting on their personal connection to the place. Parallel to this, they analyzed a natural material,such as water, stone, or wood exploring its cultural meanings and physical properties, from transformation states (liquid, solid, vapor) to tactile qualities.
Designing for the Senses
The final layer of the project focused on human perception. Students selected one sense from touch, taste, smell, sight, or hearing and examined how it could guide spatial design. This multisensory approach challenged students to think beyond aesthetics and explore how space can evoke emotion and memory through physical interaction.
From Research to Space
Drawing from all three areas of investigation, students developed detailed plans and sections of their spaces. They considered elements such as flow, entrance and exit points, and how users would engage with the environment and the chosen material. Under Guzzini’s guidance, they learned to use atmosphere as a fundamental tool in interior architecture crafting spaces that are not only seen, but deeply felt.
Insights and Takeaways
Throughout the course, students deepened their understanding of how research informs design. They learned to translate abstract concepts into spatial strategies, balancing technical analysis with emotional resonance. The project strengthened their ability to work across disciplines geography, material science, and sensory studies while sharpening their visual communication and conceptual development skills. Most importantly, they discovered how to use space as a medium for storytelling, designing environments that express both individual identity and cultural meaning.