Commercial Architecture April 2018 - 6

DEPARTMENT

the architects

Hygge Creates Warmth
In Cold Places
Architects and interior designers are using the Danish art of
happiness as inspiration for effective, attractive design solutions.
Above. Comfort elements in the Abrams shared library and café include plush, upholstered chairs
and cozy reading nooks that allow workers to escape from busy schedules and relax with a book or
converse with colleagues. Photo: Eric Laignel

Alexandra Koretski
Associate, Spacesmith

lthough the winter months may seem like a

the Spacesmith design team used

distant memory, there's still great need for

varied elements for comfort, spe-

warmth in today's stressful society. From the

cifically in the shared library and

challenges of personal life to seemingly constant neg-

café. Plush, upholstered chairs

ativity in the world around us, everyone needs to find

and cozy reading nooks, posi-

happiness and comfort in whatever ways they can. This

tioned throughout, allow workers

is where the term hygge, comes in. Known as the Danish

to escape from busy schedules

philosophy of happiness, this concept-pronounced hue-

and relax with a book or simply

gah-is increasingly influential for architects and interior

converse with colleagues in the

designers worldwide looking to bring a sense of safety,

café during lunch break. Each of

comfort, and togetherness into their building designs.

these design elements add happi-

As one of the happiest countries in the world, despite

ness during a hectic workday

its temperate and often dreary climate, Denmark is ex-

while ensuring employees have

porting a valuable notion. Though not really a design

the tools needed to perform their

aesthetic, hygge considers how overall happiness is influ-

jobs.

enced by environmental cues. For this reason, Space-

* Warmer retail. Shopping isn't

smith architects and designers have employed the idea

always the most relaxing experi-

for inspiration when designing workspaces, retail loca-

ence. From harsh lighting to long

tions, and even educational facilities.

lines, the retail experience can

Below. The hygge-based design in the Bonpoint children's clothing store in Manhattan creates an
oasis of calm and comfort with naturally finished wood for furnishings, a children's playhouse, and a
small seating area adorned with comfortable couches and pillows. Photo: Alexander Severin

Some ways of instilling hygge are fairly intuitive: add-

often become stressful. In Manhattan's shop-

only a true design inspiration, but it gives project teams

ing a warm fireplace to a hotel lobby, using cozy fabrics

ping-crazed Soho neighborhood, the luxury children's

a set of criteria focused around end-user comfort and

on built-ins, or placing scented candles on the reception

clothing store Bonpoint creates an oasis of calm and

happiness. Spaces organized for intimacy and a sense of

console. Yet countless other methods add coziness and

comfort, a great example of a hygge-inspired boutique.

togetherness, with a thoughtful use of natural materials

security to building spaces in less-obvious ways. For ex-

With naturally finished wood for furnishings and a

that evoke feelings of warmth and security, can become a

ample, buildings can boost well being by adding visual

children's playhouse on the center of the floor, shop-

powerful antidote to the chaos of daily life. CA

texture and natural materials, such as wood grain, be-

pers feel a connection to nature and play. A small seat-

cause occupants tend to feel more at peace when con-

ing area, adorned with comfortable couches and pil-

Alexandra Koretski is a designer, project manager, and associate

nected to nature. Also, exposing historical building ma-

lows, simulates a residential living room, and classic

with Spacesmith, an architecture and interior-design firm based in

terials and adding antique focal pieces can enhance

childhood toys are scattered throughout, adding nos-

New York City and Hudson, NY (spacesmith.com). Koretski is a

comfort as they add texture, create nostalgia, or connect

talgia and positive distractions.

key member of Spacesmith's public-sector design team and a leader

individuals to pleasant memories. Similarly, handmade
assemblies and finely crafted items contribute to the hyg-

* Welcoming schools. An example of hygge in an academic facility is found at The School of Visual Arts

in the firm's implementation of technical standards.

MFA (New York City); Photo, Video, and Related-Me-

ge philosophy.
These concepts can benefit a wide range of building

dia Department. That design brings students and facul-

types, such as:

ty together in intimate seating areas or for community

* Cozier workspaces. Using varied techniques, designers

gatherings in an adaptable, daylighted multipurpose

can incorporate hygge concepts into workplace designs

room, converted from a former loading dock. Original

Interview With
Alexandra Koretski

to create subconscious feelings of well being and safety.

brick, wood, dark metal, and new natural-concrete fin-

Learn more about applying hygge concepts to

For example, warm indirect lighting, free of glare, can

ishes, along with warm colors and lighting, contribute

design in our interview with Alexandra Koretski at

mimic candlelight effects. At the new headquarters of

to a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/architects.

Abrams, a leading book publisher in New York City,
6

COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE

APRIL 2018

commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

There's more architects can do with hygge. It's not

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture April 2018