Sara Brant-Lundin Westergren

Ashes to ashes and dust to dust. Between these two stages of our existence, I strive to create designs that go beyond the norm in room and interior design.

We have our origins in nature and live in symbiosis with it but our modern lifestyles have disconnected us from nature, especially in densely built-up areas. That is why my degee project is based on the concept of biophilia; the realisation of feeling best when we feel connected to nature.

Since a central part of the project has been to examine the boundary between inside/outside, the concept of ‘grounding’ has played a supporting part in the search for form that blurs the boundary between inside/outside. Grounding means that direct contact with the earth’s electron field has a scientifically-proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. I have studied specific examples and references from Gunnar Asplund’s work that harmonises with principles in neurodesign and biophilic design, as the location where I place my proposal is part of his drawings for the premises and park environments around the library.
In the design proposal Support, my ideas and studies have materialised as a bench that, through its form, function and location, can open up conversations about supportive design and contribute to creating the conditions for a sustainable future in our indoor environments. By integrating my ideas and studies into the design of the bench, I strive to play a part in providing visitors to the site with the necessary conditions for well-being. My proposal includes the venue transitioning from being a fast food restaurant to becoming an integral part of the library’s facilities and thus becoming a public space accessible to the public.