Humans, rooted in discovery, migrated over the mountains and through valleys in pursuit of abundance and opportunity. Seeking herds that provided them food and directed them toward water source and vegetation. The agile would climb the tallest trees and scale the largest peaks to gain a vantage point over the surrounding environment. Sitting hilltop, gazing freely over the land, they encountered “prospect”.
Prospect, a view of the surrounding environment, its resources, its curvatures and its threats. Threats in the form of dangerous animals as well as the threats of weather. In order to feel safe and secure, they sought “refuge”. In a cave, up a tree with our backs to the log or against a rocky face. This added to the calming effects we longed for amongst the daily strife with danger.
We do not ward off bears or collect caribou today in the same way, but yet the modern world comes with its own challenges of anxiety spiking realities. Many of us at some point in our lives seek a dark, secluded cave to relax in safe refuge.
Longing for ‘prospect’ and ‘refuge’ are not elements of weakness, but that of humanness. We have an incredible opportunity when filling up the insides of our house and making it a home. We choose furnishings, fixtures and finishes. If we do this well and do it while considering first and foremost what we “need” in order to be our best selves, then we have won. Creating spaces that can heal, spaces where we feel safe, calm and where we can recover and rejuvenate. Our home can be a re-set.
The dance of prospect and refuge. What does it look like in a home? Prospect is strategically placing a bench under a window looking out onto the view where one can sit and read while soaking up nature into one’s soul. Prospect is a porch swing out back where one can sit, swing and enjoy the view. Refuge is an egg chair or barrel chair that wraps around you to make you feel safe and secure. Refuge may be a dark room with low light that helps your brain calm down. Refuge may be a weighted blanket to sit under to help your heart rate come down and your anxiety to ease. Neuroaesthetic design is centered around what designers can do in homes and offices to promote overall well being. Keeping a balance of prospect and refuge is one theory to consider.