Fractals are the building block of many of nature’s patterns and have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and so provide benefits to physical health. This visual language is the basis for Relaxing Floors, a modular system designed by 13&9 in collaboration with Fractals Research and Mohawk Group.
This collection is the culmination of art, science and human-centered design based on fractal patterns; utilizing fractals to give our eyes a break from the digital world and deliver the essence of nature to the contract-built environment.
Seemingly random shapes and forms found in nature often appear haphazard. But upon closer inspection, there is a structure underlying these natural arrangements. And as we look closer and closer, the patterns repeat over and over. These are fractals.
Although all fractals are complex, the level of complexity varies between patterns. This complexity is measured by a parameter labeled D. Patterns with mid-range complexity—a mid-D value—are the most common in natural scenery and it is these patterns that reduce the observer’s stress-levels. All of the Relaxing Floors patterns have been optimized to have a mid-D value—as denoted by the “D” suffix on each of the pattern names.
Today’s continuous exposure to technology impacts how we live, work and interact, and poses many challenges on physical and psychological levels. Based on their transdisciplinary approach to design, Martin and Anastasija Lesjak of 13&9 worked closely with Richard Taylor, professor of physics, psychology and art at the University of Oregon, and founder of Fractals Research, to create the next generation of flooring solutions with Mohawk Group. The designers of Relaxing Floors look to holistic thinking in design and employ strategies that value people in their built environment.