&lotte is deeply committed to sustainability. From incorporating sustainable solutions into designs to keeping up with the latest materials made from residual waste, &lotte is always up to date! Since I started working at &lotte (Hi! Maud here, I’m a junior designer at the studio), I’ve learned a lot about sustainability in the broadest sense of the word. Of course, Lotte is still the real expert, but I find it fascinating to learn from her and from the world around us. What surprised me most is that sustainability also has a lot to do with health. What comes to mind when you think of sustainability?

 

I have to admit that health wasn’t the first thing I thought of either. But how great is it that by making sustainable choices, you’re not only doing something good for the planet or future generations, you’re also doing something good for yourself. Right now. A sustainable office interior is a good example. If you work full-time, you probably spend around 40 hours a week in the same space, or you alternate between working at the office and at home. Do you think about maintaining a good posture, drinking enough water, getting some fresh air and surrounding yourself with greenery every day? A comfortable desk, ergonomic chair and non-toxic materials all contribute to a healthy and happy employee. Just think about it: would you rather work in a small, dark room or in a space filled with natural daylight?

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Did you know that greenery – and I mean both the colour and plants – is actually really good for you? Being in contact with nature reduces stress, increases happiness and promotes vitality and creativity. Even simply seeing the colour green has a calming effect. (And I really didn’t make this up myself, these are findings from research by Wageningen University & Research).

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As designers, we make sustainable building and living tangible for users. &lotte does this, among other things, through communication. It’s not only important to communicate the origins of materials to the end user; small reminders that encourage healthy choices are important too. In the images above, for example, you can see how employees at Nationale-Nederlanden are encouraged to drink enough water. A reminder to take care of your health, made from sustainable material: the labels are made from seed paper. When planted in the soil, they grow into new plants and create new nature! Or take the coffee bar at the Flemish Administrative Centre in Leuven, where staff are reminded every day to separate their waste. That waste can then be used to create new raw materials.

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Finally, &lotte believes that learning about sustainability is also incredibly important, it’s no coincidence that one of the studio’s first projects was for Bamb2020. Through material passports, it becomes clear to a broad audience what materials are made of and what they can be used for.

And there is still so much more to learn about sustainability; our knowledge continues to grow! But let’s bring it back to today: what sustainable action can you take today for your own health and/or the health of those around you? (Tip: think small, for example, take your bike instead of the car!)

 

I wish you a wonderful week!

Maud

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P.S. Curious about the projects mentioned in this newsletter? Take a look at Nationale-Nederlanden, Koffiebar Leuven or Bamb2020.