Textures of Home

Lisa Phillips (Jefferson University)

Our notion of “home” is unique to each individual with multiple contributing factors: upbringing, socioeconomic background, climate, views, sounds, and even textures. Materiality can be responsible for many sensorial relationships we have with our home environments. What textures are under our feet as we slide from our beds each morning or under our elbows as we lean in to eat? Are they smooth, coarse or polished?

Throughout human history, dwellings were built with the native climate in mind, selecting materials and forms that would perform best, given the location. Materials were linked to a sense of place, culture and traditions. In this age of modern technology, however, man is able to easily migrate to faraway lands and materials are able to be imported with regionalism affecting selections far less. This does not prevent individuals from carrying their notions of home with them as they move, often formulating complex constructs of what home means to them. How, as designers, can we address these inherent needs in a world where boundaries no longer exist?

Building on former research I conducted concerning associations between materials and emotions a study was conducted in 2018 in which participants were asked to discuss their notions of “home” and then select associated materials. The selections were compared to determine if they were more highly textural or smooth, more reflective or matte. Were there similarities between regions or ethnicities or perhaps between genders, of those who made similar choices? Approximately 100 people participated in the study and the results revealed several trends, but also several disparities that highlighted areas where designers may benefit from customizing their habits by developing a more user-centric design process. This presentation will offer suggestions for improving dialogue between designers and those seeking a unique vision of “home”.