The Touch
Spaces Designed for the Senses
A book by Kinfolk and Norm Architects. Published by Gestalten.
It is often said that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. The Touch, the new book from Kinfolk and Norm Architects published by gestalten, presents an alternative: that good design is not only visually appealing but engages all of the human senses. Over 288 pages, The Touch explores the building blocks of human-centric design and welcomes you into over 25 spaces that exemplify how haptic design elements can provide a richer quality of living.
In addition to stunning photography and interviews with design industry leaders such as John Pawson, Juhani Pallasmaa and David Thulstrup, The Touch also details philosophical and art history references that reflect the tradition of design and color theory. For a deeper understanding of the concepts explored, an appendix profiles architects such as Lina Bo Bardi and Richard Neutra; heritage design pieces that helped influence this movement are also listed in the book.
“Everything carries time within it and will decay eventually. Materials that seem more natural decay in a way that only adds to their beauty, where the traces of time make them special. Man-made inventions like painted plaster boards and plastics don't patinize in a beautiful way."
– Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, co-founder of Norm Architects.
From Q&A in The Touch.
“Soft Minimalism is an idea of a simple life that isn't monastic, and nature plays a big role in it. We came up with the term just before the 2008 financial crisis, when our generation's designers, inspired by postmodernism, were being experimental and using artificial materials like plastic and resin. We wanted to propose something more natural, designed for a good life, with architecture and the interior as a backdrop for human engagement."
– Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen, co-founder of Norm Architects.
From Q&A in The Touch.
