On Tuesday, November 18, acclaimed packaging designer, Pratt educator and Pratt Trustee Emeritus Marc Rosen hosted three highly lauded design experts in various fields for a thought-provoking look at how design in our surroundings and objects enhances our lives.

The event was held at The Asia Society in NYC, and was the 9^th year of this series that Rosen, also a member of Beauty Packaging’s Board of Advisors, created specifically for Pratt Institute.

‘Designed for Living’ was about living life to its fullest; the importance of interior spaces—however you personally define this—and creating your personal space, your total environment, sight, smell, sound, and taste.

Our home environment is an intrinsic part of our ‘personal brand,’ said Rosen. “How we live says as much about who we are as who we aspire to be. Be it a country house, urban condo, city loft, or anything in between, how we furnish our personal space reflects our desired image, what we expect from our functional environs (or not), how we perceive ourselves, and how we want to be perceived by others.”

He noted, “From something as simple as wall color to modern or traditional furnishings; from accessories that bring personality and nuance to any room, to lighting that sets the stage for living, we’re building a story when we make these choices.” 

Speakers Look at Interiors, Colors, Furniture Design

First up was Sarah Paul, founder of Space Material Object; and Former Director of Interior Design at Hariri Pontarini Architects.

She practices in both Canada and the U.S. She spoke about how home interiors have evolved, from especially sparse furniture in the Middle Ages, to the influence of fireplaces as a central element, to the Victorian period, when middle-income people could buy furniture. Interiors went from utilitarian to comfort and privacy.

 Today, Paul said, “Anything goes,” but she predicted that open floor plans will again return to more compartmentalized spaces. She also advised, “Whatever your approach in designing your home, think of the 5 senses.”

Sally Augustin, a PhD neuroscientist, gave a fascinating presentation on color and individual personalities, including introverts and extroverts, and how their preferences affect the creation of their living spaces. She is the author of many books, including “Designology: How to Find Your PlaceType and Align Your Life with Design.”

Augustin works with clients to help them develop their own “comfortable world” by creating “positive living experiences.” She said the “best places” take into account communication, comfort, familiarity, challenge, coordination, and comfort—always keeping in mind color and furniture placement. As far as personality influences, in general, Augustin said, introverts need a carefully curated space, while extroverts prefer more lively surroundings.

The famed, cutting-edge, self-taught furniture designer Dakota Jackson, spoke about his career, from his life as a professional magician, to designer of an array of wooden furniture pieces that he hoped would be around forever.

He told of an incredible desk he had built for John Lennon, at Yoko Ono’s request, in which he combined his magician’s know-how with a spectacular style that includes a hidden drawer.  While he works with many celebrity clients, he also created pieces such as a “simple” library desk chair with beautiful lines, which he built to be utilitarian, striking, and long-lasting. His work is housed in multiple museums, and his factory in Long Island City employs over 150 skilled artisans to keep up with demand.

Wrap-Up

Rosen wrapped up the evening, saying, “We are the architects of our life, and there is no greater and more exciting way to bring that sense of self to life than by “designing for living.”