Architecture of Instinct

I had been finding some aspects of the architecture around me dull. Almost everything has straight lines, right angles, sharp edges and big geometric shapes. Instead I started to enjoy seeing tiny houses in a village or the buildings/houses in the old city. That was because I could see textures, organic forms and curves with a mix of old and modern in them. Soon I came across the Dragon Hill, built in 1962 by architect Jacques Couëlle and much talked about after it's been on market with Espaces Atypiques. I started collecting similar architecture and interiors and noticed they've been popping up more than usual. That's how Instagram's algorithm work and I have given Instagram examples below but as it turns out, its actually gaining popularity.

So when I found Dragon Hill, I asked my professor, a furniture designer, what to call such architecture and he remarked it was almost 'grotto' like. Cave like. Comfort reaches us through our senses- through sight, hearing, touch, and smell as our brain constantly seeks cognitive simulation. This is where these cave-like architectures provide a way to feel comfort and relaxation. The pandemic has brought consumers the desire for a warm feeling. They are looking for ways to draw comfort from the things that surround them. Through architecture the sensibilities that speak to our deepest and most essential needs on a physical and psychological level can be tapped into. For example, in the pictures above textures are prioritized by layering shades of cream and white in different materials. These shades make good use of natural light which help sleep better. While textures provide rich stimulation, as they mimic the imperfections of nature. Anything organic, nature-like would most definitely provide relaxation. Now everyone's idea of refuge and comfort are different. Hence the cave-like spaces have been becoming quickly successful and popular in the architectural world by offering a wide array of aesthetic options.