Instil Collective, the Amsterdam-based branding and interior design studio, is redefining how we experience spaces by creating environments that nurture wellbeing across multiple layers of our being. Known for their intentional, research-driven approach, the multidisciplinary team believes that a well-designed space is not only aesthetically appealing but also nurtures a deep, sensory connection between people, places, and nature. They believe the intersection of art, nature, science, and spaces can function like a medium for people to come back into balance.

Their latest project, the newly opened Uncommon Bar in Oud- West, embodies this philosophy, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond the typical bar setting. At the heart of this project is the concept of “The Living Network of Roots,” a guiding principle that reflects Uncommon’s close relationships with its coffee producers.

Instil Collective's design approach goes beyond aesthetics. They collaborated with Brazilian neuroarchitect Andréa de Paiva to explore how physical environments impact our minds and bodies. Drawing from neuroarchitecture, the team incorporated fractal patterns - natural, self-repeating shapes that the brain finds inherently soothing. These fractals, often found in trees, clouds, and rivers, have been replicated in the bar's materials and textures, creating a space that feels both calming and natural.

Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa's human-centric design philosophy also played a pivotal role. His belief that visitors co-create a space through their personal experiences is a principle Instil values deeply. It's partly why Instil Collective incorporates branding into their design process—to tell the story of the space, strengthening the emotional connection that aligns with the physical environment.

The design also carefully integrates elements of Feng Shui to ensure harmony between natural forces. For instance, the central bar is crafted from quartzite, chosen for its connection to the earth's geological history, grounding the space. In contrast, Bogaji fabric artwork near the seating area evokes air, symbolizing lightness and movement, while textured glass panels bring in natural light that dances across surfaces like water. The bar's wooden floor—hand-carved with organic, flowing lines—invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with themselves.

Every material and design element was chosen to heighten the sensory experience. Hemp-infused plaster on the pillars adds texture and a tactile connection to nature, while metal accents in the furniture reflect durability and strength, balancing the space's softer, more organic elements. These natural textures and patterns create a quiet rhythm throughout the space, gently encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings on a deeper, more mindful level.

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