Land of Dochia, Issue No. 11, Spring 2024

BOUTIQUE HOTELS WITH LOCAL FLAVOUR

SLEEP-ENHANCING INTERIORS

DESIGNING TRANQUILITY WONDERLUST SUMMER

Live better, live longer through

SELFTROPY ™

A Journey into the Intersection of Design, Perception, and Wellbeing

+1 416-492-7451

dm@landofdochia com

The fact that every culture has a myth of rebirth is not insignificant. Scientifically speaking, longevity owes less than 10% to genetics and a whopping 90% to the environment. That means we have an incredible amount of control over our life expectancy, and what better time to ponder upon this than the coming of spring, regeneration and rebirth

This Spring edition delves into the intricate threads connecting us to a longer, healthier life. Our focus extends beyond the conventional boundaries of health, exploring the captivating interplay between mind, body, and environment

It's a season to celebrate life and its myriad extensions, pondering our extraordinary influence over life expectancy.

Wishing you a season of growth, vitality, and discovery.

“

” Many people fall by the wayside because they don't have the energy to sustain their talent.

In pursuing healthy longevity, researchers increasingly emphasize the interconnectedness between maintaining optimal energy levels, avoiding excessive relaxation, and sustaining an active lifestyle.

At the core of this narrative is the impact of movement on our bodies. Studies consistently underscore the perks of regular physical activity, from a robust cardiovascular system to a sharper mind. Conversely, prolonged lethargy can usher in muscle decay, a sluggish metabolism, and a higher susceptibility to chronic ailments.

Yet, it's not just about perpetual motion. The delicate dance between work and relaxation emerges as a pivotal factor. While downtime is essential for recovery, too much idleness can wreak havoc on our physical and mental states. Finding the sweet spot between bustling activity and necessary repose is the secret sauce for cellular rejuvenation, stress mitigation, and a defence against the ravages of time.

Dochia

Designed by

rendered with AI

e

d of and

p in the Balkans, there widowed king by the ebal He ruled over er a great people a beautiful daughter ia. They all lived the Pannonian Basin, in he Carpathian n a land full of riches weather turned without as late morning on 1st of sombre clouds took tine blue skies of a ng The horizon o a thin black line icken, wider and wider, oser, dripping black ng slowly toward Dacia. the great Roman an was invading tles ensued, and ht bravely, but the war

Little by little, the eated toward the nd the Romans, little by er their land And so, ered Dacia and hat the king’s daughter, s wife.

cebal took his life.

Dochia, not wanting to marry Trajan, took refuge high in the mountains where the forests were dense, and they would protect her But Trajan did not give up and went after her, starting a massive search. He was closing in, and for Dochia, time was running out. So she turned to God Zamolxis for help, asking him to transform her into a rock to prevent her from marrying Trajan Zamolxis granted her wish, and today, in the Romanian Carpathians, on the way to Ceahlau Peak, there is a rock formation called Baba Dochia, where she would be safe forever

This story, written by

Adriana Mot,

reinterprets one of the legend versions of the Balkan folklore. With roots that go back to the Greek Cappadocia of Asia Minor, the tale has many forms that, at first glance, may seem quite different. Yet, a common storyline is present: the death of one order, anthropomorphised in different main characters, a transformative event, and the birth of a new beginning. This new beginning is always represented by an element of nature. Mountains, trees, or water.

DESIGNING TRANQUILLITY:

The Art and Science of SleepEnhancing Interiors

Beyond mere aesthetics, the intersection of bedroom interior design and wellbeing is becoming increasingly obvious. While empirical evidence shows that sensory perception is critical for a good night's sleep, Selftropy™ gives you a complete toolbox kit to achieve just that. Here is how:

PLACEMENT IN THE ROOM HAS TO RESPOND TO YOUR SENSES

To create a sleep-inducing sanctuary, an Affective Grid comes into play. Bed positioning becomes crucial. Breaking away from convention, the bed need not be confined to the middle of the wall; instead, it should be strategically placed to optimise the sensory harmony of the space that can be enjoyed before the lights are turned off

EXPLAINED

USE ORGANIC FORMS

People find comfort in spaces structured or adorned with curved edges Calmness, a prerequisite for quality sleep, is achieved through visuals of soft contours, be it a large armchair, an unobstructed view of nature, or the incorporation of smooth curves in interior architecture

Light fixtures devoid of angular designs contribute to the overall serene ambience, allowing the eyes to rest without unnecessary visual stimuli that sharp edges induce

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SENSORIAL EXPERIENCE

When the lights go out, other senses come to the forefront These demand careful consideration during the design process Touch, sight, smell, and hearing all play pivotal roles in crafting an environment conducive to a tranquil night's sleep They tune our senses Adding soft textures, such as floorlength curtains, introduces a tactile element and quietness in the room, inviting a feeling of comfort and security.

Don't underestimate the power of a restful sleep and a good night's dream

Live well, live long through

SELFTROPY ™

A Journey into the Intersection of Design, Perception, and Wellbeing

Healthy Longevity is the hot topic of the future, and Selftropy™ is a promising addition to its development While the connection between the health of the mind and the health of the body is by now established, what Selftropy brings to the table is a unique and new set of tools that promote wellbeing.

Plato, in and around 300 b.c., was among the first to hypothesize the existence of the mind By the 1600’s, Descartes’s view on mind and matter was an easy sell Two hundred or so year later, Kant introduced us to the importance of aesthetics for the mind because, subjectively, we experience it with a feeling of pleasure. Since then, there has been a constant toss between the usefulness of aesthetics, what it is and what is not, and its impact on wellbeing, if any at all.

A debate is present in the works of many across many disciplines Yet what we know now is that out of all the senses, vision helps us most in how we experience the world; in fact, by more than 50% over the others We also know that perception highly influences wellbeing, leaving us with little doubt over the fact that aesthetics matter to a healthy mind.

Selftropy is a lifestyle and design method at the same time It is systemic and complex, with effects experienced primarily, but not exclusively, through sight This holistic perspective underscores the significance of balanced energy management. It proposes that the combination of perception, self-knowledge, and free plays a pivotal role in shaping mood, energy, and, implicitly, health.

By integrating emerging psychological and neuroscience concepts with design methods, selftropy allows us to consciously engage with - and shapeour immediate environment to enhance wellbeing This is established when the person and the space reach a temporal synergy. How is this done? Through both: design and educated selfawareness. In this respect, it pays homage to two of its most prominent precursors: phenomenology and meditation

Selftropy emphasizes the idea that our homes can serve as a support system in and of themselves By consciously designing and curating our living spaces, we have the power to create an environment that nurtures positive emotions and supports our mental health.

We have the power to create an environment that nurtures positive emotions and supports our mental health.

For example, a selftropy-designed home can provide a sense of control, offering a safe heaven. We feel secure and comfortable. Nostalgic elements within our living spaces, or those we stumble upon in the world at large, can evoke positive memories and foster a sense of belonging. These are two critical ingredients to wellbeing. In our isolationist western society, belonging, specifically, emerges more and more as a cornerstone. When we experience a solid connection to our living space, that bond becomes a sanctuary where we can unwind, rejuvenate, and be ourselves, and more importantly, fuel the positive energy necessary for a fulfilling life.

Energy is key. Because longevity - is energy So how do you maintain, gain, enhance, and harvest it to live your best life up until the end? Science has started to prove what we suspected for a long time: slowing down too much is your fast ticket to the grave. So why do it, and if you feel you need to, how much should you slow down? Enough to not feel unpleasant and less than to make you numb.

For all those interested in longevity, the Blue zones are a goal, an aspiration, a mantra, and a must-know Those first five hot spots on earth, with centenarians more prevalent per capita than anywhere else, are the healthiest places in the world Soon, there will be more. Because we ’ re entering the health age, and we will make it our focus.

This spring let’s pause and reconsider how close our lives are to those of the healthiest humans on earth and if they are not, how can we get closer.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS WITH LOCAL FLAVOUR

GEAR UP FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE WANDERLUST SUMMER

In the post-pandemic era, the wellbeing phenomenon is becoming the new way of life. We expect travel without smog, food without contamination, and the packing of sufficient meaningful memories to recalibrate our life's course.

Beyond the thrill of exploration, connecting with the places we visit is key to unlocking this transformative power of travel. And, not surprisingly, it all starts with the proverbial home away from home: the hotels.

For a while now, boutique hotels have stood out by offering those intangible services known to boost morale and enhance wellbeing. Recently, they have become multipurpose hubs. Relaxation, exotic dinners, and superlative wellness programs are nestled within them in historic neighbourhoods, allowing guests to participate while embracing the city's charm.

Engaging with these cultural treasures not only provides a feast for the senses but also enriches the soul.

Some hotels outright focus on health and wellness, offering yoga retreats and spa services. A summer wellness retreat can provide just the rejuvenation you need in a beautiful setting.

I favour hotels that are renowned for their culinary offerings because research indicates that diverse and high-quality cuisines can positively impact overall wellbeing. Some properties host special summerthemed dining events, wine tastings, or cooking classes that allow guests to experiment with local flavours.

These make each gastronomic adventure a step forward towards a healthier, happier life.

It is also likely that these hotels will serve as gateways to authentic local encounters and foster a sense of belonging by proving what the studies already show: that talking to strangers paves the way to the richer, more fulfilling life that we all want to live.

WHITE

RESTAURANT DESIGN HOW IT CONTRIBUTES TO GOOD EATING HABITS MINDSET

It is a known fact that dining experiences at home are enhanced by ambience, food, and conversation. But what if I told you that by designing such experiences by applying Selftropy™, you can also boost your health?

A key selftropic tool is linked to the Cocooning Effect, a psychological phenomenon that draws parallels with the profound impact of maternal care on a child's development. Those who receive a boost of confidence while, conversely, children who lack this foundational support may grow up manifesting deep-seated insecurities in their adult lives.

By using this concept as a tool of design, a dining room can become a realm where conviviality and shared moments intertwine with the benefic sensorial experiences of the Cocooning Effect.

Here is how a dining room became a therapeutic space, transcending its utilitarian and aesthetic purpose to offer a haven of stability.

A grouping of Mooi Random lights above the dining room table was suspended at just the right height to enter the visual field of the guests seated at the table. Even without the warm, enveloping glow light, the lightness, shape, and positioning of the fixtures contribute to a sense of comfort and safety.

This is only one of the design moves in this room that goes beyond mere aesthetics, aiming to evoke a profound sense of security and confidence in its users.

The Cocooning Effect is a complex phenomenon that has been well studied, and the dining room design ingeniously translates these psychological insights into a tangible and immersive experience. The tactile wallpaper and the way your visual fields are dispersed by the angled wall between the foyer and kitchen orchestrate a visual symphony that plays directly into the guests' perceptual field.

This intentional arrangement is not merely an aesthetic choice; it is a strategic deployment of sensory cues out of which the dining room emerges not merely as a space for culinary indulgence but as a testament to the profound interplay between design, sensory experiences, and psychological well-being.

SELFTROPY IS AN ACUTE SENSE OF EXTENDED IDENTITY BUILT ON THE RELATIONSHIP WE HAVE WITH OUR IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS. IT IS A STATE IN WHICH WE CAN CONSTRUCT AND REPEAT THE EXPERIENCE, MUCH LIKE MEDITATION. THE BENEFITS TO MENTAL HEALTH ARE NOW BEING RESEARCHED AND APPLIED THROUGH DESIGN IN THE LAND OF DOCHIA.

BEHIND THE SCENES

...in the

The installation phase, which could take days or even weeks depending on the project size, is hands down the most exciting part of our work. It's when our vision along with the clients’ come to life, and everything starts fitting together just right. Coordinating the installation team –from painters to flooring experts– is quite the juggling act. We work closely with the client to find a date that works best for everyone involved.

Unless