Emotion and design: a conversation about the spaces we inhabit.
We were invited to be part of the second edition of JALEO, a program of meetings and talks organized by Greenarea together with the CLC Gallery, featuring other guests such as Kriscadecor and Vibia. The series of conversations began on February 3, with Esther and Elena Castaño-López speaking with Carla Alabau in a discussion moderated by Salva Martínez.
The debate focused on how to create spaces that generate emotions. While emotions are subjective and personal, we all agree that spaces should be designed to evoke specific sensations, as they directly influence how we feel, how we interact, and how we work. Design, art, and nature actively contribute to shaping these atmospheres and activating different moods. Thinking about space from the perspective of emotion means recognizing that everyday environment should be meaningful and purposeful, whether the goal is to relax, focus, or enjoy moments of leisure.
When designing spaces that evoke emotions, we approach these sensations holistically: architecture as the container, interior design through furniture, lighting, art, and natural elements, textures and colours, as well as other aspects such as acoustics and scent. Every detail matters and contributes to creating complete sensory experiences, whether in intimate private spaces, offices designed for focused work, restaurants that encourage social connection, or environments dedicated solely to leisure.
For Sancal, the starting point of any project is curiosity about our surroundings, introducing new ways of perceiving the everyday from a functional but also experimental, and expressive perspective. A good example is the Link chain seating system, which explores new ways of sitting through a completely disruptive approach. When seeing these links for the first time, the question inevitably arises. Is it a textile sculpture or a seat?
It is important for us to think about how objects are used and rethink them by playing with forms and proportions. Our catalogue is also highly versatile, as all our furniture can be adapted through finishes to meet the specific requirements of each project.
The conversation also explored the delicate line between art and design. Some pieces, in addition to their function, have an artistic character, becoming the focal point of any space. This duality is essential: functionality should always be accompanied by an aesthetic component, especially in objects that accompany us in daily life. In the case of furniture, these are pieces that not only humanize spaces but also make them feel truly personal. An object that is part of our everyday life should also stand the test of time and be aesthetically pleasing as well.
The discussion was enriched with examples of how furniture and decorative objects can transform a space, making each project unique, where every detail contributes to evoking emotions and fostering well-being.
An artistic intervention by José Manuel Ferrero.
The talk also featured the artistic intervention of José Manuel Ferrero in the windows of the Valencia gallery. His proposal created a surprise effect, especially at night, combining design, art, and preserved vegetation to create two artistic frames. In one of them, the Magnum chair was reinterpreted by the designer himself as an object that seems to emerge from nature, covered in lichen, transforming an everyday piece of furniture into a poetic and evocative installation.
A reflection on how design and art can touch our emotions, connect us with nature, and transform any space into a unique sensory experience.
You can see the window displays at CLC (Calle de En Sala, 6 bajo) until the end of March.
