Grace Atkinson

My work is an experimental sensorial collection focusing on touch and scent to promote wellbeing. Living in urban environments limits our direct access to nature. Our relationship with nature is critical for supporting positive mental health, something that has been highlighted by the recent pandemic. Parks, waterfronts, sports fields and walking trails are crucial green spaces that provide a place for people to exercise, relax, socialise and reconnect with nature. Ensuring these spaces offer diverse and inclusive experiences can improve our busy city lives.  

Through a collection of samples that stimulate the senses beyond sight, I have explored the concept of including scented and/or tactile elements as key design features that trigger a focused sensory interaction to aid and support wellbeing. Embedding fragrance, the textiles become aromatherapy, creating an immersive experience, smell being a powerful tool to evoke memories and feelings that take you out with your present mental state.  

Textiles are a constant presence in our lives, providing comfort from birth until death and I wanted to capitalise on this special power. As textiles are inherently tactile, I have tried to exploit this to create a variety of sensations across the collection, all inspired by the natural structures found in our city’s green spaces.