Science shows that being in or around nature improves our sense of wellbeing, in terms of our emotions and our psyche. Oceanco launched a series of initiatives last year to delve into this, rethinking yacht design and construction. Newly released interior and deck concepts from the shipyard and an interior-design studio reveal how. In fact, Oceanco and TANK explore biophilic design to show the possibilities of the positive impact.
Biophilic design maintains that humans have an innate attraction to nature. Therefore, it’s important to create environments reflecting this in both overt and understated ways. “We try to incorporate biophilic design in most things that we do,” explains TANK founding partner Tommy Kleerekoper. “People actually feel better in nature. More focused, healthier.”
The new designs are part of Oceanco NXT, largely focused on the next generations of yacht buyers and their evolving lifestyles. While Amsterdam-based TANK doesn’t have prior experience in yachting, that was part of the attraction. Kleerekoper says that traditionally, yachting has emphasized the materials and opulence onboard. “The new generation shrugs their shoulders at this approach and prefers a ‘lighter’ way of life, where status lies less in physical products but instead is found in access to things,” he explains.
Therefore, one way Oceanco and TANK explore biophilic design is through multi-functional spaces. Miriam Zuurbier, the studio’s creative director, points out that distinct separation between working and relaxing no longer exists. “When we started designing, we looked at the yacht not as levels, spaces, walls, and boundaries,” she explains. “We looked more at all the activities that you want to do there.”
Fundamentally, TANK determined yachts have three groups of energy. The lowest-lying energy level, for example, centers on rejuvenation and a sense of sanctuary. The mid-level, meanwhile, “is more about the things that you constantly repeat,” Zuurbier says. “It’s about cooking, working out, and meeting up with your friends.” Finally, the third level “is where you really indulge, receive, and recreate,” she continues. “It’s about connection.” To keep the energy flow from level to level, TANK penned open concepts, yet still ensuring each area has its own identity.
The ways that Oceanco and TANK explore biophilic design don’t end here. In fact, Kleerekoper says the studio would like to create its own materials. The intent is to use items, natural or man-made, reclaimed from the ocean. This doubly ties in to sustainability, too.
“We think it’s very daring that Oceanco is reaching out,” founding partner Sanne Schenk says. “We really challenge each other in both directions, to reach for something that we haven’t seen before.”
Oceanco oceancoyacht.com
TANK tank.nl
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