FRACTAL FINDINGS – flooring tiles

BY SCIENCE DESIGN LAB – A COLLABORATION BETWEEN 13&9 design AND FRACTALS RESEARCH FOR MOHAWK GROUP

Fractals are repeatable patterns that occur throughout our natural world. Scientists have found that we are fluent at perceiving fractals in nature and receiving their benefits. Building on our collaboration with 13&9 Design and Dr. Richard Taylor of Fractals Research, Fractal Findings expands Mohawk Group’s collections of fractal-based patterns that support well-being and are scientifically proven to reduce stress in all types of spaces. As a result, environments are more conducive for people to live, work, play, learn, and innovate.

The benefits of nature are indisputable. From decreasing stress levels to improving overall health, our natural surroundings have a powerful effect on well-being. Consequently, humans possess an innate tendency to connect with the outdoors. When nature is brought into the built environment, people thrive. It is this concept that is at the heart of designing with fractals.

FRACTALS AND WELLBEING
Dr. Taylor has developed a science-design approach to adapting these patterns for human-centered built environments. His research is on “fractal fluency,” or how the human visual system has evolved to look at fractals. His experiments show that visual complexity is the key to understanding the role of fractals in stress reduction.

Fractals are complex patterns. Some are simpler (lower D-value), while others are more intricate (higher D-value). Nature has many fractals with mid-range complexity (mid-D value). Our eyes are good at seeing these patterns, which can help us feel less stressed. These patterns, which can help us feel less stressed. The Fractal Findings collection uses mid-D value patterns (marked with a ‘D’) to create calming designs.

“Experiments show that people’s stress levels reduce by as much as 60% when looking at fractals.”

Prof. Dr. Richard Taylor, Head of Fractals Research and Co-Founder of ScienceDesignLab.