REFLECTION

Indigenous wisdom may have been the first philosophy I became aware of. I learned that we are all (humans and nature) interconnected, that we are and come from nature, that we all have a role – one not more important than the other, and that conservation is a way of life. At the time, the ripe age of six, I had no idea that these ways of life would become a foundation for much of my own life and work.

Many American Indigenous tribes share origin stories that begin with animals as creators or contributors to creation. Though each tribe holds unique traditions, the unifying belief is that the earth and its inhabitants are a spiritual presence to be honored. In design, this means being mindful of both what is killed to be used as material and what is extracted from the earth -- being grateful for what Mother Earth provides and tending to her needs by replanting trees, and protecting the purity of water, air and soil. This is the basis of sustainability. As we face the consequences of neglecting these responsibilities, we now turn to regenerative development and material circularity — keeping resources in use as long as possible through repair, reuse, and recycling.

The Lakota Nation of South Dakota values silence, considering it more powerful than words. In silence lies the opportunity to contemplate, formulate and speak with truth. It is the cornerstone of character. To me this translates into transition spaces in design. The space where you pause, where you have a moment to be aware of oneself. This could be a foyer or a space in the floor plan where you transition between public and private – possibly marked by a change in the direction of the flooring or a change in wall color. This can also be expressed by neutral colored space with specific key design details, such as a handmade sculptural table or piece or a local artist’s painting that brings one to the present moment.

Chief Luther Standing Bear said, “Man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; lack of respect for growing, living things soon leads to lack of respect for humans too.” This is an argument for biophilic design. Biophilic design, as discussed in a previous newsletter, is more than plants in a space, it also includes views into nature, natural materials, the idea of restriction and expansion, and integrating the five elements.

The Indigenous communities are centered on ritual. They celebrate transitions of life, seasons, healing and purification, and spiritual connection, some of which happen in specific sacred places. Design, when done with intention is its own ritual of care. We create spaces for coming together to connect, cook, self-care, prayer, or celebrating. When we learn to see our own lives as a series of rituals within spaces, we experience more gratitude and are filled with spirit.

Like all wisdom traditions, shapes have meaning. The circle, representing the cycle of life and unity was used for ceremony and of course is the shape of a teepee – where it represents the womb and the bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. The triangle and rectangle create protection, not just from elements but between the physical and spiritual worlds. Specific to their culture, effigy mounds or animal shapes were created or found in nature as symbols to honor the animals that were important to each specific tribe.

Ultimately, Indigenous Wisdom reminds us that design is about relationships; relationship with nature, each other, ritual, and spirit. It softens our soul and reminds us of our interconnection, including in the process of bringing a design into reality