Shamanism + Design

REFLECTION

A Shaman is someone who is able to access the spiritual world to gain knowledge or healing, they often have dreams of visions that give teachings.

The concept of the "architect as shaman" refers to architects approaching design from a spiritual and holistic perspective , much like the role of a shaman.  In practice it sees architecture as a tool for healing, transformation and connection both on the individual and collective level. It sees design as a healing modality.
 
Some of the key elements:

Holistic Approach:  Similar to how shamans address physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, architects consider the broader impact of their designs on the environment, community, and individual users with the goal of connection and well-being.
 
Symbolism + Ritual: Shamans use symbolism and ritual to connect with the spiritual realm. Design often incorporates symbolic elements which can look like statues, collected elements from nature, artwork or family heirlooms.  Consideration of  the ritualistic aspects of how people interact with spaces as they move through their day and lives.
 
Altered States of Consciousness:  Architecture evokes emotion (color, shape, sacred geometries), creates a sense of awe (framed views, intricate millwork details, intersection forms) , can slow the energy (movement through a space), create calm (finish pallets), much like shamanism seeks to do with the shifting of energy.   
 
Connection with  Nature: Nature’s wisdom plays an important role in both.  Shamans call upon her wisdom to heal through ceremony. Design that engages and connects with nature also heals, it lowers the heart rate, slows our breath which in turn allows our muscles to relax.  Nature can be integrated through truthful expression of natural materials, highlighting the elements of nature (water features, scent of florals, fireplaces, etc)  
 
Connection with Ancestors: Shamans utilize their elevated consciousness to connect to ancestors to ground and guide.  Good architecture considers the past, the present and the future or the structure (if existing), the land, the community and the ancestors.
 
The integration of Shamanism + Design is a philosophy of how to approach design or a lens to see the process of design.  Values must be authentic and felt, it’s a rather intuitive practice.