Mette Aamodt - Aamodt/ Plumb Architects
Nordic Architecture
Who: Mette Aamodt
Current Gig: Architect, Design Activist, Co-Founder of the Slow Space Movement, Blogger
Location: Cambridge Massachusetts USA
Your favorite way to relax: By the ocean, listening to the waves and looking out over the water.
In a world of constant distractions, people seek new ways to take care of themselves, disconnect and recharge. We chatted with Mette Aamodt, the Co-Founder and CEO of Aamodt/Plumb Architects about how Nordic values and architecture can help us slow down and play a role in our well-being.
In addition to being a business owner, Mette is also a Design Activist, Co-Founder of the Slow Space Movement and Blogger at slowspace.org. Born in Norway, she is deeply influenced by her Nordic heritage and has a passion for modern design. In her work she focuses on simple forms and natural materials that are well-crafted and long-lasting.
LN: In both your blog, Slow Space, and your built projects you put a lot of emphasis on understanding and implementing Nordic Values towards achieving a better well-being for your readers and clients. How about your personal life? How have you been able to embrace Nordic values to improve your quality of life?
MA: In our personal and family life we try to live a Nordic lifestyle as much as possible. For us that means lots of family meals, spending time outside every day and enjoying each day as it comes. We also resist the very American trend of over-scheduling our kids and ourselves. We love having weekends with absolutely no plans, so we can do whatever the mood suggests.
"Creativity and imagination need time and uncluttered space to emerge."
LN: Later, we will be speaking with Linda McGurk, the author of ‘There’s no Such Thing as Bad Weather’, about the benefits of outdoor play and nature-centric parenting. In your opinion, how can architecture stimulate our senses in a similar way that nature does and to what benefit?
MA: I completely agree with nature-centric parenting and another way to do that is to bring nature inside with natural light and natural materials like wood and stone. Natural light and materials make us feel connected to our world and sooth our overstimulated minds and bodies.
LN: How can Nordic architecture help to slow down our busy lives and inspire us to dream and be more imaginative?
MA: Nordic architecture's focus on simple forms and natural materials is calm and soothing. Nordic architecture is fundamentally focused on the human experience. It is very welcoming and encourages us to stay and enjoy the atmosphere for a while. Creativity and imagination need time and uncluttered space to emerge.
