Memory is extremely powerful and extremely emotive. Its power lies in its focus on other senses. Like dreams, sometimes our touch, or hearing, or sense of smell leave more of an impression than sight.
The Brick Wall
One memory I have that always impacts my designs is the brick wall outside my bedroom window.
My window faced east. The neighbouring house was about 15 feet away, with a timber fence, about 5 feet high between. It was a double story house, with a large brick façade overlooking the bedrooms on my side of the house. My window was about 6 feet by 5 feet, with timber venetian blinds.
During summer, I’d often have my window open, with the slats of my blinds flat – allowing the most light in. My enduring memory is sitting on my bed, looking out the window at the brick façade, in the late afternoon. The Australian sun is unlike anything I’ve experienced. It is incredibly fierce and strong, and picks up dust and haze.
In the late afternoon to evening, the sun in the west crossed the country. It would set over our roof, hitting my neighbours brick wall.
Sitting in my room, I could look out and see this gorgeous, warm, shimmer. It was more than sight, I could almost feel the heat off it. It wasn’t fierce, as it lacked the harsh intensity of a noon sun.
Light travelled through the dust and haze of the country, stretching out, and finding this red brick wall. Hitting the wall, it paused on it. Then it relaxed and bounced off, passing through the horizontal lines of my blinds and bathing my room in a soft, warm glow.
Along with the red warmth, the open window invited cicada song into the room. I’d sit and watch and listen, as the colour of the bricks changed from bright orange, through dusky red to a soft purple, fading with the light.
It was incredibly comforting. I have a few abiding memories of summer during my childhood, and this one stands out strongly. The sight, sounds, smell and touch are things I’d love to add to any design I create – even if it’s just a small personal touch for me.
Add your touch
Recalling these events is one way to make your design unique. You can be as subtle or overt as you like. No one else will be able to add this level of detail in a design but you. All it takes is a little reminiscing and ‘unpacking’ – maybe over a glass of your favourite drink.
And if you don’t manage to include a memory, no matter. Sometimes it’s just a nice thing to do.