Designing Space in the
Psychedelic Space

We've been doing some fascinating work within the psychedelic community, exploring how design can support healing and transformation in psychedelic therapy centers and retreats. Here’s a glimpse into the ideas shaping our projects—with more exciting developments to share soon.

HEALING SOUNDSCAPES
Sound plays a crucial role in shaping a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. Airtight acoustic solutions should minimize external noise disruptions, helping maintain the flow of a journey, preventing interruptions at key moments, and reducing the risk of triggering a trauma response. Because music and nature sounds profoundly influence the psychedelic experience, the thoughtful integration of audio equipment is equally essential. Sound should be intentionally curated to enhance the therapeutic process, creating an immersive auditory landscape that fosters deep introspection and healing.

CLARITY MEETS CURIOSITY
Balancing visual clarity with intrigue is key to supporting the psychedelic journey. At times, the experience can become overwhelming, making simple, uncluttered surfaces or an eye mask ideal for grounding. Other moments call for engagement and exploration, where psychedelic eye candy—expressive artwork, unexpected color combinations, rich textures, and patterns—provides meaningful stimulation. Because each journey is fluid and unique, offering a range of visual experiences allows individuals to discover what best supports them in the moment.

SENSORY APPEAL
A rich sensory landscape forms the foundation for a positive psychedelic journey. Variety and choice are essential, allowing guests to seek out environments that support their experience—whether they crave gentle movement, stillness, curated sound, or silence. Ceremony spaces should invite exploration, incorporating tactile surfaces, evocative aromas, and interactive objects that encourage engagement and discovery. A direct connection to nature deepens the experience, allowing guests to feel the wind, breathe in fresh air, and hear birdsong, fostering a profound sense of grounding and connection.  

SUPPORT THE BODY, FREE THE MIND
The psychedelic journey can be disorienting and prolonged, often leading to physical exhaustion. To support this experience, flexible posture options are essential—allowing the space to adapt to ever-changing needs. Traditional seating may feel restrictive or unsuitable. Instead, low-to-the-ground furniture, such as a sunken lounge with plush cushions, provides stability and grounding. Prioritizing comfort and ergonomic support is key, as a relaxed, well-supported body helps the mind soften into the experience. Furniture placement also plays a critical role in shaping the journey. Ceremony spaces should include:

  • Cocoon-like retreats for solitude, safety, and containment.

  • Nature-facing seating to encourage contemplation and connection.

  • Communal gathering areas to foster shared experience and support.

ROOTED IN NATURE
Connection to nature is fundamental to the psychedelic therapy experience, yet full immersion isn't always possible. Incorporating living materials like wood, cork, and stone helps retain a sense of vitality, creating spaces that feel alive and nurturing. Thoughtful color choices further ground and connect us to the earth, while natural daylight should be prioritized to enhance well-being. Framed views offer moments of prospect and reflection, while integrating plant life as a core design element ensures that nature feels like an intrinsic part of the space—not an afterthought.