Just for a moment

Just for a Moment explores how design can support moments of calm and presence in everyday life. The project investigates the relationship between mindfulness, touch, and furniture design, resulting in a sensory chair that invites users to slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and take a brief pause from the pace of modern life.

Mental health is an increasing challenge. In Denmark, 17.4% of the population report low mental wellbeing, while 29.1% experience high levels of stress. The highest rates are found among young women aged 16–24, where more than half (52.3%) report high stress levels (2021).

At the same time, many of us live in environments characterised by constant availability, digital stimulation, and a fast pace of life. Much of our attention is directed towards screens and visual information, leaving little room for stillness, sensory awareness, and reflection.

Research suggests that mindfulness, sensory engagement, and contact with nature can support wellbeing and help reduce stress. This project explores how design can create opportunities for pause, presence, and reconnection with the body and the senses within everyday life.

The design is informed by research within mindfulness, haptic perception, and environmental psychology. Soft, organic forms were developed to encourage tactile exploration while creating a sense of familiarity and comfort.

The chair is made from ash wood, chosen for its tactile qualities and distinctive grain structure. Through the interaction between form and material, the wood's natural patterns become part of the sensory experience, visually reinforcing the shapes that are explored by hand.

The project is intended for semi-public environments where people spend extended periods of time, such as libraries, workplaces, and educational settings. In these contexts, the chair offers an opportunity to pause, step away from everyday demands, and reconnect with the body and the senses.