The Touch: Spaces Designed for the Senses
A journey through sensory-driven design
This book marks the first collaboration between Nathan Williams of Kinfolk and Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects, inviting readers into more than 25 inspiring spaces where interior design transcends aesthetics to engage all the human senses. From contemporary masterpieces by Ilse Crawford and Bijoy Jain to timeless works by Arne Jacobsen, the book explores homes, hotels, museums and retail spaces that harness light, nature, materiality, colour and community to create deeply immersive experiences.
Featuring stunning photography and insightful interviews with design luminaries such as John Pawson and David Thulstrup, The Touch also delves into philosophical and art history references that reflect design and colour theory. An appendix provides deeper context by profiling visionary architects like Lina Bo Bardi and Richard Neutra, along with a curated selection of heritage design pieces that have influenced this sensory-driven movement. gestalten.com
The Latest
What are the bathroom trends in 2025?
Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard unveil a fresh perspective on bathroom design for 2025
identity Design Awards 2025 is now open for submissions
Access our submissions link, criteria, deadlines, and checklist here.
A Sensory Escape
Soft pastels, natural materials and artistic craftmanship take centre stage at Villa Miraé
Things to Covet – Summer 2025
Here are the bold and statement pieces that caught our eye this month
A Ruin Turned Intimate Retreat
Tucked away in the Andalusian countryside near Gaucín, a small town located between Marbella and Gibraltar, Cortijo Genesis in Spain has recently been renovated by Victoria-Maria Geyer
A Parisian Touch
Interior designer Juliette Spencer of Atelier RO revives a storied pre-war apartment on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with an elegant fusion of New York structure and French soul.
A Local Connection with a ‘70s Twist
Designed by Barcelona-based studio El Equipo Creativo, the newly renovated Kimpton Los Monteros hotel in Marbella, Spain is deeply inspired by Marbella’s rich landscape and cultural heritage.
A bold exploration of culture, nature, and the future of work by Roar
Roar has recently designed a new office for a global consulting firm that boldly reimagines the UAE's landscapes and cultural heritage into a workplace
Dare to be Bold
“No one does colour quite like Caroline Stanbury,” shares Kate Instone, Founder and Creative Director of Blush International
Zaha Hadid Foundation launches scholars program
The Zaha Hadid Foundation partners with the American University of Beirut to support the next generation of architectural talent.
Zayed National Museum to open in December 2025
The Foster + Partners designed striking museum will honour the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Culture & Conversations
identity hosted a roundtable and workshop in honour of Emirati Women's Day in collaboration with Casamia