The Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) celebrated World Interiors Day 2025 with a powerful call to action for professionals in the field. The theme, “Designing with Emotion; Building with Intelligence,” encapsulated the association’s vision for a future where design transcends mere aesthetics and delves into the realm of emotional connection and intelligent functionality. IDAN President, Jacqueline Aki, challenged designers to embrace the trifecta of emotive design, lived experience, and artificial intelligence as integral components in shaping spaces that resonate deeply with human needs and aspirations. The event emphasized the importance of moving beyond simply creating beautiful spaces to crafting environments that heal, liberate, and uplift, fostering a sense of wellbeing and enriching the human experience. This signifies a paradigm shift in the design philosophy, advocating for spaces that actively contribute to the emotional and psychological well-being of their occupants.
Emotive design, as defined by Aki, is the art of creating spaces that elicit profound emotional responses. This goes beyond visual appeal and delves into the realm of sensory experiences, creating environments that evoke feelings of comfort, joy, and inspiration. The emphasis on lived experience underscored the need for designers to consider the practicalities of how spaces are used and experienced throughout the day. Aki posed questions that challenged designers to think critically about the temporal dynamics of a space and how it caters to different emotional states. How does the feeling of a space change from morning to evening? How does it accommodate various activities and emotional needs? These questions highlight the importance of designing with empathy and understanding the nuanced ways in which people interact with their surroundings.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the design process was presented not as a replacement for human creativity, but as a powerful tool for collaboration and augmentation. Aki stressed that AI should be viewed as an extension of the designer’s thinking process, enabling them to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of innovation. However, she cautioned against over-reliance on technology, emphasizing the continued importance of human intuition, emotional intelligence, and ethical considerations in the design process. The message was clear: technology should serve creativity, not supplant it. Finding the right balance between machine intelligence and human ingenuity is crucial for designing spaces that are both intelligent and emotionally resonant.
IDAN’s Assistant Secretary-General, Dr. Omeba Ejiogu, emphasized the association’s commitment to building capacity among its members, ensuring they possess both strong technical skills and the ability to design with empathy. The redesign of the LUTH Sickle Cell Ward serves as a compelling example of how design can be both functional and healing, demonstrating the practical application of the principles espoused by IDAN. Ejiogu’s optimistic outlook on Africa’s creative potential highlighted the continent’s rich tapestry of stories, materials, and ideas, which she believes deserve greater global recognition. She encouraged designers to embrace an Afrocentric design identity that is authentic, bold, and innovative, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage and creative spirit of the continent.
James George, the founder of HTL Africa Limited, echoed these sentiments in his keynote address, stressing the importance of incorporating emotion into design. He described the world, particularly Africa, as a “melting pot of emotions” that designers should harness through creativity. George emphasized the role of culture in giving design its soul, advocating for the fusion of technology with cultural influences to create spaces that resonate deeply with people’s emotional and cultural identities. He challenged architects to draw inspiration from everyday life and cultural narratives, transforming ordinary materials into extraordinary spaces that elevate the human experience.
The event brought together a diverse panel of speakers, including Malik Afegbua, CEO of Slick City Media; Emem Akpan, CEO of Studio Akpan; Abiodun Shonibare, AI Enthusiast from Studio Stone Designs; and Melody Otutuloro, Client Experience Manager at CAP Plc (Dulux Nigeria). Their contributions further enriched the discussion surrounding the future of design, highlighting the convergence of technology, emotion, and cultural influences in shaping the spaces we inhabit. World Interiors Day 2025, as celebrated by IDAN, served as a powerful platform for advocating a more holistic and human-centered approach to design, one that prioritizes emotional connection, intelligent functionality, and the unique cultural context of Africa. The event underscores the vital role of interior design in nation-building, going beyond mere decoration to encompass strategy, well-being, and the creation of spaces that truly enrich lives.
