A FRANK CHAT WITH ARIANNA BAVUSO
Can a sense of calm truly exist in the heart of a bustling city? Arianna Bavuso, the visionary lead designer from AB+AC Architects behind our Do Sol listing in vibrant Rato, believes it can. Through thoughtful architecture and intentional design, she shows how urban spaces can become sanctuaries of safety and well-being. In this interview, we explore her insights on creating harmony and mindful design.
Do Sol has such an effortlessly cool vibe. Can you tell me more about the inspirations behind designing this space?
The moment I stepped into this apartment, its potential was clear—it’s a corner unit with east and south-facing exposure, meaning it benefits from an abundance of natural light throughout the day. This became our guiding principle: maximizing light to enhance spatial perception and overall well-being. We envisioned it for someone who values a balanced lifestyle—who wants the energy of the city but also a home that fosters calm and focus. The design process was about opening up the space, creating fluid transitions between functions, and ensuring that every element serves a purpose.
It really shows! The apartment feels so intentional, like every corner serves a purpose.
That was precisely our goal. The layout is designed to intuitively guide movement, with each space dedicated to a specific function—whether it’s the dining nook, the wardrobe area, or the kitchen. We were mindful of how light moves through the apartment, ensuring that the layout not only maximizes openness but also enhances the experience of daily rituals.
Ample storage was another priority; we integrated bespoke solutions that maintain a sense of spaciousness while supporting a multifunctional way of living. Every design choice was about balancing clarity with comfort, making the space both dynamic and restorative.
That emphasis on quality really comes through. What were some of the influences behind this design?
Inspired by minimalism with a subtle nod to Japanese aesthetics, we wanted to create a timeless atmosphere and opted for a restrained palette of materials to reduce visual noise and enhance the tactile experience of the space.
A cohesive off-white palette amplifies the city’s radiant light, while rich textures introduce warmth and depth. Custom-built furniture in dark wenge-finished pine contrasts beautifully with stainless steel details, adding a refined modernity. The bedroom, anchored by a low, Japanese-inspired bed, is a tranquil retreat. Adjacent, the walk-in closet features a high-silk-content moquette floor, transforming the act of dressing into a sensory experience. In contrast, the bathroom offers a spa-like ambiance, clad in terrazzo tiles with a dark granite-like base and scattered micro-pebbles. While a custom stainless-steel shower mesh introduces an auditory element, enriching the space with a soothing, multi-sensory experience.
In today’s anxious world, our homes should act as sanctuaries, offering a sense of belonging. My background in neuro-architecture and psychology of spaces has shown me that reducing sensory overload is crucial for well-being. Overstimulating environments can activate in excess the amygdala, leading to stress or unease. By carefully selecting textures and colors, we can create spaces that feel secure, grounding, and restorative. In Do Sol, this meant prioritizing consistency, minimizing abrupt contrasts, and focusing on materials that engage the senses in a soothing way.
That makes so much sense. Do you think people are becoming more aware of this connection between space and well-being?
Definitely, though there’s still progress to be made. People are increasingly investing in practices like meditation, nutrition, and holistic health, yet often overlook how their living spaces impact their well-being. I believe that where you live today shapes who you become tomorrow.
The key is to design with intention—creating environments that align with the emotions and energy we want to cultivate. Whether it’s a home or a workspace, we have the power to shape spaces that nurture and sustain us, both physically and emotionally. I think that Do Sol is an example of how architecture can support a lifestyle of clarity, mindfulness, and balance in the midst of a fast-paced urban setting.
Photos by Lourenço Teixeira de Abreu.