Small people cutouts cartwheeling and holding a cheerful sign

Hygge People


Environmental Design
11/23–12/23 (3.5 weeks)


Advisor

Audra Hubbell

These mini, multi-location installations encourage people to take a step back from the big picture and enjoy the small joys of the past and present. In addition to the figures, informational take-aways were present at each site, educating onlookers of their mission and providing a map to find other installations.

Hand grabbing postcard
Hand holding front of Hygge postcard Hand holding back of Hygge postcard

Taking inspiration from hygge, the Danish principle of coziness and contentment, the happy figures remind people of current joys.

As someone who get so absorbed in figuring out what’s next, I wanted myself and other’s to remember and embrace life’s tiny moments. Each laser-cut person stands at about three to four inches tall and is painted yellow to stand-out against their surroundings. They hold miniature signs that pose thought-provoking questions on personal, tiny joys.

Small cutouts of human figures hanging on the wall and holding a cheerful sign
Small cutouts of human figures hanging on the wall and holding a cheerful sign Hygge postcard at Weil Hall in WashU
Hygge postcards under signage

The design system continues the Hygge people’s playful energy.

Bright, approachable colors and shapes compliment the spirited typography. The copy is written from the perspective of the figures, adding another layer of personification to them. The system builds a mini world around the Hygge people and bolsters their purpose and presence.

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