Toluwa Osiyemi - BA (Hons) Interior Design
Limbic Passage
What if we could feel less lonely in our grief?
The Limbic Passage reimagines how we experience and process grief—through emotion, community, and sensory connection.
Set within the historic Hulme Hippodrome, this project transforms an underused cultural site into a healing space rooted in memory and support. It uses biophilic design, natural materials, and multisensory elements—particularly scent and texture—to gently support those navigating different stages of loss. Scent engages the brain’s limbic system, evoking emotional memory and fostering reflection, while textured surfaces and natural light encourage grounding and calm.
This isn’t a space that offers solutions to grief. Instead, it provides environments for reflection, expression, connection, and emotional release—each aligned with the diverse ways people experience mourning. There are quiet zones for solitude, as well as communal areas for soft interaction, fostering both individual and shared healing.
Nature is central to the design, offering a constant, soothing presence that helps balance the weight of loss with the possibility of growth. The rich, diverse community of Hulme makes it the ideal home for this project—welcoming people from all walks of life into a nurturing, inclusive environment.
Ultimately, The Limbic Passage explores how interior design can support people in:
Maintaining emotional connection with those they’ve lost
Building meaningful bonds with others experiencing grief
Navigating mourning in more compassionate, embodied ways
Through space, scent, and sensitivity, this project invites a quieter, more connected way to grieve—together and alone.
