by Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen
How do we shape the mood of a space — not just its appearance, but its atmosphere? From the colour of light to the softness of sound, we are constantly creating ambient conditions that affect how we feel, think and relate. A canopy strung across a courtyard, the muted acoustics created by paper mobiles, the way sheer materials diffuse morning light — these gestures aren’t just decorative; they’re atmospheric tools that alter perception and emotion.
We are attuned to the subtle ways environments can speak to us. An atmosphere is not just a simple backdrop, but rather an active, sensory field that brings into focus how we move and connect to the world.
atmospheric conditions
At molo, we design elements that support the creation of an atmosphere: space partitions that encircle or layer the boundaries of a room, cloud-like lights that cast an ambient glow, structures that absorb sound, and textures that stimulate the sense of touch, engage with light and collaborate with colour.
On its own, softwall gently divides and cocoons both space and sound depending on how it’s arranged. When stretched open, it can become a gentle barrier to sequester particular areas, wrapping around tables, desks, and objects to create mini-atmospheres within a space. When colour is introduced, something incredible is added: emotion and sensation.
An environment where softwall in soft petal pink (Pantone 12-1305) is used might suddenly become more joyful and playful, whereas softwall printed in forest green textile (Pantone 7742 U) brings the quiet richness of forest understory indoors.
We designed benchwall and cantilever table to make similar contributions to space, using translucency, colour and texture to create a denser, layered environment that feels immersive. Their qualities of warmth and tactility make more intimate spaces.
What emerges is a choreography of atmospheres — temporal, responsive, and engaging.
acoustic buffers
Designed to shape space and acoustics, cloud softlighting provides a canopy of light that defines space without enclosing it. When suspended individually, gathered in groups, or used alongside other elements of the soft collection, these sculptural pendants and mobiles create gentle transitions not only visually, but acoustically and atmospherically.
Acting as suspended acoustic ceiling panels, our cloud pendants and mobiles absorb 45% of the sound that comes in contact with their surfaces, reducing reflected noise. They are particularly effective with the higher frequencies, which tend to be more irritating. The result is a quieter atmosphere where conversations are clear and minds are at ease.
creating responsive rooms
How do we shape the feeling of a space – not just what it looks like, but what it does to us? At molo, we approach light, texture, and colour not as surface details, but as tools for tuning the atmosphere. From the quiet felt under a canopy of paper-like lights to the safety of being surrounded by softwalls, each piece contributes to the physical and emotive experience of a space. These are not passive objects in a room – they are sensory fields that respond, shift, and gently shape how we move, think, and relate.
What kind of atmospheres are you cultivating?
