Environments that calm the nervous system make people feel safe.
[vay-gus]
VAGUS
The Vagus nerve transmits feelings of emotional well-being... When our breathing and heart rate are regular and calm and our stomach is relaxed, the vagus nerve conveys feelings of safety to our brains. When we are overwhelmed or stressed, our heart rate goes up, our breathing quickens, and our stomach feels tight. And in reverse, when our stomach aches or our heart rate goes up, we don't feel safe.
-Schools That Heal by Claire Latane
[wurk-shop]
WORKSHOP
Sometimes a noun, sometimes a verb.
The meeting or act of people collaborating in a discussion or activity about a given subject.
A seminar, discussion group, or the like, that emphasizes exchange of ideas and the demonstration and application of techniques, skills, etc.
MISSION
We believe that in order to live + engage comfortably and fully, people must feel safe in their built environment. Our mission is to improve the human experience in the built environment through research + design by working together to understand client + community needs.
We work with you to create space, places, and plans to bring visions to life.
Vagus Workshop was founded in 2024 by Margot Kleinman.
Margot is an architect, educator, and researcher based in New York City. She is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute and has taught at the City College of New York and Parsons New School of Design. Passionate about being in school, she loves to create, inquire, learn, and share with her students, colleagues, and clients.
In her spare time, Margot can be found dancing, searching for the best cookie in the city, and advocating for free public toilets.