Sacred atmospheres and the healing potential of multisensory design in Islamic Art and Architecture

Explore the spiritual and emotional dimensions of Islamic art and architecture, how their harmonious and multisensory qualities can shape emotional and psychological experience.

Drawing on historical sources and contemporary scholarship, Saima Majid, multidisciplinary coach and designer, examines key principles within Islamic architectural traditions alongside therapeutic approaches to creating healing environments. Paying attention to spatial proportion, ornamentation, light, sound and scent, and how these elements work together to encourage reflection and inner stillness.

Join Saima, who will present her design for a contemporary space in Derby, informed by the Islamic artistic and architectural principles explored through her research with a practical exploration of these ideas, including live music on the Tar and Setar by Shad Haidar Mustafa, who will let the audience hear for themselves how sound shapes a space.

The talk demonstrates how Islamic art and architecture offer a sophisticated framework for understanding the relationship between spatial environments, human perception and psychological wellbeing.

About Saima Majid 

Saima Majid is a multidisciplinary coach, designer, and event producer with over twenty-two years of experience across the creative, business, and education sectors. Her work centres on the intersection of arts, culture, and wellbeing, drawing on a rich and evolving practice that bridges design, personal development, and spiritual exploration.

Saima began her career as a Fashion and Textile Designer, spending fourteen years in London’s fashion industry. This foundation in visual design continues to inform her creative output, particularly her ongoing lino print series inspired by Islamic art. These works incorporate Arabic word art, exploring themes of love, peace, and gratitude.

Over the past decade, Saima has transitioned into the wellbeing and personal development space, blending her artistic practice with a deep commitment to healing and spirituality. She has designed and facilitated a series of multi-sensory workshops inspired by the aesthetic and philosophical traditions of Sufism and its artistic heritage. Carefully curated through sound, scent, light, and form, these immersive experiences invite participants into contemplative, emotionally resonant spaces grounded in the rich cultural legacy and heritage of Islamic culture.

In 2024, Saima began an MA in the History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East at SOAS University of London, completing the degree in 2026. This academic journey reflects her ongoing commitment to deepening her historical and cultural knowledge and applying it to her creative and community-based practice.

Suitable for Adults (18+).

Booking essential. Limited places.

Accessibility at Derby Museums