CHICAGO—Commercial design leader Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering is exploring the next level of biophilic design in its latest wallcovering launch: the Renaturation collection by 13&9 Design. Renaturation, named for the concept in which nature reclaims manmade or developed spaces, employs natural fractals for an approach to commercial design deeply grounded in science, design and wellness. The power of fractals, intricate, self-repeating patterns, is core to nature itself and has a proven impact on brain health and healing, improved wellbeing, and enhancing overall cognitive function. The resulting wallcovering collection transcends aesthetics, creating restorative environments with measurable benefits for occupants.
Renaturation sprung from Momentum’s collaboration with 13&9 Design, Martin Lesjak and Anastasija Lesjak, as well as leading fractals researcher Dr. Richard Taylor of Fractals Research. The transdisciplinary group fused design and architecture (Lesjak and Lesjak) with science (Taylor) to apply fractal research and methodologies to contemporary interiors work. “Having collaborated with Dr. Richard Taylor for almost eight years, we’ve witnessed the transformative potential of fractals firsthand. Walls offer one of the most prominent canvases in any interior, and we are excited to scale the benefits of fractal-based designs in a more meaningful way,” explains Anastasija Lesjak. Leveraging years of expertise in fractal-based design, the team collaborated with Momentum to embrace and amplify the power of fractals through high-performing PVC-free wallcoverings.
Fractals are the basic building blocks of all natural patterns; they are intricate, self-repeating patterns found in nature such as clouds, trees, and coastlines. According to Dr. Taylor, “Having spent 600 million years immersed in fractal-rich environments, humans have an intrinsic need to be near natural patterns. Our eyes crave visual complexity and are wired to detect fractals. Today, with most of our lives spent indoors and on screens, even brief exposure to fractal patterns can trigger measurable, healing responses.” Taylor’s research has found that these biophilic-inspired/fractal-based patterns can reduce physiological stress levels by up to 60 percent—even peripherally. Fractals are measured using a “D-Factor,” or Fractal Dimension, quantifying how visually complex the fractal is—the more complex the fractal, the higher its D-Value. The Renaturation collection has a 1.7 D-Value, a prime range effective across all populations, including the neurodiverse.
“The collection took shape over three years. Refining design, color, scale and yes, D-factor. Designing with intention, the goal was to create something that gives back and can support wellbeing and comfort. The final collection is simply awe-inspiring—romantic, a bit radical in spirit, modern, and impactful. The work of 13&9 Design and Fractals Research answers the ‘why’ as to how biophilic designs have such a positive effect on all of us. We want to inspire others to carry this movement forward,” says Jennifer Nye, Chief Marketing and Creative Officer at Momentum.
True to its name, Renaturation leverages natural fractals as the foundation for its designs. Unlike computer-generated fractals, which often appear overly symmetrical or artificial, natural fractals embrace organic irregularity. Each pattern is rooted in a specific reference from the natural world:
Fractal River: The genesis of the collection, Fractal River is inspired by the River Aire in Geneva, which had been canalized into a straight line for over a century. In 2001, the river was “set free” and began to renaturate, gradually returning to its natural form. Fractal River captures that wild, meandering flow through the power of fractal patterns—symbolizing the ability of all elements to return to their purest, most organic state. Available in five colorways. D-Value: 1.74
Fractal Moss: Passing an old stone wall in Graz nearly every day, Martijn Lesjak became captivated by the moss and lichen overtaking its surface—not just for their untamed beauty and sense of renaturation, but for the incredibly intricate fractal patterns within. Documenting the wall’s changes over time became the foundation for this stunning yet comforting mural design. Available in six colorways. D-Value 1.70
Fractal Bark: Seeking to recreate the calm of standing in a forest surrounded by towering trees, the 13&9 Design team embedded a fractal bark motif into a composition of vertical columns. The result is a hand-drawn, repeating design that, when viewed from a distance, reads more as a natural vertical stripe than an all-over pattern. Larger central shapes gradually taper toward the edges of each column, creating a sense of both rounded form and layered depth reminiscent of the trunk of a tree. Available in seven colorways. D-value: 1.72
Renaturation will make its debut at NeoCon 2025 in the Momentum showroom, Ste 323.
