Running in the Rain
A few months ago, we had the chance to visit the Vitsœ headquarters outside London, in Leamington Spa. Mark Adams, the managing director whom we connected with through a friend in New York, kindly took the time to give us a tour, and it was inspiring to see how the past, present, and future coexist in such thoughtful harmony at Vitsœ. As a longtime admirer of Dieter Rams, it was an honor to witness how his design philosophy has stood the test of time, more relevant now than ever. The building was equally impressive as the iconic designs you see in various stages of production. Every inch and element of the building, from the material to lighting, takes nature into consideration. The building is constructed to live with, not on, the land. You can read more about it here.
When we arrived, we stepped into the bike room, where employees park their bikes. Mark mentioned that most people cycle to work — a notable commitment considering the famously unpredictable English weather. He said something that stuck with me: “It’s good to feel nature and the elements on our skin.”
During a recent run in the Black Forest, I got caught in the rain, and I remembered Mark’s words. The sensation of rain on my face was both liberating and energizing. I realized I’ve become a “good weather” cyclist and runner over the years, often avoiding rain whenever possible. As a society, we’ve grown increasingly sheltered from harsh conditions, simply because we can be. But what have we lost in the process? Does the human body — and mind — need to be exposed to discomfort now and then? Could this avoidance be weakening our resilience in life’s more difficult moments? “We’re not made out of sugar” was a testament to facing bad weather, but have we sweetened over time?
Don’t get me wrong, I still search for sunshine where I can, like always walking on the sunny side of the street. But running in the rain reminded me that there’s beauty in all elements. Feeling the rain on my skin, I felt more connected to the world around me and myself.
Some would say, “There is no bad weather, only bad equipment.”
jonasschwaer.com