Architecture shapes daily life. Haptic design creates experiences that move the soul and navigate the seasons of living, offering moments of self-awareness amidst contrasting environments. Can sensorial architecture redefine our spatial experiences? Yes.
Consider tectonics! Materiality plays a crucial role in manipulating acoustics, scent, tactile sensations, and visual elements in a project. Here's a fun question: Can you taste the architecture? Let's examine a working project to refine our understanding of impacting sensorial aspects through tectonics: Restart where four identically shaped rooms offer diverse experiences. Hemp fibers in a wood frame regulate the internal climate by interacting with moisture, efficiently balancing temperature through the physical process of heat absorption to turn water droplets into moisture. By releasing energy/ heat vapour can become droplets once more. This heat can be used to warm up the internal space or cool it down. Additionally, scent binds to moisture and can thus be controlled by varying wall thicknesses- and thus the thickness of the hempfibers. Since a finish has to be vapour open with this system, Lime plasters are strategically employed to additionally capture light in a specific way and influence luminosity. Lastly in this project the roof slopes are calculated to control acoustics and guide movement throughout the space.
In conclusion, despite identical forms, these linked spaces offer varied experiences based on usage, time of day, and seasonal changes. A space can be warm enough to take a shower in winter but cool enough in the midst of summer to not even shed a drop of sweat. They accommodate diverse activities and engage users in shared experiences such as smelling if someone had a shower or when dinner is almost ready (and whats for dinner). Whether this is a wanted attribute is of personal taste ofcourse.
This approach also fosters inclusivity, benefiting those with sensory impairments. By manipulating texture, smells and sound, individuals can navigate spaces more effectively. After all a project's success is measured by the experiences of ALL users. More on universal design coming up.
To end with a question for you: How can sensorial architecture further revolutionize the way we experience and interact with our built environment? Comment below!
Can you taste the architecture?