ROOMUNICATION
(2020)
|ruːmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n|
the noise of interaction
“There is no doubt whatever about the influence of architecture and structure upon human character and action. We make our buildings and afterward they make us. They regulate the course of our lives.”
Winston Churchill, addressing the English Architectural Association, 1924
To design an environment is to know what will likely occur in that environment.
The more capable a designer is able to get in touch with the intended purpose of the space, the more likely the designer’s final plan will create value for its tenants. Knowing the actions and attitudes that will inhabit a structure means going beyond the standard designations that usually apply.
ROOMUNICATION is an interactive experience room with different spatial characteristics and paths that themselves influence the shape and the normal functioning of the space, affecting the spatial perception indicators, crafting an interior that feels stimulating yet comfortable, secure yet inspiring.
Taking a sensory perspective on the space, this work represents a starting point to investigate how the environment and human behaviour communicate with each other.
Through this experience, you will question how your body navigates through built environments.
In the words of the philosopher Marina Garcés: “The body is no longer what is and binds us to a place, but it is the condition for every place. It is the zero point of all the spatialities that we can experience, and at the same time, all the links that constitute us, materially and psychically.”
I wanted to explore how objects and materials respond to body interaction and to do so I conducted several experiments which, through microphones, thermochromic paint, sound-activated lamp, and effects pedal I gave voice to different objects.
I interacted with different materials and approached the environment in an unconventional way in order to reach an improved understanding of the connection between the geometry of space and human emotions.
My initial approach to the room’s design was experimental, then I adapted it to the hardboards and OSB dimensions in order to optimize the materials.
The structure design is simple as I would have to organize the interior design with different interactive elements.
After the experience, I collected and visualized data about the interactions and personal feedback through projection mapping and data visualization graphic videos.
physical activity and challenging environment are mentally stimulating
simple and symmetrical forms help the spatial perception
curve or geometrical figures help navigate the space
sonic and haptic qualities can help navigate the space while challenging visual ways that we conceive our surrounding environments
low lighting makes it more difficult to locate edges and creates a lack of reference points which can trigger feelings of anxiety and stress
sudden noises, intense lighting, and lack of reference points increase psychological stress
rounded edges help to relax more than sharp angles
colors like pink create a calming atmosphere and warm colors improve concentration
A deeper understanding of neuroscience in spatial perception and orientation can be useful in the development of spaces capable of reducing negative physiological, cognitive, and emotional effects to a minimum.