Comments on: New Siftables, Change the Way You Work with Digital Media (Video)

By: Caden Munro

Caden Munro — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:25:05 +0000

Interesting post, however I have to agree with Maria, architects need to focus more on sensory interaction rather object formation (building block analogy). Also, the problem with architects making assumptions from abstract data is that most of our conscious decisions emerge from subconscious (reptilian) responses to the environment which are highly irrational and therefore impossible to calculate. I think the siftables are potentially fantastic learning tools however I’m unconvinced about their practical use in environmental design.

a recent post highlights our professional obsession with ‘object’ over ‘interface’ which is rooted in all the tools we use… http://thred.org/2010/09/user-centred-systems/ Cade

By: How a Headset Brain Computer Can Give Your Occupant Control Over Their Environment by Reading Their Thoughts (Video) : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 10:32:19 +0000

[...] an exciting new brain computer interface technology has been demonstrated as a new way for users to interface with their machines. And I think such technology can serve as a liaison [...]

By: Siftables

Siftables — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 22:32:26 +0000

This is an amazing little device, i can’t wait to get a set and start using it. The possibilities are endless.. especially in a school / educational system / environment! Anyone know when the release date is for these?

By: What Will BIM Design Mean for Your Creative Process? (Building Information Model) : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:31:47 +0000

[...] problem solving and dynamic analysis are just a few of the major factors that make BIM a digital media tool for all architects to consider. Some say that the BIM wave is only just at its beginning, but that [...]

By: Can Modular Design Increase Your Building’s Potential? : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:38:27 +0000

[...] into one another, try to provide each module with a proverbial “key” to unlock its neighboring modules in certain [...]

By: Maria Lorena Lehman

Maria Lorena Lehman — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:02:20 +0000

Bob,

Thanks for your comment. Yes, I also can see many uses for these “siftables”. As you describe, technologies similar to these could help with data collection, and furthermore, could serve as a way to better connect our “buildings” with their occupants. With regard to the link you provided…I took a look at the video and I do think the VR/augmented reality “kitchen” is a fascinating study done by that Masters student. I can see both positives and negatives to the future that they portray.

But one thing I would add and tell more designers to focus on is occupant-centered design where we can prevent such VR/augmented reality environments from being spaces people don’t like (and feel good in); hence, an emphasis on what it would mean for us (as humans) to actually “sense” in that type of space — intellectually, emotionally, behaviorally and spiritually.

By: Bob Pomeroy

Bob Pomeroy — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:42:50 +0000

Interesting post. These “siftables” are interesting to think about in terms of architecture design. I could envision these being used as a sort of “programming” module for clients. Each person in a family (for residential project) or each person in an organization (for a commercial, civic, educational, etc project) has it on their person for a pre-detemined time period and it records data as to how these people interact with each other, what spaces they spend most time in, what their daily habits are, heating and cooling preferences, lighting preferences, etc. The depth of data that could be uncovered is staggering. We as architects can use that in the creation of more efficient designs for our client, because it will be designed specifically around how they live and work.

If I may, another interesting post came out yesterday on BLDGBLOG describing how architecural space can be overlayed with augmented reality in another way of interacting with data and physical space. Link is: http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/homefront-dissolve.html

Interested on your thoughts about this as well. Thanks.