As technologies continue to advance, building occupants are becoming capable of more and more. It began with the introduction of the computer, then went onto the smart phones, and now on the forefront are augmented reality technologies — one of which carries with it far-reaching implications.

I speak of computerized contact lenses.

If you think about it, it makes sense that the next evolution of computing would be to enter the realm of the bionic eye. For, when computer capabilites are added to the functionalities of a human using vision, one must think twice about how environments are to be designed.

Today’s environments are mostly a “what you see is what you get” type result. In the future however, with computerized contact lenses in the mix, environments will yield more than what you would see in them at first glance.

Suddenly, environments could themselves provide for information visualizations. They could redefine what it means to “connect” between real and virtual worlds. And environments would gain entirely new levels of funtionality — standing ready to act as a bridge between the virtual, informational, and the real.

Thus, with the simple addition of the computerized contact lens, environments will have new contexts with which to respond. And for designers of such environments, new chance will be given to redefine interactivity.

I invite you to question what might happen to the design of environments once innovations like the computerized contact lens arise. Think about any “new senses” that your given building occupant might gain. Would they be able to literally see through walls by gaining access to what is going on on the other side? Navigate in entirely new ways? Or even come to understand their environment through an entirely different process: perhaps web-based?

The key is to get you to think about environmental design at a few steps ahead of where things are today. Perhaps this will get the profession moving in the right direction — while also breathing new creative life into your ongoing projects.

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your feedback on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter and Facebook followers by clicking on the “re-tweet” and “like” button at the beginning of this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: shadows44 | Flickr

It is undeniable that mobile phones with operating systems that get updated frequently are becoming more widespread globally. In fact, phones like the iPhone are helping people with a variety of tasks ranging from keeping track of their health and finances, all the way to realizing new types of face-to-face communication, social media and now 3-D video — see the new Samsung W960 phone here.

The introduction of 3-D into the world of mobile gadgets makes me think of what might happen when these “gadgets” are being carried around by occupants within architectural designs which include office buildings, museums, schools and even hospitals. Is there any reason why you as an architect should ignore such devices and what they can do to help your architectural designs? Think mobile augmented reality here.

Such mobile devices can be not only a great way to pool information about your occupant(s) “status” within your building, but can also serve to help you design new adaptive systems within your building in entirely new ways. Just imagine the more personalized experience and better collective effect your architecture can give them.

Here’s a quick example:

In much the same way as you might design a large architectural design element in one place, and then indirectly refer to it through your design within a smaller element somewhere else, you could design a 3-D video or hologram visible to occupants that might carry their mobile device to certain parts of your building to augment what they experience there. Yes, this can bring signage and wayfinding to a whole new level.

Beyond Typical Building Signage and Wayfinding

When I think of this, I think of more than just creating a 3-D map that your occupants might carry around to help give them a sense of where they are, or they are going, within your designed space. Instead, I think of an augmented reality type experience where the 3-D virtual meets 3-D real-world space. It’s as if your occupant were carrying around a 3-D flashlight, but instead of simply illuminating light to see where they are walking — it would act as a 3-D fully colored “model” that changed dynamically with each experience they had, helping them along the way.

With this, might you create a new kind of architectural narrative for your occupant? Giving them hints of what is just around the corner through their personalized and mobile handheld 3-D virtual world? Or might you let them take home a personalized montage of different “elements” that made up their experience within your architecture — not to be too cliche, but kind of like a transient “souvenir”? Or better yet, a 3-D “memory” derived from a real-life experience from within your architectural space.

This is just some food for thought to get you thinking about emerging technologies in a new way. Think about how you might be able to use them to your advantage as you develop experiences for your occupants within your building spaces. If you have not seen it yet, here is a look at the new Samsung W960 mobile 3-D technology by Dynamic Digital Depth:

Please Tell Me What You Think

I would really like to get your feedback on my post today, so please leave me a comment in the form below. And if you enjoyed it, make sure you share it with your Twitter and Facebook followers by “tweeting” and “sharing” it using the buttons at the beginning of this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: jericho1ne | Flickr

Augmented reality and other virtual digital displays can revolutionize they way we interact within architectural spaces. When sitting in your office, experiencing a museum or simply learning in school, occupants already use digital media to carry out even the most basic of tasks. Just imagine what the evolution of augmented reality can do.

For starters, we can now see the beginning to how buildings can evolve internal “nervous systems”. Designers are beginning to think of “connections” in whole new ways.

Not only can spaces become less “local”, they can gain even greater dimension as real-time information gets processed through the building to provide visitors with a broader sense of where they are and what they can do.

YOU ARE THE BAROMETER

Similar to the glass evolution in architecture, real-time virtual “models” of information are making space less limited. Space is gaining transient abilities. It is becoming less static and more in tune with what its occupants really need and want.

Architects will need to act as the barometer for these augmented reality spaces — so virtual information can integrate and work with architectural form.

The key is to bring all of these emerging technologies back to the essence of human comfort: health, safety, happiness, productivity and so on. Without targeting the most basic of human needs, everything else could fall by the wayside.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: Chernetskiy | Dreamstime

Architecture is getting better at connecting — linking you to more environments, information and people all over the world. Augmented reality is a big reason why.

You see, technologies that cater to augmented reality will act as ‘portals’ that link you to information, communities and destinations in real-time. Such advances are changing the way you experience architecture, both aesthetically and functionally.

Now, here’s what I’ve been thinking…

Augmented reality is likely to have a major impact on buildings as more and more technologies surface. Virtual reality can help us do things better and help us enjoy the act of getting them done. Here are the top five reasons why I think augmented reality will really be able to help buildings (and, thus, the people that inhabit them):

1) EXPLORE:
As virtual reality technologies are able to bridge the gap by getting rid of distance, building occupants will be able to virtually travel to far-away lands. Just imagine seeing, hearing, smelling (and, yes, tasting and touching) some of the wonders that make a culture what it is.

For example, technologies found within our buildings will be able to transport us back in time to re-creations that help us learn more about history. Architectural environments may not be limited to a real set of geographical coordinates – virtual traveling within buildings will turn them into a sort of augmented reality “transportation vessel”.

2) RELAX:
Offices or any other place where you may want to de-stress will be able to treat your senses with stimuli that are relaxing to you. It’s like your “nature sounds” alarm clock; but, in its ultimate form.

Suddenly, your office has “relaxation’ settings –- augmenting your workday by relaxing you and making you more efficient. Augmented reality will be able to bring you the best from both “worlds”.

Eventually, homes will have virtual reality technologies embedded within them too. These will be able to help you; for example, by assisting with your healthcare, exercise regiment, or even your diet — all of which will help you de-stress and live healthier.

3) LEARN:
Think of a surgeon performing a complex procedure. Already, technologies exist to augment the surgeon’s tasks. For instance, a three-dimensional display of an identical and virtual model procedure can assist the surgeon as he or she performs. Thus, buildings become more efficient for those performing complex tasks as virtual models can help guide performance in real-time.

Similarly, museums can make use of such augmented reality technologies. As museum visitors explore an exhibit, technologies can teach via augmented reality to help them learn the exhibit’s core messages.

4) SOCIALIZE:
Augmented reality will be a great way to visit with your family and friends, or attend a business meeting. Already we use telephones, video-conferencing and other forms of communication to do some of this. But, imagine what will happen when buildings get more virtual reality capabilities. It might be possible to share a taste, a scent or even a virtual handshake or hug.

5) PLAY:
Yes, video games today really do make use of virtual reality. Role play games, like Second Life, are prime examples of what can be done in virtual worlds.

However, I imagine that a new breed of architectural “rooms” will be designed as augmented reality becomes more mainstream. Just think, a new sort of “game room” or an interactive “movie room”. Playing will be seamlessly more physically interactive.

Really, the possibilities are endless …

HAVE YOU HEARD OF “HETERARCHITECTURE”?

To continue exploring this topic, I suggest that you read the book Disappearing Architecture. It is fascinating because it discusses the coined term: ‘heterarchitecture’; where real space and virtual space are “literally superimposed” — so much that architecture will “obey rules of quantum mechanics rather than classical physics. I find this notion to be quite interesting (especially when you read about all of the implications.)

Disappearing Architecture contains great writings by authors William J. Mitchell, Georg Flachbart, Peter Weibel, Kas Oosterhuis and many more. This is definitely worth a read.

Here is the link: Disappearing Architecture: From Real to Virtual to Quantum

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: Nejron | Dreamstime

Museums are great places for learning. In a museum children and adults alike can immerse themselves in distant places or learn how scientific discoveries are made. Museums can also reveal a cultural past, present or future. All in all, museums are great places to learn – especially as new technology helps designers to improve museum exhibit design.

Museum exhibits are getting evermore technologically advanced and virtual reality is one of the latest trends. Of course, virtual reality can be immersive, interactive or both. In the paper Immersive Interactive Virtual Reality in the Museum by Maria Roussou, “computer generated interactive experiences” are said to be able to “transcend physical locations”.(1) Museum visitors are able to make choices during their virtual travel enabling them to feel a sense of exploration – triggering curiosity and the desire to learn.

Most virtual reality exhibits cater to both the visual and aural senses. Such exhibits can be quite awe inspiring as visualizations are getting increasingly detailed. By using both head-worn and hand-held devices, visitors are able to interact with the simulation in a variety of new ways. However, the problem arises when designers try to meet the varied needs of a multitude of visitors.

Unfortunately, because museums attract a large number of diverse visitors, the technological components are not “one-size-fits-all”. Thus, stereoglasses are often clunky – especially for children to use. Another common issue with virtual reality exhibits is that many visitors tend to develop motion sickness. To prevent this, “good sight lines, ample seating, comfortable viewing for extended periods, good field of view and ergonomics” all contribute to positive immersive learning experiences.(1)

Museum exhibits that incorporate virtual reality really can better a visitor’s experience. The ability to simulate experiences opens exhibit design up to so many creative solutions – it remains up to designers to comfortably and innovatively apply virtual reality.

(1) Roussou, Maria. Interactive Virtual Reality in the Museum. Foundation of the Hellenic World. Greece.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman