Image: claude.attard.bezzina | Flickr

I came across an interesting article recently entitled Scent as Design. In it, the author discusses topics that were brought up during a recent symposium that was held to promote thought on the implications of using scent in design. To no surprise, it was shared that within today’s “modern lifestyle” we typically tend to “cover up” and “clean up” scent — without tapping into the vast potential which it holds. It seems that many of today’s cultures trend toward eliminating scent, without accentuating it — even though everything has a smell.

Just think about that for a moment, everything has a smell. Don’t you think that architects today should uncover what this widely underestimated sensorial stimuli can hold for their designs? But now that we know that the olfactory sense is significant, what should we begin to do as designers to make our creations even better?

When Scent Can Enhance the Visual

I was particularly struck by a particular thought from the above mentioned article that says that stimulating the olfactory sense in your design can help your occupants be more present. So, if your occupants were more present within your design — might your occupants function better and feel better when within it? Also, might the incorporation of scent help you as an architect attract Read more

Image: Night Owl City | Flickr

WHY CHANGE NOW?

Did you know that school design has not substantially changed over the past 200 years? (1) Well, school architecture is undergoing some significant changes now, and computers are a big reason why. The following is an excerpt from Tomorrow’s Schools, by Jackie Craven, to highlight this point…

The Shape of Things To Come
In tomorrow’s classrooms, students no longer need to face a podium, teacher’s desk or writing board. Learning stations are distributed along walls, in island clusters or in zigzag patterns. For small study groups, work spaces are triangular rather than square. Rooms are wheelchair friendly with wide, unobstructed passageways and low handles and switches. (1)

Lights, Cameras, Action
This futuristic classroom resembles a television studio with two monitors, three cameras and related equipment. One of the monitors displays presentations broadcast within the school building, while the other displays students and teachers at other locations — anywhere in the world. The television cameras are directed at students and the teacher, or focus on visual aids used in teacher presentations. Bright overhead spotlights enhance the quality of video transmission. (1)

Sounding Off
Flush mounted microphones on student desks assure that everyone can hear and be heard. Materials used for walls, ceilings and floors are especially chosen to optimize voice clarity. Echoing linoleum hallways are a thing of the past. (1)

Plugging In
In the school of the future, there are no computer labs with rows of monitors and miles of tangled cables. Electrical outlets and communications ports are strategically located throughout the building. Wide conduits inside walls and beneath floors accommodate wires and cables. (1)

Going Mod
More than ever, school design is modular. Rooms are added to divided and reconfigured as the curriculum changes and technologies evolve. Portable carts allow computers to move freely throughout the building. Movable partitions permit teachers to shift from small to large group activities. And, since furniture design is standardized, work stations may be moved and reassembled anywhere in the building. (1)

With computers really stirring things up in the world of school design, it is important for architects to understand how to balance these emerging technologies with fundamental architectural features (like views of nature, healthy levels of natural light and a strategic use of interior color) to foster learning for healthy classroom designs.

DON’T LET TECHNOLOGY TAKE OVER

It is important for school architecture to support student learning, socialization and health — not only by focusing on computer technology, but by finding a balance between Read more

Image: andyj682 | Flickr

WHEN THE HUMAN EYE BLINKS…

Did you know that the second most complex organ in your body after your brain is your eye? (1) The human eye contains many processes all working together to help you perceive visual queues in a continuous way. However, when foreign matter or heightened stimuli (like loud sounds or bright lights) occur, a blinking reflex is activated — and usually when one eye blinks the other follows.

GEOFF MANAUGH ON “BLINKSPOTS”

In a thought-provoking post entitled Architecture of the Blink, some interesting questions surface regarding how blinking might affect our perception of architectural design. In this article, Geoff Manaugh explores “blinkspots” — moments or spaces where blinking shuts down our awareness of less important details.

This got me thinking…

DO YOU WANT A “SECOND LOOK”?

When architecture is more “interactive”, with more moving and/or flashing elements, does that mean occupants will Read more