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 Read more

We all know that computer technology has done a lot to advance not only the way the design process can work, but also to improve the constructed outcome of that design process.

That’s why I think it’s important to shed some light on what “aural renderings” can do. (1) You, as an architect, can actually listen to a designed space as built to the parameters of your three dimensional CAD model. Here is a detailed description of the process that goes into creating such an aural rendering: Read more

This article is the third article in a three part series. To read the first and second article in the series, please click on the links below:

• Previous Article: Designing Architecture for a Sense of Building Safety — Part 1
• Previous Article: Keeping Your Occupants Safe by Building Community — Part 2

THE MANY TYPES OF FEAR

There are so many places where just approaching a building can cause fear, simply because of the institution type. Take hospitals, for instance. Patients like to feel safe and that they’re getting the best treatment; however, factors like medical technologies that beep and buzz make sounds that can sometimes cause patients to feel fear during their recovery process.

That is one type of fear, but there are others. What about hotel security? For that matter, what about office buildings located in urban settings where their mere locations can pose a threat to occupants.

A building can be wonderful inside, but the way it meets its surrounding site and interacts with its surrounding neighbors can work wonders when trying to turn fear into feelings of safety for occupants.

THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR LANDSCAPE

Actually, simple things can make a big difference. For instance, for apartment complexes you might want to pay particular attention to the height of bushes and the location of the garbage dumpster. It is found that persons “up to no-good” can hide behind or within such nooks.

Another simple thing you can do is to pay attention to how you Read more

This article is the second article in a three part series. To read the first article in the series, please click on the link below:

• Previous Article: Designing Architecture for a Sense of Building Safety — Part 1

SAFETY INSIDE AND OUT

In my previous article entitled Designing Architecture for a Sense of Safety — Part 1, I explained why the “context” surrounding your building is so important. This led to my discussing “The Big Question” that cuts to the heart of what your building is truly promoting — fortress-like protection or a shelter that also provides a sense of safety which spreads into the surrounding community.

It is so important to provide your visitors with a sense of safety through your architectural designs. Of course, the way you go about doing this can take different forms, but there are some overriding principles that can help your building to foster these feelings of safety. This involves building an environment which promotes trust by building community. (1)

IN AN IDEAL WORLD

Many buildings today, depending on their surroundings and context, seek to have a presence which is unique, safe and extends out into the community.

Yet, in some places around the world, crime is rising to a point that is “forcing” designers to turn their built environments inward, to shut their occupants out from their surroundings. Yes, this is a form of protection, but does it really provide occupants with feelings of safety? And is this “gated-type” approach truly helping the overall problem? (1)

In an ideal world, buildings should Read more

Strategically placed hydraulophones are one way to get your occupants interacting with your design — and with each other.

Often, architecture can resemble a musical instrument. When designed well, both are beautiful, fun to experience and a treat for the senses. The following is an example that shows how a natural element, like water, can be used to change the behavior of people Read more

MOVING INFLUENCES “SEEING”

As an occupant travels toward, around and through a building, their perception of that building deepens. Each view challenges and adds to the next, as a complex montage comes together to influence that occupant as they perceive architecture.

Human movement is important for you, as an architect, to understand — not just because of how a person’s body might relate to a design, but also because of how that body influences the rest of that person’s perception. This includes physiological, intellectual and emotional elements.

PIECE IT ALL TOGETHER

Movement by an occupant allows for a type of sequence, where they can capture architectural stillness through a series. (1) As sight, sound, smell, touch and taste senses are activated, movement helps occupants piece together that stimuli.

Even the height and position of an occupant’s head, eyes and ears impact how they Read more

All architecture is shelter, all great architecture is the design of space that contains, cuddles, exalts, or stimulates the persons in that space.

— Philip Johnson

WHAT IS GREAT ARCHITECTURE?

Buildings are all over the place, but not all buildings are architecture. In the above quote, Philip Johnson talks about the point where a building becomes great architecture, taking an occupant to another level where a space actually “touches” a person. Through the senses, emotion, cognition and even spiritual moments — a great building has qualities that “move” you.

I think that as architects we should strive to Read more