Image: jurvetson | Flickr

Lately, many technologies are surfacing that help with the tracking of a person’s physiological signals for health. Such a technology is sleep tracking technology which monitors heart rate, movement, and breathing. So, when a person lies in bed sleeping, data is being collected about the quality of that person’s sleep. (1)

Yet, what can you, as an architect, do with such data to help your occupants? And can architecture be the go-between that pulls from data which tracks health, to emitting environmental stimuli which promotes health? Well, I say the answer to the latter question is yes, and for the answer to the first question: read on.

Just imagine if the two could work together: tracking health and promoting health. With tracking, you would find health problems, and with promoting you would treat and prevent health problems. Thus, to make this work, the tracking device and the architecture would need to communicate.

As the device detects shifts in the health algorythms of an occupant, the architecture could pull from this data to release just-in-time environmental stimuli to cater to the particular occupant need.

For example, a sleep monitoring device might detect an occupant tossing and turning in bed while trying to sleep at night. If the architecture could pull from that data (communicating with the device), sensory design could really help the architecture to interactively emit stimuli to prevent further sleep disturbances. Some architectural aspects which could be tailored might include the adjustment of temperature, lighting, sound, and even scent.

So I now ask you to think about how your architecture could be improved if it could communicate with a device within it. What would that communication need to be like in order to make for a successful architectural design response? And how would your architecture be better as a result of that communication?

(1) Simonite, Tom. Sleep Sensor Hides Beneath the Mattress. Technology Review. November 9, 2011.

Please Tell Me What You Think

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© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

There is a point where architecture works hand-in-hand with the objects within it: such as in a museum which houses artifacts in exhibits or in a home which makes way for different technological installations like phones, televisions, and computers. That is where we are today, but what about tomorrow?

What will happen to architecture when the objects within it gain these mega-functions? How will that architecture change from where we are today?

For starters, buildings will gain a more advanced “nervous system”. They will be better connected, and because of that — they will be better communicators. Buildings will pull information from objects to help occupants live better, healthier lives. And interactivity between architecture and its occupants will be more meaningful and personalized.

After all, just think about what architecture could do if the objects which its occupants use everyday could tell it more about how to help its occupants. Interactions would be better between buildings and people, and between person-to-person interfaces.

In the end, a better communication between architecture and its objects, assuming those objects gained mega-functionality, would lead to buildings that could lead the way toward prevention, quick treatment response, and highly tailored in-progress assistance for occupants.

So, keep an eye on those everyday objects which your building occupants use. There is a wealth of information in them that can make your building better.

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

Seth Godin recently wrote an article on “pre-digital environments” which I encourage you to read here. Now that you have read it, I ask you…how can you as an architect push advancement from this pre-digital age?

While it seems that much of what makes a place digital depends on the technology — I will tell you that is also depends on how the “design of place” works with that technology.

If the technology that makes a place “digital” is designed as an afterthought (not well integrated into the environment) it will likely have detrimental effects. On the other hand, if the technology that makes a place digital harmonizes with the architectural design, mountains can be moved to help occupants.

The linchpin in all of this is sensory design — which can guide the integration of technology with the environment for better occupant living. Sensory design is what can help to ensure that our transition from the pre-digital is humane.

In terms of hospital care, I agree with Seth Godin that the pre-digital can be “wasteful and dangerous” (as can be seen in many other building types as well). That is why the combination of sensory design with new architectural technologies is critical — to make sure that on our way to digital environments, we don’t create unneccessary chaos, noise, and disturbance. In this light, we’d just be trading one set of problems for new ones.

So, keep sensory design at the forefront as you make way for the digital in environments. In this way, environments will be safer, happier, more effective, and more efficient because you will have harnessed what sensory design and technology can do together.

Bring on the digital, but integrate with sensory design.

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

Technology is embedding itself everywhere. Within environments, it is becoming smaller and can be found in more and more everyday objects as well as in the fabric that makes up the environment itself. So, the main question becomes: what should we do with all of the information that such technology gathers?

Within smart environments such everywhere technology might be in the form of sensors and actuators that gather important data that gets fedback into a system to optimize a particular environmental function. Such sensors and actuators could live within everyday occupant objects or within the environment itself — again, to use the information gathered toward a given purpose. But, for what?

The following are:

7 Ways Ubiquitous Technology Can Be Used Within Smart Environments

1. Measure individual or collective occupant temperature through clothing to automatically adjust climate controlled building zones.
2. Measure individual or collective occupant stress (heart rate, perspiration, blood pressure) through clothing or wrist-worn devices to trigger environmental stimuli to reduce occupant stress points.
3. Gather data about green occupant behaviors within a given environment to then have environment feedback more green behavior change interventions.
4. Use data to observe excersice and mobility of occupants to then feedback interventions targeting better health toward exercise and mobility.
5. Gather information from social media sites (occupants often carry mobile phones) and feedback this information into environment to further engage occupants with their space and with each other.
6. Gather work pattern behavior data to feedback into system for environmental interventions that help occupants with productivity and/or creativity.
7. Pull data beteen multiple buildings to allow occupants to be more aware and to be in more control of their environments. For instance, pulling data about an occupant’s home and transmitting that data to them at work, at the hospital, or to their hotel would give them a new type of connectedness.

The latter 7 examples of what to do with data that is collected from ubiquitous technology within environments serves to get you thinking about how you might use such information to make your architectural design projects better.

To do this, simply think about what change or improvement you would like to make for your occupants in real-time. Then, think about what information you would need to gather in order to make that change a reality.

Ubiquitous technology is becoming more widespread. Perhaps you can take advantage of what it can do.

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: maistora | Flickr

Ubiquitous computing is in the works and so is the smart building.

From portable computing to smart devices and from calm computing to wearable computing, architecture will no longer exist as a static “frame” which surrounds activity. Instead, buildings will begin to “move” around their occupants — as if to gain a nervous system.

Networks will help Buildings be Smart

Computers are getting smaller and they are being increasingly networked. The result will be buildings that communicate with both their exterior and interior environments. Since computers will be embedded in just about everything, from environmental objects to occupant clothing, designing for this type of ubiquitous computing evolution will be both challenging and amazing.

For starters, buildings will have to protect while also allowing for a renewed openness which we currently don’t see. As architects we will need to re-think the notion of boundary as it relates to what occupants can do within a space — and as it relates to what a space can do around an occupant.

Boundaries Become Flexible

Thus, as architectural space gains renewed function, flexibility will also be redefined. Some current “boundaries” will become more flexible, while others may completely disappear.

The notion of scale, for example, will undergo a shift within the architect’s mindset. With advancements in fields like nanotechnology, architects will rethink what materials can do. This coupled with ubiquitous computing will yield buildings where experiences for occupants will be more personalized. Yet, such personalization does not mean isolation. Building occupants may have individual needs met while still remaining part of their building, town, city and even global communities in real-time.

The important thing for architects to remember is that ubiquitous computing does not just affect computer devices and technologies. These things will become a part of the environment — and as they are embedded, it is up to architects to design so that when buildings communicate with such devices, everything is synchronized to yield healthy and human state-of-the-art environments.

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 followers by “tweeting” it using the re-tweet button on this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

I have heard much talk about kitchens and stores for the future, but as you will see, it is nice to see some prototypes. They actually give us something tangible to think about so we can begin to advance them, challenge them and seize upon great opportunity.

The two following videos explain how a future store and kitchen of the future can work together — integrating them toward a more seamless experience. If you watch both, you will get an idea as to what your own experience might be like if you were to live and use such environments.

Does Life Get Any Easier?

Although they are not exactly interactive, there is much that a user can control and specify. Additionally, due to RFID tags, many of the procedural steps that are necessary today may not be necessary in the future.

However, does life get any easier? I would say that it should. Such future designs should strive to make life easier, more pleasant, healthier and safe.

I understand that the automation is all in an effort to design for better experience, to free user’s time and to help them make better choices. However, I do question whether there might be a lack of mobility within some automated designs.

To push the boundaries a bit, I am curious to see what it would be like if the “TV monitor” within the kitchen prototype (see video 1 below) could be repositioned according to the personal preference and need of the user.

I suppose that with most designs there are questions and curiosities that could lead them further along. Good designs often spark us to think of new ideas. But for now, these are two design prototypes that you should definitely see.

The kitchen console was designed by Zaha Hadid, by the way.

Video 1: The Kitchen of the Future

Video 2: The Grocery Store of the Future

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 followers by “tweeting” it using the re-tweet button on this page.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: adamgreenfield | Flickr

THE PROMISE OF UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING

When discussing the topic of ubiquitous computing, there is a particular author that really stands out — his name is Adam Greenfield. In his book Everyware: The Dawinng Age of Ubiquitous Computing (my affiliate link), he takes a look at how ubiquitous computing works and how it will affect society, in most all realms. Here, he explains more…

Everyware is an attempt to describe the form computing will take in the next few years. Specifically, it’s about a vision of processing power so distributed throughout the environment that computers per se effectively disappear. (1)

[…]

In everyware, all the information we now look to our phones or Web browsers to provide becomes accessible from just about anywhere, at any time, and is delivered in a manner appropriate to our location and context. (1)

[…]

The vision is, without doubt, a lovely one: deeply humane, even compassionate. But getting from here to there may prove unexpectedly difficult. (1)

Ubiquitous computing holds much promise in certain ways; yet, it seems that it can fall short in others. As evolution brings us toward environments where there are a multitude of computers per person, it seems that such smart environments can indeed “streamline” our lives. The problem emerges; however, when we consider how this all might actually work.

HOW CAN WE MAKE IT BETTTER?

As more and more data is collected to help computers help us, privacy quickly becomes a major concern. Also important is how we plan to make “sense” this data, as sensors and actuating devices work together to “simplify” our lives. Because of such major issues, designers need to start establishing some priorities now, so that “everyware” technologies lead to smart environments that develop in optimum ways.

You, as a designer of built environments, play a major role in how this all develops. You should be informed about ubiquitous computing technologies — understanding both its great potentials and its negative effects. As technology propagates and embeds itself within architectural space(s), occupant perception will be greatly influenced while experiencing architectural works. The key is to integrate technology with architecture, so each complements the other while minimizing any negative “side-effect”.

WHY “EVERYWARE”?

Adam Greenfield is very thorough in his exploration of ubiquitous computing — explaining its impact on cultures, physical environments and individuals.

This is his why he wrote the book…

My intention in Everyware is simply to describe what ubiquitous computing is; establish that it is a very real concern for all of us, and in the relatively near term; explore some of the less-obvious implications of its spread as a paradigm; and finally develop some ideas about how we might improve it. (1)

Click here to buy the book: Everyware: The Dawinng Age of Ubiquitous Computing (my affiliate link)

(1) Greenfield, Adam. Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing. AListApart.com. April 4, 2006.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: Adistock | Dreamstime

The development of smart environments causes a lot of concern for both designers and skeptics. Both want to make sure that such innovations have great benefits that will greatly outweigh the costs. For this reason, it is important to question advancements as designers and engineers continue to research, test and develop smart environments.

A BRIEF DEFINITION

I recently wrote a very brief “smart environment” description as follows:

A smart environment takes the notion of interactive architecture a bit further. With the use of sensing devices and actuators it will be possible to coordinate different objects and materials in a built environment to make buildings more functional and better able meet occupant needs in real-time. One trend is to make smart environments “goal-based” (thus, occupant-centered).

Here’s another post where I describe the “goal-based” smart environment trend: Why Ubiquitous Computing should be Goal-based

If you would like to read more about smart environments, be sure to visit the Sensing Architecture Article Page to see more posts listed under the “Smart Environment” section (to the right on the page).

Also, a book that discusses ubiquitous computing is: Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing (Voices That Matter)) It describes the many pros and cons of ubiquitous computing – one of the major trends that will make “smart” buildings possible. I find this book good because it presents both sides of the emergence of “smart” designs — with insight into how we can shape such an emergence.

CRITICAL CHALLENGES + CONCERNS

In certain circles the notion of a “smart environment” can be a very hot topic. And yes, although there are many benefits to developing such smart spaces, there are numerous reasons why people get concerned when hearing about this development. The following are a few of the challenges and concerns that I have heard expressed:

• What psychological side-effects might smart environments produce?
• How will smart environments establish a type of transparency that builds user trust by showing “how the system works” to eliminate occupant fear regarding a “loss of control”
• Smart environments must deal with privacy issues if user information is collected.
• How will smart environment technology be environmentally conscious? (Skeptics find that integrating “more technology” is wasteful and ecologically unsound.)
• What backup systems will be in place in case a smart environment has a malfunction? What will be the consequences of such failures?
• Will smart environments serve a “greater good for mankind”?

Such challenges and concerns are completely justified, and it is my hope that researchers are equally sensitive to these topics as they continue to develop solutions that solve such critical points. Nevertheless, it is still important to keep the discussion going.

WHY INNOVATION IS A KEY INGREDIENT

An emerging technology that will ultimately have profound effects on many different aspects of architecture is nanotechnology. In relation to smart environments, “nano-developments” will help to make system devices micro in size (great for embedding technologies and for getting them to communicate). Additionally, nanotechnology will lead to the progress of “new materials” — allowing building material properties to be transient and reactive, as needed. (For instance, nano-materials can make buildings much more energy efficient.)

Why is this important?

Research and technology evolves. This means that there is hope for the research, testing and refinement of smart technologies and systems. By posing the right questions about what we need, many solutions can be found. What we need is the dialogue, the awareness and the determination to integrate new technologies so that we leverage contributing to the solution of as many challenges as we possibly can. (At present, architects and engineers stand in a position to contribute greatly — for the betterment of human life and our planet.)

Nanotechnology is just one example that can greatly help many of the problems expressed above. The key is to continue with innovation.

WHAT CAN BE ACHEIVED

One primary goal is for a “smart environment” to help occupants live healthier, happier, safer and more productive lives. I do believe that such architectural progress is underway in hopes of achieving some major improvements. For instance, smart hospitals could:

• greatly reduce stress as patients go through stages of recovery
• reduce medical error by assisting medical staff with various tasks
• help with patient “activities of daily living” (grooming, etc)
• relieve patient stress while in their hospital room
• transition patients when they are ready to go home
• reduce patient recovery time
• prevent patients from having to return back to the hospital
• provide for better building energy-efficiency
• …

All in all, smart environments have potential to really help architecture optimize its functions and its aesthetic. The path is sensitive and meaningful application through design.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Let’s keep this conversation going. If you foresee a potential challenge that smart environments will face, please post your insight as a comment below this post. Likewise, if you have ideas about smart environment benefits, tell us what you think. (If you would like to learn more or want more information about a particular aspect – then you should comment on that as well.)

What’s your insight about “smart environments”?

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: Marinini | Dreamstime

The smart environment is made up of numerous ubiquitous computing devices. They each function to sense and actuate according to a given occupant’s need. But what happens when one device contradicts the other? How can the devices cooperate so that a ubiquitous computing environment responds correctly, as a whole?

The paper Smart Environments and Self-Organizing Appliance Ensembles raises the very interesting question, “How do you control devices you do not perceive?”. An answer to this question revolves around goal oriented device cooperation. You see, the smart system cannot rely on the user to provide a step-by-step process of how each device should behave. Similarly, the designer cannot predict all combinations of how an ensemble ubiquitous computing environment needs to respond. Instead, a system may be driven by a user’s goal – where the system generates the strategy.(1)

Within a smart environment, “goal based interactions” are likely to be at its heart. How a computing device carries out a function is not what matters most to a user. It is rather the effect of ubiquitous computing devices that is key.(1) The following is a diagram as described in the paper to illustrate how such a goal oriented context-aware environment will work.

Image: Goal Based Interaction | Smart Environments and Self-Organizing Appliance Ensembles

As you can see, “intention analysis” and “strategy planning” are critical to how the ubiquitous computing system will work. Both are necessary for goal based interactions.(1)

A user’s needs may be quite varied and the smart environment’s devices must cooperate with each other in unison. In addition, as users add or remove devices to their smart environment, ubiquitous computing technologies must easily allow for such user changes.(1) In the end, a goal oriented approach calls for a dynamic system, so the user’s needs are met – even as they change in real-time.

The smart environment will be able to simultaneously feed the senses so occupants can carry out a multitude of functions. With few interface techniques a user may communicate based on their intention; and therefore, their goals. Smart environments will work seamlessly to orchestrate a smart space through context aware techniques. Appliances will form an ensemble, giving rise to architectural space that yields greatest value.

(1) Heider, Thomas & Kirste, Thomas Smart Environments and Self-Organizing Appliance Ensembles. Rockstock University. Germany.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Image: Carbon Nanotube | ghutchis | Flickr

NANOTECHNOLOGY IS HERE…

Nanotechnology will have profound effects on the way we live. Already, developments are underway for newfound uses. For the architecture profession, nanotechnology will greatly impact construction materials and their properties. Materials will behave in many different ways as we are able to more precisely control their properties at the nano-scale.

WHY CARBON NANOTUBES?

Carbon nanotubes are a great example of how useful materials are being developed. This material is said to be one hundred times stronger than steel because of its “molecular perfection” as explained in the paper Year 2050: Cities in the Age of Nanotechnology by Peter Yeadon. In addition, because carbon atoms can bond with other matter; such material can be an “insulator, semi-conductor or conductor of electricity”. As a result, carbon nanotubes will have significant influence on the architecture industry as such materials can act as “a switchable conduit, a light source, a generator of energy and even a conveyor of matter”. (1)

Image: Aligned Carbon Nanotube | CORE-Materials | Flickr

IMPACTING BOTH DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

As materials gain such transient features, architectural design and construction will evolve. By transforming the essential properties of matter, nanotechnology will be able to change the way we build. For instance, structures will be constructed from the bottom-up because materials like carbon nanotubes can self-assemble. (1)

Nanotechnology will profoundly affect the industry of architecture at all scales; and, interior design, building design and city design will all benefit. Architecture will have the ability to function at more optimum levels – revolutionizing the way inhabitants live.

NANO-ARCHITECTURE UNLEASHED

Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance is a great book that explains how nanotechnology will impact environments. For example, nanotechnology will give architecture superior interactive functions — allowing occupants to better “communicate” with their surroundings. Windows and walls with variable transparency and mood/context sensitive clothing are just a few ways this will become possible.(2)

As new materials and construction methods emerge, “nano-architecture” will definitely unleash the designer’s imagination. For this reason, Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance is worth reading.

Here is the link: Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance

(1) Yeadon, Peter. Year 2050: Cities in the Age of Nanotechnology
(2) Crandall, BC. Nanotechnology: Molecular Speculations on Global Abundance. MIT Press. 2000.

© 2008-2011 Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman