Tenth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of technology and neuroscience plays in connecting people with deeper sensory experiences relative to materiality and space. Using a project as a vehicle, the paper goes on to theorize an agenda that is rather interested in supplementing the design process by new tools and advanced technologies that allow people to experiment in extremely informed ways relative to the perception of physical context. Its purpose is to engage people with multi-sensory experiences that force humans to re-evaluate and re-perceive our material world. This paper responds to these questions by comparing a series of small scale projects created during a controlled workshop in an academic setting. The projects explore what it means to design spaces with high degrees of sensory feedback and potential. It is made in tandem with student/professor using the Hololens as the primary decision-making tool relative to the creation of space. The Hololens also extends the experience by offering a user an additional sensory experience while wearing the headset. To monitor and evaluate the reaction to the projects, users wear emotion-sensing bracelets that collect biodata from the user and result in 11 different emotional states (calm, pleasant, unpleasant, happy, sad, excitement, anxious, confused, challenged, tense and zen), it also collects stress level and BPM, every 1.5 to 3mins. This project evaluates the use of these two overlapping technologies as a way to gain insight into a deeper human experience. Through this process, the paper discusses user insight into emotional patterns and management.