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nutopia

My current interest in the dematerialization of architecture began with a four year experiment on manipulating atmospherics in the workplace to maximise innovation and creativity. (Glancey, 2000) Nutopia’s ‘office of the future’ was certainly not unique in promoting architecture as a source for neural stimulation however it was groundbreaking in suggesting design could improve cognitive performance simply by installing a multi-refracting interior of spatial complexity. De-ionizing salt water tanks, ultrasonic soundtracks, low lighting and aromatics transformed the windowless space into a stress free creative hotspot. EEG systems supported the hypothesis of increased theta activity (brain waves attributed to creative thought) together with real-time data visualization.

Neural feedback, tracking systems and real-time data visualization tools were used to support the hypothesis of increased theta activity (brain waves attributed to dreaming and creative thought).

Augmented sculpture

Augmented Sculpture by Pablo Valbuena
Pablo Valbuena's project focuses on the temporary quality of space, investigating space-time not only as a three dimensional environment, but as space in transformation. For this purpose two layers are produced that explore different aspects of the space-time reality. On the one hand the physical layer, which controls the real space and shapes the volumetric base that serves as support for the next level. The second level is a virtual projected layer that allows controlling the transformation and sequentiality of space-time. The blending of both levels gives the impression of physical geometry suitable of being transformed. The orverlapping produces an euclidean three-dimensional space augmented by a transformable layer that I can control, resulting in the capacity through the installation of altering multiple dimensions of space-time. These ideas come to life in an abstract and geometric envelope, enhanced with synesthetic audio elements and establishing a dialogue with the observer.

Life in the Void

Nosy by Christian Moeller
Augmented space represents a real challenge and opportunity for architecture. Although architects and designers have embraced digital media, it's largely played out in 2d, via the screen as something that only represents the real volume. Going beyond surface, architects should now focus their attention on immaterial architectures to seed data flows in physical space. I propose that sculpting digitally augmented space should be viewed as an architectural priority. e.g., architects and designers can begin to express the 'void' as substance rather than empty space, an invisible architecture that triggers physiological states of human experience and enhancement.

The Orgasmatron

Sleeper (1973) by Woody Allen
The experimental implant, now trademarked by Meloy as the Orgasmatron after the orgasm-inducing cylinder in Woody Allen's 1973 movie "Sleeper" rests on the skin just above the belt line. Two electrodes snake into the space between the vertebrae and the spinal cord. A video-game-like remote control allows women (or their partners) to turn electrical pulses on and off and fiddle with timing and intensity.

acoustic space

Since the birth of printing and perspective, architecture has been ocularcentric Pallasmaa. The "quintessential icons of modernism" is the floor-to-ceiling window, the curtain wall. For Rubin these present acoustical problems. The Mix House attempts to re-introduce sound into the residence, to play with both visual and aural transparency. Created by Joel Sanders, Ben Rubin, Karen Van Lengen it explores the possibility of closely coordinating sound and vision with the goal of enhancing the individual’s audiovisual experience of the domestic landscape. Situated on a generic suburban plot, the dwelling is composed of two sound-gathering volumes with three audiovisual windows. The curved profile of each of these sonic windows is composed of two elements: a louvered glass window wall that regulates the sound of the air-borne ambient environment, and a parabolic dish that electronically targets domestic sounds and transmits them to an interior audio system controlled from the kitchen island. From here occupants are free to design original domestic soundscapes by mixing media sponsored sounds with the ambient noises of the neighborhood.

Mediadome

Fraunhofer's Multimedia Dome, the first digital dome theater to feature natural spatial sound, envelops visitors in a fascinating universe of sound and vision.

A unique study in 2004 from Emily Thompson professor of history and sociology of science at University of Pennsylvania depicts a culture busily rationalizing, quantifying and taming sound in The Soundscape of Modernity: Architectural Acoustics and the Culture of Listening in America 1900 1933. Beginning with the little known career of architectural engineer Wallace Sabine, from his felt-covered acoustical correction of the Rhode Island House of Representatives to his role in the influential design of Boston's Symphony Hall, Thompson analyzes the checkered (and ultimately futile) history of noise abatement and the implications of the introduction of electronics.

Scentsory Design

Second Skin (2006) by Jenny Tillotson
Just as the scent of the skin changes with emotion, Smart Second Skin interacts with human emotions whereby the aroma dimension becomes an integral part of the wearers wellness sensory experience. The dress mimics the body's circulation system, the senses and scent glands. The interactive fabric emits a selection of scents depending on your mood. Aromatic messages are actively 'pulsed' electronically through a cabling system, to key points of the body in order to activate the smell centre. The project is from the Science Fashion Lab which brings together the disciplines of Analytical Chemistry, nanotechnology, perfumery and fashion design.

Psychedelic Architecture

The Domes of Drop City, Colorado, 1969

Influenced by the 60s psychedelic movement, an interesting group of architects and designers manipulated space with the aim of triggering higher states of consciousness and living experience. Some of these projects have recently been collated in Alistair Gordon's Spaced Out. A great read for anyone passionate about living off-grid. Leary's turn-on-tune-in-drop-out mantra inspired a whole generation of brightly coloured bucky domes, identified by cool names like Drop City and Morning Star.

Magnetic fields

Emplacement

The utopian Mind Expander (1983) by Haus Rucker Co, both neural sanctuary and atopic habitat, promises to deliver us from the corporate matrix.

In Empire of the Senses David Howes introduces an extended model of cognition for the cultural reader: "while the paradigm of embodiment implies an integration of mind and body, the emergent paradigm of emplacement suggests the sensuous interrelationship of body-mind-environment." Echoing Andy Clarke's work on the Extended Mind a decade earlier, Howes also reminds us of its counter imperative - displacement. 

Historically, architectural discourse has favoured textual analysis, an approach which has arguably offered up some of the least endearing environments on the planet. For better or worse, these spaces are now the dominating forces in contemporary corporate life - the non-places in which we permanently dwell; the terminal, the mall and the office.