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Multisensory design in architecture: Concept development for a multisensory experience in a high school library
DP6 architectuurstudio developed a new high school building for the Sint Nicolaaslyceum in Amsterdam. First a multisensory concept for the library of the new school building was developed using the multisensory design approach from the faculty of industrial design engineering, Delft. The second part consists of a guideline for multisensory design in architecture. This guideline is based on an extensive evaluation of the concept development process.
The project started with intensive literature and user research. The literature study showed it is important, when focussing on human well-being in environments to take into account that users need the possibility to create the desired level of privacy, they need a certain level of change and complexity in order to be stimulated. Furthermore natural processes and a link to nature in an environment is perceived as positive by users.
During users research the users – high school students – of the library were involved in the context mapping research process. Context mapping is used to gain empathy with the user and to understand their dreams and wishes for the environment. The user research started with observations of the users within the library and interviews with employees. Then twelve students filled in booklets explaining interesting aspects of their everyday life. Finally user sessions are done with two 3rd grade classes. All results combined results in the conclusion that the main desire for the library is to have a motivating library. This results in the design goal ‘design a motivating multisensory library for the Sint Nicolaaslyceum’. Further investigation of the concept ‘motivation’ led to the interaction vision “the room should guide you like an easy flowing river”. The main target expressions that are empathised are: inspiration, reliability and support. The vision with its main characteristics lead to a concept separated in three main parts. Every part communicates one of the target expressions.
The final concept consists of an inspiring pathway, bookcases that empathise reliability and supportive work spaces. The multisensory character of the designs contribute to the expression they communicate.
The pathway meanders through the whole library. It consists of three layers, when walking across this floor a congruent fluid is moved by the users’ body weight. The sub floor, containing inspiring images, short stories and images which are linked to information which is available in the library, shows. The upper layer of the floor is made from scratch resistant plastic. This layer is slightly compressible, which gives it a bouncy feeling when walking across. Furthermore it contains a very subtle smell; the smell is called tranquil escape and is scented with lime and geranium which gives it a light and fresh appearance. The polymer which encapsulates the scent is developed by Eastman Innovation lab.
The bookcases have a wave shaped shelf in them which is made from the same material and colour of the pathway. It represents the information from the bookcases flowing into the floor and back. The other material used for the bookcases is pressed lacquered bamboo. This gives it a solid, warm and natural appearance and feel. The expression which it carries out; reliable is expressed by its solid character and the use of warm coloured and feeling, solid wood. The glass shelf communicates transparency which is an important characteristic belonging to reliability.
Finally there are three types of work places; the individual work places, group work places and computer work places. The work places should support the activities of the users in every specific place. This does not only include the ergonomic aspect but the preferred way of working, level of privacy and the support of the posture belonging to the performed activity as well. The individual work places should enable students to work concentrated and quietly. The group work place should enable students to work together and therefore should have a dynamic character. The computer work places are similar to individual work places. In addition group lessons are given here sometimes. Therefore all chairs have to be able to face the same direction. To create suitable environments, the aesthetics and feel of the furniture is taken into account; furthermore special attention is given to the lighting and acoustics.
The evaluation of the concept led to an adjusted road map of the original Multisensory design method. The method is presented in a booklet called “multisensory design in architecture”.
After consulting DP6 the decision is made to make a booklet with theoretical value and practical information without it being a proposal for implementation in their process. The final booklet contains the background of MSD, the MSD current method is explained. In addition detailed set of sensory characteristics that can be addressed in architecture is defined while evaluating the project, this set is presented and explained in the booklet. Finally interesting findings from literature are presented.
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