Title: Sensing designed space: an exploratory methodology for investigating human response to sensory environments

Authors: Victoria Henshaw; Oliver T. Mould

Addresses: Manchester School of Architecture, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK ' Manchester School of Architecture, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

Abstract: Existing sensory design literature indicates that architectural and urban design practices are creating spaces that fail to deliver on non-visual experience. New technologies provide opportunities to measure specific environmental characteristics and human response to them. Similarly, new environmental design evaluation tools have been developed. Yet to date, few empirical studies have applied these in assessing the interface between humans and the designed environment, limiting discussion regarding their potential use in urban and architectural design practice. This paper outlines the findings of two pilot studies; in Hanley, Stoke, England and the Neues Museum, Berlin, Germany, and introduces a hybrid method with potential to enhance understanding of the relationship between humans and sensory urban and architecturally designed space. The results suggest different emotional and sensory profiles according to urban typology and spatial characteristics and indicate that further understanding in this area would assist in realising more humanistic architectural design.

Keywords: sensory design; architecture; human response; emotional environments; environmental perception; methodology; design tools; Neues Museum; research; urban design; architectural design; UK; United Kingdom; Germany; humanistic design; urban spaces.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2013.054066

Journal of Design Research, 2013 Vol.11 No.1, pp.57 - 71

Received: 09 Aug 2012
Accepted: 01 Nov 2012

Published online: 28 Jun 2014 *

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