- arCHitECturE as intErfaCE (^) | 309
Perhaps it is time to revisit Alexander’s notion of patterns in the envi-
ronment and to develop a pattern language for the age of interconnected
environments. In this new pattern language, each pattern would be a
formal response to a design problem linking interactive systems with
spatial environments. As a starting point, the framework suggests a
range of patterns that can be developed to link modes of interaction
with spheres of inquiry.
Consider the bevy of building types that we inhabit and reimagine
them in new ways—whether homes, workplaces, or industrial, ceremo-
nial, or social settings. A museum that responds to your background
and interests by highlighting key exhibits modifies the text that accom-
panies the artifacts to suit your knowledge of history. An exhibit might
connect you to others with similar responses or comments, spawning a
network of virtual relationships. Consider a nightclub that reconfigures
to accommodate an impromptu gathering and points you to a room
filled with graduates of your college when the club’s “operating system”
assesses the profiles of all visitors and finds commonalities. As you
enter, the walls of the room have already shifted to reflect your group’s
publically posted images of your time together, along with music of
the time period. Surgical rooms maintain awareness of the presence
and movement of particles linked to infectious diseases, which leads
to movement of equipment and lighting and modification of airflow to
protect the patient from harmful conditions and inform clinical profes-
sionals of medical history and environmental changes.
Conclusion
Tomorrow’s spaces will be formed from interconnected and intelligent
components that are aware of the human presence, and are able to com-
municate, assess, and act. The role of the hybrid designer must evolve
to incorporate both sets of skills—architect and interaction designer—
so that we can create meaningful places that support systems of inter-
connected intelligent devices.
The hybrid designer will not be responsible solely for “concretization”
of the building as an object, as described by Christian Norberg-Schulz,
but rather for orchestrating a new context—a dynamic system of ele-
ments that flex and adapt to support our needs for environmental,
behavioral, and social settings. Its choreography will be influenced by
an evolving set of actors. As Nishat Awan states, “The dynamic, and
nandana
(Nandana)
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