Resources

Brain Landscape: The Coexistence of Neuroscience and Architecture

This book is a definite must read to understand latest theories on sensory design that are being tested today. Different chapters walk you through different building types, explaining both the big picture and specifics behind why things work the way they work for occupants. This is indeed a very wonderful book.

Action in Perception (Representation and Mind series)

A very interesting read — where perception is explored and explained as a “verb” rather than a “noun”. Within this book, you will discover why perception is in fact an action where your senses “touch” what they perceive in a curious-like manner. This is where perception becomes more of an exploration. Great book.

Color, Environment, & Human Response

This excellent book is a favorite not only of mine, but of many readers who have written to tell me how this book has helped them with their design work. Within it, you will uncover the role that color plays in an in-depth study. By targeting color, and using it to explore bridging aspects of occupant perception and response, you will get deeper understand into the senses, with direct analysis of how they engage with the environment. For my full review of this book, click here.

Sensory Design

This is a fantastic “go-to” book when it comes to the subject of sensory design. Within this book you will find very thorough explanations regarding sensory design and built environments. A great reference book as well as an inspirational read, you will capture great understanding about sensory design issues after reading this work. For my full review of this book, click here.

The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses

This work by Juhani Pallasmaa is a wonderful book which I recommend reading for foundation on the subject of sensory design. When reading this work, you will find yourself thinking on a more philosophical, design, and innovation cross-roads. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the subject of sensory design — a theorist book that will add to your design practice.

Spaces Speak, Are You Listening?: Experiencing Aural Architecture

A fantastic read that really makes one think about aural design in built form. So often, the visual in architecture is biased — so, it is great to have a book that captures the intricacies of design from an aural perspective. Capturing not only how aural architecture is designed and works once constructed, but also explaining how aural architecture is experienced. An interesting and much needed book for sensory design.

Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing

This book explores and ties links between vision and art — definitely shedding light on the neuroscience behind art. This is important because as architects, there are overlapping principles between built form and art. It is amazing how much the neuroscience behind 2D art can help with the understanding and design of 3D built space. Read this for great understanding into the nuances behind how “seeing” works.

Inquiry by Design: Environment/Behavior/Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, Landscape, and Planning

A fantastic reference book, Inquiry by Design unlocks ties between environment, behavior, and neuroscience. Additionally, it speaks of design in this light with regard to architecture, interiors, landscape, and planning. This is a very comprehensive book, and one that I highly recommend.

Everyware: The Dawning Age of Ubiquitous Computing

This is a favorite book of mine, where the work explains (in very digestible chapters) how the dawning of ubiquitous computing will alter lifestyle. This work explains both the pros and the cons to such developments and also brings up some very compelling theories, arguments and ideas on the topic of how computers that are everywhere will impact design. Also a great resource for anyone interested in interactive or adaptive architectures. For my full book review, click here.

Recommended Films/Documentaries

The Science of Healing With Dr. Esther Sternberg

This film documentary is a very compelling piece, as it explains how the senses and healing relate to one another. As architects, I think it is important to understand how environment, through the senses, impacts healing — and this documentary explains just that. The time it takes to watch this will be a good investment for your design thinking and resulting works.