Image: williamcho | Flickr

As Communication Technology Moves Ahead…

How will your building be used over time? I’m sure you already take into account how certain materials will look as they are continuously exposed to sunlight or are worn down by occupant use. But do you ever seriously consider how, when and why your building will need a “facelift” during its lifespan? Well, today there are a multitude of factors that can spark the need for such change — and a major one is communication technology.

Communication technology is spreading and evolving at a faster and faster pace — particularly noticeable in office buildings. The nature of the way employees communicate is having radical effects on the way buildings work. In fact, the cultures behind many architectural institution-types are morphing because of changes in communication — and their occupants certainly feel the differences.

With new technologies, people are able to Read more

Image: A Perspective of 3-D Visual Illusions | Scientific American Mind

The way humans perceive the world is through their senses that use certain rules by which they navigate. For instance, the use of perspective, stereopsis, occlusion, shading and sfumato are all listed in Scientific American Mind’s article A Perspective on 3-D Visual Illusions as rules that “create a 3D formation about our world”. The human brain and nervous system sees this 3-dimensional world on 2-dimensional eye retinas. Thus, rules are used to constantly interpret between the 2-D world and the 3-D world.(1)

One example proving this inference between the 3-dimensional and the 2-dimensional is the visual illusion of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. When two images of the receding tower are placed next to one another, the tower to the right seems to lean at a greater angle than the image to the left. This is because the human eyes want to see the tower image to the right as parallel to the tower image to the left. This cannot happen because both images are receding; the brain reconfigures the images to diverge. In other words, the brain reconstructs a third dimension.(1)

Illusions like the Tower of Pisa illusion give us proof that our brains use rules to navigate the world. When 3-D is placed on 2-D this often tricks the mind into “seeing” differently. So, what does this mean for architecture? How is the 2-D within architectural design evolving? Why is the use of surface so important? What new illusions might we uncover in the future as the use of surface in architecture continues to advance?

Since early times, 2-D surface has been used to create illusions and representations of our 3-D world. At times, our eyes navigate 2-D surface using 3-D navigation rules. This is most evident when we see perspective drawings on a canvas or building surface. Artists and architects alike make the most of our visual sensory system to use surface to create space. Within architecture, for example, the use of perspective on actual building surface can greatly modify spatial character.

Now, with the digital revolution, architectural space can be manipulated evermore by using surface. Architects are going beyond merely painting or applying a surface coating or facing. Architectural surface can literally become space that our eyes move through. With digital media, motion can also be applied to such surfaces, giving space more depths and varying dynamic movements. On very thin screens, humans are now able to navigate 3-D virtual space. At the same time, since this is virtual space – designers may challenge the rules that we humans have come to understand in the real world. (Rules of physics like gravity, friction and inertia can be altered to create certain environmental constructs.)

Nanotechnology is also changing the way architects and designers think of surface. As materials are constructed at the atomic and molecular level, nanotechnology has the power to alter material behavior. Such materials may be used to construct architecture and may transform the way occupants expect materials to perform. As materials become stronger, lighter and cleaner, surface applications will fundamentally change. Just imagine a surface that is perceived as strong and durable as opposed to vulnerable and delicate. The possibilities are immense.

Surfaces are becoming increasingly transient. As we advance further into the future, smart materials will continue to advance and alter the way building materials function. Now, we have glass that can change transparencies and sensors that can actuate LED surface lighting. In effect, the notion of “surface” is changing, and our perception of what we think 2-D space can do is expanding. We have come a long way from discovering the rules of perspective; yet, we are just beginning to understand the brain, its systems and the illusions that define them. Still, it is with the advancement of “surface” that 3-dimensional space continues to evolve – a direct influence from the human sensory system and how it navigates the world.

(1) Macknik, Stephen L. & Martinez-Conde, Susana. A Perspective on 3-D Visual Illusions. Scientific American Mind Magazine. October/November 2008.

Yulianquan | Dreamstime

Libraries have been undergoing the need for a facelift ever since the introduction of the computing revolution. This type of institution is providing for more than simply the borrowing of books. New functions are defining how libraries serve their communities as they continue to emerge. Computer terminals with internet access and digital book inventory access are quickly becoming things of the past as even newer library programs surface. Libraries are evolving and surrounding communities are benefiting.

Nowadays, libraries are focusing on youth as they continue to refine their market beyond information sharing. Cutting-edge libraries are fostering fun activities that provide place for youth to go – a hang-out of sorts. According to the article Libraries Tap Pop Culture to Reach Teenagers in the Boston Globe, libraries are becoming a place where kids can go to do homework, check email, hang out or even play Wii. Thus, library design becomes more than an institution for sharing information. It is evolving more and more by integrating latest technologies to interact with surrounding community culture.

Hopefully, by targeting youth, libraries are becoming fun places that foster a learning culture. Some programs discussed in the article involve origami workshops and gingerbread house making. Perhaps libraries will be able to make information sharing a more interactive, hands on experience.

It is nice to see how libraries are finding there place in modern-day society. With the advent of the internet, libraries were thought by some to eventually disappear as they were predicted to fade into the background. How do you think libraries will continue to evolve? Will they continue to cater to information sharing by hosting more and more computer terminals and interactive applications? …or will libraries evolve into community center type schools where learning is the key function? Perhaps the merger of the two scenarios is best.

It is my hope that libraries continue to evolve, finding their own proper place in community and society. Perhaps as new technologies unfold, libraries may specialize in a type of data mining where information is not only available but can be intelligently searched and sorted for users. As the quantity of information grows and grows, libraries may find their niche by continuing as research and learning centers that integrate advanced technologies.

There is no doubt that libraries can be fun learning centers. As technology continues to integrate into library functions, we will most likely see new and creative way to research, learn and interact within a community. Undoubtedly, libraries will continue to find their path as societies and communities advance. The key is for libraries to not shut out developing technologies. As a whole, this institution type must embrace them as they target youth and adults alike.

Finding purpose in going to a library is crucial. Social interaction in learning is great for all ages and research assistance makes for meaningful practice. Libraries as social, research and learning institutions will continue onward. We just have to convince financial stakeholders to update them for modern-day and future use. Yes, libraries can continue to be social learning community hubs. They just have to know how to embrace change through their design as they grow evermore technologically interactive.