Environmental Diversity in Architecture

Despite the fact that for most people the word architecture summons up images of weight and fixity, the experience and perception of architecture is dynamic over space and time, whether as a result of movement through space or as a result of changing environmental conditions. It is this dynamic quality of the built environment that stimulates our senses, yet it is rarely anticipated or understood in the design process. This is in part due to an emphasis on the geometric and physical aspects of design - as represented in drawings or computer renderings.Physiologically, man has evolved to perceive change - notably in the visual environment, but also through thermal, aural and tactile senses - in order to survive. This ingrained experience is associated with psychological notions of safety, comfort and well-being - and conversely - danger, excitement and enjoyment. These associations shape the way we respond to our environment and are brought forth through the way we design. Adaptability over time is a concern in the life of a building. In the short term the issue may be how the user can interact with the building. Longer-term issues include how the building can be adapted to respond to changes in conditions (e.g. working patterns, climate change, etc.). This calls for buildings that have a level of 'indeterminacy' in their design, without being excessively changeable - environmentally adaptable but not neutral.This book brings together architectural research work that clearly identifies why environmental variety is of significance and how it relates to design.