Draft2 Text

The following outlines my experiments which are in varying stages of deployment.

Hypothesis 1
That there is an underlying subconscious which determines or contributes to an occupants identification with a space and their ability to navigate such a space. That architecture can be alluring or repelling and that there is a system or pattern for each condition.
This experiment is conducted using a tetrahedron labyrinth that the subject is placed within and encouraged to move throughout to achieve a variety of goals. The tetrahedron sponge limits the variables of the experiment as it is unlike any space encountered in everyday life. The symmetry places the significant decisions on the material and lighting conditions, instead of the geometric relations as these are always the same. Finally the fact that each tetrahedron has 3 accessible doors at any one time means that the occupant upon entering a room is left with a choice between 2 doors, evenly spaced with neither being in a direct line from the door just entered.
What remains is an experiment to test threshold conditions and to determine whether particular materials or lighting conditions have assumed or associated spatial uses. It extends the Cheng Yu Sun, Bauke de Vries and Jan Dijkstra experiment with human behaviour using a head cave in which probable paths of egress were tested according to their proximity and size. Instead proximity and size remain constant to explore the other factors that may contribute to a subjects choice of direction.

Hypothesis 2
That factors affecting recognition of spaces can be distilled down to an overall system that can determine how spaces are created and connected. Architecture that is hard, angular and brutal imposes itself on the memory in different ways to architecture that is smooth, delicate or voluptuous.
In this experiment the subject is presented with a variety of internal spaces each with varying geometric, lighting, and textural complexities. After each space is experienced the subject moves to the same room that warps and distorts. The subject can stop the space warping at any time when they are satisfied that it is the same as the previous static room they were in.
By varying light, geometry and material textures this experiment is able to determine what factors are of greatest use in recognising spaces and what combinations are to be encouraged or avoided for the benefit of those already struggling with memory.

Hypothesis 3
That group involvement is of greater benefit than isolated activities for memory and recall and that such group involvement creates architecure that is alive. Architecture that lights up to engage with the users.
Here the previous experiments are expanded into a new set of spatial relationships that encourage group involvement to navigate. The spaces have barriers, visual, structural and implied, so multiple view points and interpretations are beneficial but not essential.
This not only measures the actual benefit of group involvement as hypothesised but also the subjects willingness to partake in such a group activity. Results are of particular relevance for dementia sufferers as they are perceived as being quite isolated. By engaging in group activities it is expected that the group can combine their experiences into an overall memory that presents a more complete recollection and the fact that the subjects will have experienced it together provides them with a solid base on which to relate to their peers and reduce the feeling of isolation.

Note:
Results of all three experiments are ongoing and form the contents of the proposed final design, with the intention being that these experiments, along with others can be experienced first-hand in the final submission.