spatial design

   I used to have a very narrow conception of space, thinking it was just a static area surrounded by structures. However, I discovered that space can be vibrant and dynamic after learning about interactive space design. It is now a "companion" that can converse with people, share information, and even arouse emotions rather than just being a container for people and things.

I was deeply impacted by a case study of an immersive interactive art exhibition that was presented in class. The designer used a variety of elements in this room, including light, sound, and sensing devices. The ground would transform into dazzling colors and patterns wherever visitors walked, and their body movements could produce various sound effects, giving them the impression that they were in a fantastical dream world. This interaction cleverly incorporated the space's purpose, aesthetics, and visitor experience rather than being a mere collection of technology. It helped me realize that designing an interactive space requires letting go of conventional thinking limitations, having the courage to experiment with new technologies and forms of expression, and utilizing the space to its fullest potential.

In addition, I was greatly inspired by the teacher's emphasis on the "user-centered" design concept. We must have a thorough understanding of the needs, behavioral patterns, and psychological traits of the target users when designing interactive spaces; we cannot just concentrate on the space's aesthetic impact. Different user groups require different experiences in the space and have different ways of interacting. For instance, whereas businesspeople might prioritize the space's efficiency and convenience, children typically favor interactive areas that are lively and exploratory. We cannot create genuinely valuable and meaningful interactive spaces unless we take the users' point of view into account.

Here is the link to my PPT.

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGmqZXKYbM/aeQ9i6o8rYmdZXTsINTABA/edit?utm_content=DAGmqZXKYbM&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGnSdrpxDI/q33eS6XmNSMDhzZmliWUeA/edit?utm_content=DAGnSdrpxDI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

 

1. Site Selection and Current Situation Analysis: 

The rest area is located in the center of the campus, close to the teaching buildings and the library. It is conveniently located.

Current problems: There are insufficient seats, and seats are scarce during peak hours; the seat spacing is too small, which is not conducive to social interaction; it is close to the road, causing noise disturbance to the neighbors; there is a lack of sun-shielding facilities in summer, resulting in low usage rate. 

2. Spatial Behavior Analysis: 

Through the analysis of the behavioral heat map, it was found that the entrance of the rest area and the area near the green plants are the areas with frequent activities. The main behaviors include sitting for a long time, walking around, and group discussions.

Different behaviors have different requirements for space. For example, learning requires a quiet and private space, while socializing requires an open public space.

The existing space has limited compatibility for different behavior types. For instance, the study area lacks sound insulation facilities, which is not conducive to group discussions. 

3. User Research: 

The main users are students aged 18 to 34, followed by freelancers and company employees.

Most users frequently use the rest area several times a week, mainly for chatting with friends, taking breaks during classes, and group discussions.

Users have a relatively high overall satisfaction with the environment of the rest area, but their satisfaction with cleanliness, air conditioning facilities, and some facilities needs to be improved.

Users hope to add facilities such as microwave ovens, water dispensers, and storage space. 

4. Suggestions for Improvement: 

Based on the above analysis, the document puts forward the following improvement suggestions: 

Environmental improvement: Strengthen cleaning, improve lighting, maintain greenery, control noise, and optimize the air conditioning system.

Functional zoning: Optimize the spatial layout, divide into study areas, rest areas, and social areas, and provide private spaces.

Facility improvement: Add charging ports, water dispensers, microwave ovens, storage space, etc., and consider providing barrier-free facilities for the disabled.

Humanized design: Consider user needs, provide more comfortable seats and more user-friendly designs. 

5. SWOT Analysis: 

The document also conducted a SWOT analysis, summarizing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the rest area, providing a more comprehensive reference for the improvement plan. 

Summary: 

This document conducts a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the improvements to the campus rest areas and proposes practical suggestions for the modifications. The improvement plan should give priority to addressing issues such as insufficient seating, noise disturbance, and inadequate environmental maintenance. Based on user needs, necessary facilities and services should be added to enhance the overall user experience of the rest areas.

Class Notes: Improvement of Campus Rest Area

I. Key Focus Areas

Four Aspects: Site selection & current situation, spatial behavior, user research, interactive renovation plans.

II. Site Selection and Current Situation Analysis

Location: Outdoor lounge next to school library. Meets needs for rest, chat, etc., close to learning area.

Space Advantages: Open courtyard, sufficient light, good ventilation, peaceful for studying/socializing.

Space Disadvantages: High pedestrian flow, design/layout issues (insufficient seating, shading; coordination with teaching bldgs./roads problems).

Summary: Mid - campus, near busy areas. Problems: Lack of seats (peak hours), close seating (social impact), noise, low summer usage (no shading).

III. User Research Insights

Population: 18 - 34 age group (77.9%), students (66.7%) - main users.

Usage Frequency: 55.6% several times/week; 33.3% several times/month.

Main Activities: Chatting (77.8%), breaks (33.3%), group discussions (33.3%) - socializing key.

Satisfaction & Demand: 66.7% satisfied with environment; 69.7% want facility/air con improvement. Mixed views on air quality, lighting, temp, seats, info resources.

IV. Spatial Behavior Analysis

Different - time Behavior: Morning - transit, noon - lunch/study, afternoon - study/chat. Centralized use, shift to peripheral for learning. Trend: "Functional - social" combo, emphasis on "function - display (desk)".

V. Interactive Transformation Plan

Environmental Improvement: Streamline cleaning; add rest areas for staff; set noise barriers; upgrade air - con.

Functional Refining: Add seats (single/double, private areas); dedicated zones (lunch, self - study, communication); charging ports, WiFi amplifiers.

Facility Upgrade: Add sun protection, adjustable chairs (30 - 60 min use); info devices.

Multi - sensory Experience: Calm colors, natural materials; add interactive elements (multi - sensory tech, artistic interaction); optimize layout (zoning, streamline).