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Introduction and Theory |Emergence of Interactive and Dynamic Architecture

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Introduction and Theory |Emergence of Interactive and Dynamic Architecture

stability. However, while the stability gained by removing the agency of nature provided the basis of a valid shelter, the potential for controlled dynamics gained by translocating agency from the occupants back into the architecture can be just as, if not more, compelling. It can be seen within life that occupancy within a space is inherently dynamic, and as such, the demand and functions of a space can change throughout its use. People are dynamic, crowds are dynamic, and sometimes the static nature of traditional architecture cannot fully accommodate the dynamic nature of its occupants. Dynamics can disrupt the stability and order of architectural spaces, but when done right, they can actually enhance it.

Architectural space, when broken down to its components, can be categorized into various elements. When considering a typical house, one might notice elements such as furniture, thresholds, lights, windows, etc. These elements are generally what define a space; a kitchen might have elements such as a fridge, sink, microwave, etc. whereas a living room would have elements such as a couch, coffee table, and television. At present, these elements are relatively simple, but even so, they can range in complexity from static tables and chairs to more interactive devices such as televisions and computers. While these higher complexity elements are still limited by their lack of physical motion, the photonic and acoustic stimuli they can release within a space go beyond what a static piece of furniture can accomplish. A television that is turned on will introduce motion to the room by virtue of light and sound. Therefore, a television that is turned on can be considered dynamic while a television that is turned off can be considered static. Accordingly, a living room with a television that is turned on will feel more dynamic compared to a living room with a television that is turned off. (Fig. 1.1.1 - 2) From this, it can then be argued that the introduction of dynamic elements within the space can cause an initially static space to become dynamic. While natural elements such a wind and light can also influence this space dynamic due to the time of day and the seasons, these elements are both less deliberate (unless controlled by a dynamic element) and more subtle (due to their effect over a greater timeframe when compared to the immediate stimuli delta of the television example).

In these instances, the semantics of dynamic spaces may differ based on the threshold at which the space is classified to be dynamic, but if one deems the threshold of dynamic to be anything above static within a perceivable timeframe, then it can be reasoned that it only takes one dynamic element to convert a space from static to dynamic—whether it is an element like a television that introduces dynamics, or some kind of screen element that can dynamically affect natural elements such as light and wind. This can be further demonstrated by comparing a room with a lightbulb versus a room with a fireplace. (Fig. 1.1.3 - 6) While both elements provide a light source to the room, the light fixture provides a constant static lighting whereas the fire dances, changing shape from convectional air currents within the space. Whether the fire or television is sufficient to convert the room into a dynamic space is debatable, but what is clear is that the fire is more dynamic than the lightbulb, and the room with the fire will feel more dynamic than the room

A static living room with the Television turned off

Photographed by Author.

A static living room with the Television turned on feels more dynamic by comparison

Filmed by Author.