Essay

“Interactive architecture can do more than respond to human behavior. With feedback, it can begin to actually adapt.”

- Maria Lorena Lehman

Changing by Learning

Just as the brain changes itself by learning, so too must interactive architecture. By learning from feedback, this type of architecture can learn to adapt to occupant needs in real-time. As it interacts, it learns – adapting and evolving as occupant need deem necessary.

When the brain changes by learning, this is called neuroplasticity. By optimizing functionality, the brain’s goal is to always make itself more useful. Can you imagine how this might apply to interactive architecture?

By embedding feedback into interactive architecture the system may begin to adapt, working toward rule-based system goals. Such goals can be occupant-centered — and from its many interactions with occupants, architectural sensory agents may begin to decipher patterns. From such feedback the architecture can regulate itself and grow by learning.

Interactive architecture can do more than respond to human behavior. With feedback, it can begin to actually adapt – evolving in its communication and; therefore, ability to help occupants.