Pantheon of Wonder

Essay

Abstraction of Colorful Light

MEMS for Interactive Architectural Design

by Maria Lorena Lehman

Technology

Architecture Drawing

MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) are tiny sensors that will embed within smart buildings, helping them reach greater interactivity. Already, such devices are projected to help buildings better interact with occupants. Keeping building environment climate thresholds equalized for individual occupants is one example of how MEMS can personalize buildings — but what are some other possibilities?

Perhaps such tiny and ubiquitous MEMS sensors could communicate with occupant clothing or occupant objects like coffee cups or computer keyboards. Such technology could gain information based on real-time occupant use. Clothing or objects could transmit physiological or behavioral data to the building’s smart system; which could, in turn, interact accordingly. Such interactive architecture could, for example, help employees be more productive through their workday by providing more healthy and personalized office environments.

Ultimately, MEMS could help redefine what it means for architecture to be occupant-centered.

‍Image Credit: © XtravaganT | Fotolia

Continue the Conversation


If this essay stirred a question, illuminated an idea, or touched something deeper in your own creative journey, I invite you to continue the conversation.


Each month, I reserve a small number of private one-on-one conversations for readers seeking thoughtful guidance and deeper dialogue around creativity, architecture, music, meaning, purpose, or the work they feel called to bring into the world.


These are not coaching sessions, business consultations, or productivity workshops. They are dedicated spaces for reflection, creative guidance, intellectual exploration, and discerning what comes next.


People often bring:


• A creative project or new venture

• Questions of purpose and calling

• Architecture, art, music, or writing pursuits

• Career transitions and life crossroads

• Ideas they wish to develop more deeply

• Simply a desire for meaningful conversation


Whether you are an artist, designer, architect, composer, writer, educator, founder, or lifelong learner, our conversation will be shaped around what matters most to you.


A thoughtful exchange of ideas, questions, and possibilities.

Limited availability each month.


Warmly,

Maria Lorena Lehman


Founder of MLL ATELIER

Author of PANTHEON OF WONDER

Continue the Conversation


If this essay stirred a question, illuminated an idea, or touched something deeper in your own creative journey, I invite you to continue the conversation.


Each month, I reserve a small number of private one-on-one conversations for readers seeking thoughtful guidance and deeper dialogue around creativity, architecture, music, meaning, purpose, or the work they feel called to bring into the world.


These are not coaching sessions, business consultations, or productivity workshops. They are dedicated spaces for reflection, creative guidance, intellectual exploration, and discerning what comes next.


People often bring:


• A creative project or new venture

• Questions of purpose and calling

• Architecture, art, music, or writing pursuits

• Career transitions and life crossroads

• Ideas they wish to develop more deeply

• Simply a desire for meaningful conversation


Whether you are an artist, designer, architect, composer, writer, educator, founder, or lifelong learner, our conversation will be shaped around what matters most to you.


A thoughtful exchange of ideas, questions, and possibilities.

Limited availability each month.


Warmly,

Maria Lorena Lehman


Founder of MLL ATELIER

Author of PANTHEON OF WONDER

Maria Lorena Lehman has received the following awards and has been seen in the following publications: