Human Centered Design – Architecture is an integral part of our daily lives. Since the beginning of human history, it has changed a lot. Architecture and human adaptation to it are continuous processes. It is shaped by various factors that we live with. People, senses, spaces, environment. Surroundings and emotions are connected to the architecture in either tangible or intangible form; hence mindfully designed architecture can create an environment that facilitates happiness and tranquillity.
Considering scientific advances, we wonder what the future holds. Many people speculate about the future of cities and buildings in this new era based on technological advancements, globalisation, and the need to protect the environment. Technology and sustainability are two of the most talked about elements within this topic, but human welfare should not be overlooked.
Through the years, the same question has been dealt with by architects, designers, and experts in the public sector remains the same: Can a deliberately designed architectural space become a catalyst for human growth? Acknowledging the question and the fact that the mental and physical presence of human beings is an essential factor for any society to be healthy, architecture can contribute to it. While a single building cannot be soul responsible for healing, architectural processes – construction methods, materials, program formulation, landscaping, and deliberately designed elements- contribute to the change.
What is Human Centric Architecture? | Human Centered Design
Despite being a non-categorical, non-trendy, or non-methodology, human-centric architecture is an approach that builds a relationship between built and human dimensions to meet the needs of communities. The Irish engineer Mike Cooley coined the term “human-centred systems” in a 1987 publication entitled human-centred systems, even though it had always been part of the work of many designers and architects. In addition to their financial requirements, he emphasises their “habits, physical dimensions, and psychological impulses.
“We must create not only a satisfying design but one that incorporates that indefinable appeal to assure purchase,” Dreyfuss wrote in Designing for People. With Dreyfuss, as the Greek philosopher, Protagoras said, “Man is the measure of all things,” The human-centered design and architecture movement continues to contribute to global equality by empowering communities worldwide.
The future is a blend of green and humans!
The sustainability of buildings and cities is one of the main concerns of the future. However, just as environmental preservation is for animals and trees, it is also for people. Green spaces are often perceived as relaxing or creatively stimulating by most people. In the post-COVID era, designs and architecture helped communities understand the importance of green spaces.
There was a fervour for people to use the space, whether on balconies or typical terraces. Even the tiniest interaction with another human was appreciated. The importance of public social places was realised at that time. A human-centric approach to architecture will ensure that everyone has access to green spaces in public spaces.
Human-Centric architecture and Healing Communities! | Human Centered Design
The built typology of healing and therapy centres has come far away from isolation centres and biased responses from society to the more healing spaces responding to contemporary times. Physical and mental health has always been essential to a healthy society. In the sphere of healthcare, healing and well-being are vitally important.
This kind of architecture covers the entire spectrum of preventative and corrective architecture and primarily focuses on using therapy and other recreational activities. Human-centred architecture can offer empathy, valuable insight, and critical thinking in addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. Healing inserts can be incorporated into urban planning.
The future that responds to human psychology and spaces!
As architecture becomes more human-centred, people’s psychological and social needs will be more addressed. Although architecture follows functions, efficiency is not the only goal anymore.
When designing a building or a city, postmodern architecture realised that people have feelings, emotions, and perceptions, which need to be considered. This idea was reinforced by environmental psychology in the mid-1990s. It appreciated sensory-stimulating spaces. By incorporating human psychology, senses, and behaviour into the design process, designers started to address the core values of design. It will be necessary for architects and urban planners to create spaces where people feel comfortable and supported.
A humane approach to the future’s complex challenges! | Human Centered Design
With technology, we can store and access information much easier, and we are constantly progressing in knowledge, research, and innovation. Today, urban planners and architects have even greater responsibilities due to the information available to them. Buildings and cities should be designed to learn from the mistakes of history and the present to make them more energy-efficient for future generations. Architecture must consider people’s welfare in the future, and places should be functional and pleasant. It is not just that architecture has changed, but it will evolve because of human-centric architectural strategies.
References:
- Voegeli, A. et al. (2020) Human-centered architecture: What is it and how it makes a Difference, EN – dormakaba Blog. Available at: https://blog.dormakaba.com/human-centered-architecture-what-is-it-and-how-it-makes-a-difference/.
