Please do touch: An exploration of knitted tactile architecture
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Architecture and urban design (MPARC), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Lundberg, Hanna
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Please Do Touch aims to explore how haptic architecture can be created using the specific tactile qualities of knitted textile. Today, architecture can be seen as a visually driven practice, where touch rarely is central. By shifting the perspective to touch driven architecture, new aspects of architecture and space are explored, highlighting the potential of haptics in architecture as tools for creating human-centered spacial experiences with the potential of affecting mood and emotion. Knitted textiles present interesting tactile and spacial qualities that make them relevant for haptic exploration.
The research has mainly been done through research through design, consisting of material explorations and full-scale prototyping, in combination with literature studies, looking into concepts of textile architecture, tactile architecture, and their intersection. Material explorations were carried out on domestic knitting machines as well as by hand. Different fibers as well as knitting techniques were tested and evaluated using five different five-graded scales. For the architectural application, mounting techniques were also investigated. All this information was used to develop a full-scale prototype and an interior design proposal of a waiting room, chosen as a program which require both comfort and positive distraction.
Previous research suggests that smoother and softer textures are more pleasant than rough and hard ones. The results from the material explorations of this work suggests that more volume and a higher degree of responsiveness of the textile is more engaging and thus distracting. By using knitting techniques and fibers which generate high levels of softness, volume and responsiveness on both micro- and macro levels, the final design of this work has the potential of creating feelings of comfort and positive distraction within the context of the waiting room.
These findings suggests that there are important aspects of human emotion and perception of space that can be targeted by integrating intentional haptic stimulation into architecture, and shows that knitted textiles is a material which is well-suited for this purpose.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
tactile architecture, haptics, knitted architecture, textile, waiting room