Haptics and Vision in Architecture

Abstract

Architecture is experienced in a multisensory way. Moreover, human capacities to perceive architecture are highly diverse. Unfortunately the emphasis in designing and creating architecture lies in large measure on the visual representation. Other senses are hardly represented or even considered during the design process. Because of this, the resulting building does not always comply with the human needs. This paper reports on a research project that calls in the experience of people who are blind to restore the multisensory qualities in the built environment. These users/experts are more attentive to other senses. Their spatial experience relies mostly on the haptic sense, which appears to be the foundation for cognitive spatial representation. In this paper we point out the differences and similarities between visual and haptic perception related to architecture. This should allow to identify design parameters which create the opportunity for architects to take the haptic sense into account during the design process. In this way the paper hopes to point out the potential contribution of Design for All for improving the multisensory quality of the built environment.