FIRST PRIZE WINNER!
Shreya Deb Roy
India
Shreya Deb Roy is an architect with a passion for exploring the intersection of design, culture, and storytelling. Growing up in an Army family, she had the opportunity to experience diverse regions and traditions, shaping her appreciation for thoughtful and context-sensitive design. Her academic and professional journey in architecture is complemented by a keen interest in writing, where she explores ideas, documents experiences, and reflects on the relationship between space and human emotions. This blend of design thinking and creative expression fuels her commitment to creating meaningful and impactful work.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
I am an architect with a passion for exploring the intersection of design, culture, and storytelling. Growing up in an Army family, I had the opportunity to experience diverse regions and traditions, which shaped my appreciation for thoughtful and context-sensitive design. My academic and professional journey in architecture has been complemented by a keen interest in writing, where I explore ideas, document experiences, and reflect on the relationship between space and human emotions. This blend of design thinking and creative expression drives my commitment to creating meaningful and impactful work.
My motivation to participate in the Sensory Space Essay Competition stems from my fascination with the relationship between architecture and human experience. Growing up, I had the opportunity to explore various architectural projects, one of the most impactful being my visit to a blind school. This experience profoundly influenced my perspective, as the design of the school emphasized the role of sensory engagement in shaping meaningful spaces. The competition provided a platform to reflect on such experiences and delve into the multi-sensory aspects of architecture.
Exploring Sensory Design
Could you summarize the key concept and ideas presented in your winning essay?
- Holistic Sensory Design:
Architects must move beyond visual aesthetics to create spaces that engage all five senses. This multisensory approach, encompassing sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste, enriches the human experience and fosters emotional and psychological well-being.
- Principles and Theories:
• Multisensory Integration emphasizes harmonious sensory interactions to create cohesive experiences.
• Sensory Balance ensures no sense overpowers another, maintaining comfort and harmony.
• Influential ideas like Juhani Pallasmaa’s tactile focus and Peter Zumthor’s emotive architecture guide such designs.
- Design Techniques and Applications:
Methods like sensory mapping, biophilic design, and the strategic use of light, sound, texture, and aroma enhance spatial experience. These techniques create environments tailored to specific emotions, functions, and user needs, as seen in case studies like the Blind School and Lotus Temple.
- Human Well-being and Emotional Impact:
Sensory design significantly influences stress reduction, relaxation, and productivity by addressing physical and emotional needs. Integrating biophilic and tactile elements or optimizing acoustics and lighting fosters better health and environmental connections.
- Inclusivity and Personalization:
Sensory spaces cater to diverse user preferences, ensuring accessibility and adaptability. Personalization options, such as adjustable lighting and climate control, empower users to tailor environments to their comfort, making spaces inclusive and user-centric.
Innovative Perspectives
The competition encouraged participants to reflect on the relationship between space and human senses. How does your essay challenge conventional architectural thinking and propose innovative approaches to sensory design?
My essay challenges traditional architecture by advocating for a multisensory design approach that engages all five senses. It emphasizes sensory balance, psychological well-being, and biophilic design, proposing environments that foster emotional connection, comfort, and inclusivity. This approach enhances human well-being and deepens the interaction with the built environment.
Human Experience and Well-Being
Sensory design holds the potential to enhance well-being and foster human connection. How does your essay contribute to the discourse on creating spaces that positively impact mental and emotional health?
My essay contributes to the discourse by highlighting how sensory design can enhance emotional and psychological well-being. It explores how elements like lighting, texture, sound, and scent can create environments that reduce stress, promote relaxation, and foster a deeper connection to space, ultimately improving mental health and comfort.
Process of Exploration:
Walk us through the journey of developing your essay. What was your approach, and how did you explore the themes of sensory architecture?
I approached the essay by exploring the connection between architecture and sensory experiences, emphasizing their impact on well-being. Drawing on psychological and environmental design theories, I integrated real-world examples, such as the Blind School and Lotus Temple, to showcase how sensory design enhances architectural spaces. I selected these examples based on my personal experiences, allowing me to articulate my ideas more effectively.
Community and Sensory Spaces:
How do you envision the principles of sensory design discussed in your essay benefiting communities and improving their quality of life?
The principles of sensory design discussed in my essay can greatly benefit communities by creating spaces that engage multiple senses, fostering a deeper connection with the environment. By integrating thoughtful elements like natural light, sound, texture, and scent, architectural spaces can enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve mental health. For example, therapeutic settings can promote relaxation, while workplaces can boost productivity. In public spaces, sensory design can create inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs. By promoting comfort and emotional resonance, sensory design has the potential to improve the overall quality of life, making spaces more engaging, accessible, and supportive.
Inspirations and Challenges
My inspiration to explore sensory spaces stemmed from my personal experiences with architecture, particularly during visits to the Blind School and Lotus Temple. Observing how spaces engage the senses beyond just sight sparked my curiosity. I was further influenced by architectural theorists like Juhani Pallasmaa and Peter Zumthor, whose ideas emphasized holistic design.
One challenge I faced was integrating complex theories from psychology and environmental design while maintaining clarity. To overcome this, I focused on using real-world examples to illustrate abstract concepts. This approach helped simplify the ideas and made the essay more relatable and engaging.
Reflections on Recognition
Winning the Sensory Space Essay Competition has profoundly impacted my perspective on architecture and design. It has reinforced my belief in the importance of creating spaces that engage all the senses to foster well-being and emotional connection. This recognition has encouraged me to further explore sensory design’s potential in my future work. It has also motivated me to continue integrating multidisciplinary knowledge, like psychology and environmental design, into architectural practice. I now feel even more driven to contribute to spaces that go beyond aesthetics, focusing on human experience, and to push boundaries in creating environments that truly support mental and emotional health.
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