Short answer
When designing prominent architectural landmarks, consider how their scale, form, and materials will be perceived and experienced by the public on a daily basis.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA. (2023)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research combining questionnaire-based investigation and fieldwork observation.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
The design and presence of iconic architecture significantly shape the daily lived experience and sensory perception of urban dwellers. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA.. Using Mixed-methods research combining questionnaire-based investigation and fieldwork observation., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing prominent architectural landmarks, consider how their scale, form, and materials will be perceived and experienced by the public on a daily basis.
Iconic Architecture's Impact on Urban Lived Experience
The design and presence of iconic architecture significantly shape the daily lived experience and sensory perception of urban dwellers.
Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA. · 2023
Key Findings
- 01Iconic architecture influences people's daily lives through its visual presence and scale.
- 02Factors like grandeur, scale, location, and technology/materials contribute to the impression and bodily experience of those living near such structures.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing prominent architectural landmarks, consider how their scale, form, and materials will be perceived and experienced by the public on a daily basis.
How to apply
When developing proposals for significant urban projects, conduct user research to understand potential sensory and psychological impacts on the surrounding community.
Project actions
- 01When studying a famous building, think about how it makes people feel, not just how it looks.
- 02Consider the environment around the building as part of its design.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses the often-overlooked human experience of large-scale architectural projects.
- +Combines qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
Limitations
The specific cultural context of Bahrain might influence perceptions, and the study was a pilot, meaning it was a preliminary investigation.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved with a larger, more diverse sample size and standardized questionnaires. Validity is supported by combining observation with self-reported data.
Think critically
To what extent does the 'iconic' status of a building justify potential negative impacts on the immediate lived experience of residents?
Design Principles
"The design of iconic architecture must consider its integration into the lived urban experience, not just its standalone aesthetic or symbolic value."
Understanding how large-scale, visually striking architectural projects influence the public realm is crucial for urban planners and designers. It highlights the importance of considering the human element and sensory impact alongside aesthetic and technological ambitions in the built environment.
What This Means for Your Design
Big, famous buildings change how people feel and interact with their city.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the user experience of a significant design project, particularly if it involves large-scale architecture or urban interventions.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that the design of iconic architecture significantly influences the lived experience of urban dwellers, with factors such as scale, grandeur, and material contributing to public perception and sensory engagement. This suggests that the impact of prominent structures on the daily lives of those in their vicinity is a critical consideration in architectural and urban design.
Source
Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA.
Urban Lived experience of Contemporary Iconic Architecture in the Kingdom of Bahrain
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about iconic architecture's impact on urban lived experience?
- When designing prominent architectural landmarks, consider how their scale, form, and materials will be perceived and experienced by the public on a daily basis. Evidence: Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA. (2023).
- Why does "Iconic Architecture's Impact on Urban Lived Experience" matter for design?
- Understanding how large-scale, visually striking architectural projects influence the public realm is crucial for urban planners and designers. It highlights the importance of considering the human element and sensory impact alongside aesthetic and technological ambitions in the built environment.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing prominent architectural landmarks, consider how their scale, form, and materials will be perceived and experienced by the public on a daily basis.
- What were the main findings?
- Iconic architecture influences people's daily lives through its visual presence and scale.. Factors like grandeur, scale, location, and technology/materials contribute to the impression and bodily experience of those living near such structures.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research combining questionnaire-based investigation and fieldwork observation..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Proceedings of the international conference of contemporary affairs in architecture and urbanism-ICCAUA..
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing proposals for significant urban projects, conduct user research to understand potential sensory and psychological impacts on the surrounding community.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on a single iconic structure and may not be generalizable to all such developments. Pilot study limitations might affect the breadth of findings.