A study of how the human body's interaction with architecture can influence design decisions

Abstract

This thesis is an in-depth look at how the human body interacts and impacts an architectural surrounding through different means such as materials, scale, proportion, views, and body positions. The use of materials in making design decisions is heavily influenced by the results of human interaction on their surfaces. The ability to control and position materials to reveal and celebrate these interactions stems from understanding the influence people have on materials. This thesis also takes a look at how proportion and scale of the human body have an important role in design decisions such as placement and positions of architectural elements. Another level of interaction with architecture takes place when architectural design encourages multiple sensorial perceptions as well as careful consideration to how people navigate through a site. These considerations reflect how design decisions are influenced by the impact and interaction between architecture and the human body.