Abstract
As global urban density continues its upward trajectory, a corresponding erosion of human wellbeing, happiness, trust and social cohesion has become increasingly pronounced. This paper investigates the critical opportunities that arise when designers and architects engage in deep collaboration with developers, investors and urban planners to reframe the methodological foundations through which cities and living environments are conceived and evolved. Advocating for an ‘inside-out’ design philosophy—one that prioritizes human experience prior to considerations of place, space, massing, and structure—this paper advances a human-centered methodology rooted in an expanded understanding of qualia and the centrality of lived experience in shaping thriving urban conditions. It posits that buildings must be envisioned as large-scale, human-centric “products”, meticulously crafted to nurture positive experiences, foster trust and reinforce social connections. Through the early and deliberate integration of experiential and psychological touchpoints, the author draws upon theoretical, historical, and empirical evidence to demonstrate that such approaches can be realized without adverse impacts on construction budgets or construction timelines. Viewed from the perspective of tenants and communities, this methodology challenges and redefines conventional notions of where “home” begins and ends. At the heart of this inquiry is the role of qualia—the subjective, sensory experiences that shape perception, memory and meaning—and the argument that purposefully designed micro-experiences must become the generative seeds from which the macro-experiences of architecture and the urban realm grow. In doing so, this work offers a provocative framework for enhancing human connectivity, trust, and wellbeing within the evolving fabric of the contemporary city.
Presenters
Tim AntoniukAssociate Professor and Head of Industrial Design Program, Art and Design, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design
KEYWORDS
Architecture, Experience Design, Qualia, Wellbeing, Happiness, Connectivity, Trust
