[Research Essay]
Modern society is ensnared in a cycle of aimless existence characterized by attachment, ignorance, and self-referential mind wandering. By drawing parallels between Buddhism, neuroscience, and theories of conditioning we understand the mechanisms of craving and clinging, to consider how individuals can break free from the human condition of ‘directionless wandering,’ or samsāra.
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Theories of Embodiment
[Research Notes]
Mindfulness, contemplation, and environmental design intersect to shape human experience and consciousness. By priming mindfulness and fostering contemplative practices, individuals can transcend self-referential thought patterns and cultivate resilience. Drawing from psychological research and the Buddhist tradition, we discuss embodiment theories, that highlight the role of physical interactions in shaping perception and meaning-making processes—to foster present-centered consciousness and promote well-being.
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Contemplative Spaces
A Proposal for Artists, Designers, and Architects
Contemplative Spaces, as proposed, are environments strategically designed to address the challenges of modern existence by reducing distractions and promoting active contemplation in everyday life. Informed by the principles of operant conditioning, Contemplative Spaces facilitate meaningful integration and modification of mental states, to foster states of contemplation and conscious awareness.
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The Power of Aesthetics
[Research Examples]
Aesthetic experiences are characterized by multi-sensory engagement. They induce states of contemplation that parallel the intrinsic rewards of conscious contemplation, mindfulness meditation, and flow states. By engaging neural networks related to contemplation, aesthetic experiences offer opportunities for focused internal reflection and curiosity.
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The Knit Wiggle
[Illustrative Design Experiment]
As a novel approach to designing objects for Contemplative Spaces. The Knit Wiggle is proposed as a modular inflatable that facilitates seamless transitions between communal dialogue and private reflection, adapting to users' immediate needs by engaging multiple senses and providing aesthetic feedback, to encourage curiosity and support contemplative behaviors in dynamic interior environments.
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The Visual Spatial Relationship
Embracing relational knowledge in architecture, designers can create transformative Contemplative Spaces that prioritize the interconnectedness of spaces by fostering conscious awareness through perceptual shifts, flexible design solutions, and innovative features.
The Perception of Color
Color has a profound influence on human perception, behavior, and well-being within architectural and urban design contexts; it shapes spatial experiences and cognitive processing. Integration of color can transform built environments into Contemplative Spaces through the use of calming palettes, interactive feedback systems, and guided color transitions.
The Haptic Feedback Loop
Touch allows for a deeper connection to textures, scales, temperatures, and material qualities that vision alone cannot emcompass. Architecture that prioritizes multi-sensory, whole-bodied design informed by touch and haptics can foster familiarity, comfort, and a lived-in quality through careful selection of materials, lighting design, and spatial configurations that support the development of Contemplative Spaces.
Help Me Navigate This Site !
[Visitor Guide]
Follow the links to experience the whole site. Each page outlines a vital part of the proposed theory. Although speculative, this theory borrows from several scientific, social scientific, and humanities disciplines.
Directionless Wandering
Theories of Embodiment
The Power of Aesthetics
The Proposal
Guiding Principles
The Visual Spatial Relationship
The Perception of Color
The Haptic Feedback Loop
The Approach
The Knit Wiggle
[Visitor Guide]
Follow the links to experience the whole site. Each page outlines a vital part of the proposed theory. Although speculative, this theory borrows from several scientific, social scientific, and humanities disciplines.
Directionless Wandering
Theories of Embodiment
The Power of Aesthetics
The Proposal
Guiding Principles
The Visual Spatial Relationship
The Perception of Color
The Haptic Feedback Loop
The Approach
The Knit Wiggle