Multimodal Spatial Emergence in the Design of Sensate Spaces

Design of reactive, intelligent and sensate spaces is a form of spatial design that demands creating thinking in terms of non-permanent, non-tactile and sometimes non-visual media. This implies spatial conceptualization using sensory modalities that are ordinarily of secondary importance to vision in design, such as proprioception and hearing. This paper explores these alternative modalities for both spatial perception and spatial expression with a view to developing innovative interfaces for spatial design. Computer games and installation art environments are analyzed for use of alternative spatial immersion techniques. This informs a physical spatial interaction environment. Motion-capture input and digital auditory output provide real-time, intuitive feedback to the user. Useful interaction strategies are acquired that can be used in a non-intrusive manner in sensate spaces for communal, commercial, or public contexts