Wander : Reconnecting with Space

This project is focused on human interaction with its surroundings and the effect of digital navigation devices in our cognitive understanding of space. Before smartphones we moved around cities using different kinds of printed maps. We developed routes tailored to our criteria and matched landmarks and signs in the environment with the map. Today, technology has overtaken the role of navigation. We move in the most efficient route, get to our destination faster and turn right or left following the direction ofthe voice coming from our handheld device. GPS systems update constantly to assure efficient journeys. It would seem like a bright future for human navigation. However, the introduction of these devices has also shaped our interaction with space towards a passive overview of our surroundings. At a cognitive level, several spatial processes are been changed or completely handed over to our smart machines. We disregard and disconnect from space, affecting our performance as navigators and wayfinders. It is not surprising that many people get lost when they have to move without device assistance or when a mistake while following the route has been made. The purpose of this project is to address this problem parting from design and focussing on walking navigation. Furthermore, with this project I would also like to shift the current focus towards a navigation that takes into account spatial active interactions with the environment