Whether internally or externally directed, the effects of spatial media have been shown to be considerable – e.g. recent studies reveal how changes in somatic media (from chairs to loungers) can dramatically shift brainwave activity from convergent to divergent thought. Projects like Googleplex Zurich show how successful motivational spaces can be in positively influencing staff production. However, to fully understand how spatial media may be applied to achieve ‘theta sound’, ‘alpha air’, ‘beta form’ or ‘gamma light’, real-time neurophysiological analyses will become increasingly necessary to support a field which is clearly still in its earliest phases of development. Nevertheless, some of the initial findings are quite compelling…

Acoustic media Research shows that architects primarily adopt three approaches; to absorb (ceiling tile), to block (panels, layout) and to cover-up (electronic sound masking). While all provide some reduction, electronic sound masking has been shown to be the most practical and effective. It follows that understanding the bioeffects of sound are key if architects wish to optimise cognitive performance, e.g. excessive use of hard reflective materials like glass, metal and epoxy would be ill-advised in spaces which demand cognitive attention and focus (gamma).

Chemical media Researching the effects of four primary aromatic groups (oriental, fresh, floral, woody), Aromachology provides evidence of enhanced levels of concentration and relaxation. Such chemicals are increasingly finding status among products like the Multisensory Kitchen by Zaha Hadid which use light patterns calibrated with the release of aromatics to synthesize traditional aromas. Applications of internal gardens and oxygenating systems have also been shown to provide effective treatment for people suffering from S.A.D.

Electric media While research into lighting and electronic devices have largely focused on perceptual and problem-solving tasks, recent investigations into light therapy has emerged in response to studies linking mood disorders like unipolar depression and SAD to circadian rhythm abnormalities. It follows that universal circadian phase-shifting and chronobiological factors are now viewed as responsible for a wide spectrum of disease. Philips dynamic lighting systems and ambient experience are pioneering applications to counter such effects.

Somatic media Despite the postural dominance of the office chair, multi-user ‘augmented forms’ forging social interaction and collaborative learning raise levels of user engagement. For example, fitness media like slides, trampolines and tredesks all provide essential opportunities to counter the sedentary nature of workstations. More importantly, sensory deprivation studies into ganzfeld by Carnegie Mellon and University of Vienna now support the benefits of sound therapy furniture like the AlphaLounger and the Energy Pod to remedy conditions of ‘digital fatigue’.

In evaluating the ability of spatial media to achieve cognitive equilibrium, a ranking can be calculated using the Spatial Analysis chart (below). Each case study potentially scores a maximum of 64 points depending on the presence or absence of specific media.

Until recently, EEG studies into the cognitive effects of spatial media have been limited, however based on current research into acoustic, chemical, electric and somatic media (ACES), the above diagram provides a framework for examining design potentials for what may be described as architectural mindfields.