A review of the evidence on the importance of sensory design for intelligent buildings

The sensory design brief demands more as the built environment is judged responsible for occupant's wellbeing and performance. As awareness increases of how buildings should react and adapt an understanding of the senses and how they collaborate to give an appreciation of a particular environment is fundamental. Buildings that do not fulfil the brief leave occupants intellectually, physiologically, emotionally, behaviourally and spiritually unstimulated. Without knowledge and awareness of the senses the challenge for design to deliver something of worth is arguably insurmountable. Research frequently discusses the senses and architecture in historical and philosophical terms. This gives context and understanding to a complex relationship that has evolved between the senses and architecture over time. This article aims to explain the senses in philosophical, historical and architectural context as a starting point. It discusses how the senses have been viewed and understood over time both culturally and in the process of design or architecture. Successful sensory design is referenced and contemporary design tools are presented. The topics reviewed are constants of the subject irrespective of any technological, material or methodological development. They are the starting point or foundation, on which to design buildings for the human senses, making working or living in them a more enjoyable and stimulating experience.