Abstract
Walls, work surfaces and furniture can now all be digitally
enhanced. The position presented is that these emerging technologies are
radically changing the design constraints of architecture. The article
has four parts. First, the cognitive conception of an activity space is
critically evaluated to show that the idea of an activity space must be
broadened to accommodate actions that are not normally viewed as task
relevant. Second, the different properties of physical and digital objects
are explained and morals drawn about the way digital objects can be used
to enhance physical environments. Three specific examples of digital enhancement
are then discussed: telepresence, 3 dimensional intranets, and intelligent
furniture. In the fourth section the architectural significance of these
types of digital enhancements is shown by discussing how Christopher Alexander’s
nine tenets of workspace design must be reconceptualized. The conclusion
drawn is that the customary rules of architectural composition are changing.
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