I define “stations” as a place of experience. A destination in which to interact, play, and ponder. The role of technology has enhanced elements of stations, creating more complex experiences between agents and stations. It has reshaped the way place is perceived and used.

The Problem

Issues arise when technology disrupts the experiences and interactions of a station, causing conflict and distraction between agents of the station, the physical station and the experience.

Designing Stations

Bernard Tshumi taught us that our built environments should be designed to support program (or events).

Designing Stations with Technology

Stations that are augmented with technological elements that enhance experiences for its agents in continuity with the physical elements of a station can be successful. If executed correctly, technology should not distract its agents from the experiences at hand but instead enhance them.  A true understanding of the station and its purpose must be considered before proposing augmentation.

This research was prepared in collaboration with colleague, Cotter Christian, Interior Design Professor at SCAD, Hong Kong.

I will present this research at the 2013 Design Inquiry Conference in Vinalhaven, Maine with intentions to explore and discover the island of Vinalhaven in search of inspiration for new work in this context.

About the Conference

STATION: Pause, Ponder, Play
2013 June 22-29

“What are the “stations” of our work, interactions, and play? When our networks are not only local but also regional, global, and frequently “virtual,” where is activity situated? Do we yearn for both fixity of place and transitory freedom? What are the tensions, if any, between these extremes?”  Read more on their website: Design Inquiry

About Design Inquiry

“DesignInquiry is a non-profit educational organization devoted to researching design issues in intensive team-based gatherings. An alternative to the design conference, it brings together practitioners from disparate fields to generate new work and ideas around a single topic.” Read more on their website: Design Inquiry