Experience in a built space

Elective- Neuroscience for Architecture

Muskaan Sandhu, 5A
A/3153/2018

My room in hostel - Maharani Baag

VISUAL SENSORY SYSTEM

● In my room, during the day I have a good deal of sunlight that comes in through the
window. However I like the space to be better lit ( for concentration and attentiveness
while working). I draw the curtains at night, to ensure a complete dark room for a
comfortable sleep.
● I do not like clutter and so I arranged my room with minimal furniture pieces. I get uneasy
when spaces are unorganized, and so less elements in my room allows me to clean and
organize it regularly.
 ● I consciously placed my bed and study table at their respective locations for the following
reasons. Even though nature is restorative, for me it works a little in the opposite
direction. I tend to get distracted often and so I decided to keep my study table further
from my window. For restoring my attention, my preferred activity is to step out of my
room ( or wherever I have been working ), i.e change my location for a while. So I
usually go to the gym in MB or simply to a friend’s room.
● Furthermore, I placed my cooler outside on the sill for two reasons. One, I didn't want to
have more clutter in my room and I had a wide enough sill to place it. Secondly, the
cooler acts as a visual blockage for anyone looking into my room during the day when
my curtains aren't drawn. Thus as per the prospect refuge theory by Jay Appleton, I feel
secure while working at my desk because I can somewhat see others outside, but no
one can see me.
● For the purpose of attention, I was careful in choosing a red pin up board. As per the
color theory red is a color for grasping attention and I use that to my advantage while
working and occasionally glancing up at my board with all my deadlines and dates.

TACTILE SENSORY SYSTEM

● Tactile sensory systems can be judged on the basis of response to texture and
temperature. I get physically uncomfortable due to rough textures ( like the hostel floor ).
Thus to avoid feeling that texture ( and even seeing it ), I put wood stickers on my floor
as well as my table for smooth texture surfaces. I do not like surfaces that are wet. So I
hang a towel or a cloth nearby to ensure that such a circumstance can be quickly dealt
with.
● As for temperature, I have a high threshold for it. I can do fine with just a cooler in
summers and perhaps no heater in winters

AUDITORY SYSTEM

● I have a very low threshold for noises - while working,studying, reading or particularly
concentrating on something. It is circumstantial for me. I don't get disturbed by natural
sounds - birds chirping, doors opening, closing etc. But I get annoyed by people talking
loudly around or honking cars etc. So I prefer to sit with my door shut while working but
at other times it is always partially open.