Thesis (Ed.D.)--Boston University

The way, how we perceive our environment has a significant impact on our daily lives and thus on our social relationships. On the one hand, humans of today are limiting their experiences of the physical environment, and neglect “spiritual” aspects. On the other hand, a perceptual imbalance has evolved which is accompanied by the rapid urbanisation of today. These two phenomena are associated with each other. The above-mentioned evolved imbalance has a significant impact on human’s life quality. Therefore, the present study investigates the importance of sensory perception as an aspect of human behaviour in the built environment. To examine the topic, firstly, I reviewed past literature written on this topic. Secondly, I conducted qualitative researches regarding the topic, both an open-ended questionnaire and also freeform interviews. The purpose of the qualitative methods described above was to give an insight into the approach and interpretation of the perceptual disturbance.   I conclude with my findings reached through the literature reviews.  That is followed by a suggestion regarding the significance of the participatory education of the designers.   The present paper remains theoretical and approaches to perceptuality from the sensory aspect.

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When the Zen master asks, "who are you?" a reply as to your name, age, and place of residence would be out of order. The proper answer might be silence. But if silence were consciously resorted to in contrast to sound, this would still be no answer. In fact, the only acceptable answer would lie in your merely being what you are at that very moment, without a second, or reflective, thought. And this amounts to being what you have always been and always will be. The question has to do with your "original nature," that which you were before you were born or even conceived. This nature is of the nature of voidness. To Western ears such statements may sound absurd. To us "self" is for the most part identified with what call "I," the subject; selfhood is that particular individuality which the body encloses and defines, or perhaps mechanistically gives rise to. But from the fact that we can say "my body" and "my self" a deeper sense of selfhood arisen--the sense that something "other" than the body and even "other" than the self-conscious mind resides within the body.

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This thesis investigation an project design were driven by the desire to develop an understanding of how architecture addresses the senses. Guided by the practice of a craft, the vestige of art, architectural history and precedent, and the physiology of the five senses, an idea for a thermal bath was expressed through material. This book is a record of that process. / Master of Architecture

Architecturally, my thesis project is a new type of design for children who have visual impairments. Most of the children who have visual impairments need more attention to receive a full education. With a proper education they will be able to start living by themselves without any assistance. I decided to design a school which would support the needs of the children and the aspirations of their parents; a place of safety and ambition that would free instructors and inspire the children. Then, I began to seek an architectural site program where I could locate my design. Old town Alexandria is an excellent location for the planned education center. Old town has its own urban context with boundaries like  the Potomac River,  trees, old railroad ways,  a  tunnel,  and other landmarks  like churches,  libraries, museums,  etc.  The children  in  the education  center  have  an  opportunity  to  learn  more  and  show  their  life  skills  easily  in  the  old town.  Also the site selection and location was important due to the history of the town, easy transportation and connections with surroundings, being right next to the Potomac River and minutes away from the Washington DC. / Master of Architecture / As far as I remember, what do we understand by visual impairments? This disability is not just limitations for a few people; actually it is a part of human life which everyone would experience at some point, temporarily or permanently. You might wonder what disabilities have in common with architectural writing, but isn’t architecture for human comfort? And clearly what does architecture & design for the disabled stand for? However, education is important because it’s the base of our life. Disability (student who has autism, physical disability or down syndrome) is one of the problems which exist in all countries of the world. Of course, hundreds of millions of people with special needs don’t have opportunities and resources to fulfill their basic human. Designing an inclusive environment in schools is the best possible option to enroll maximum number of children with disability in education. Therefore, it is an environment where they can receive real attention, the right support, specialist attention as well as excellent education from primary to secondary education, side by side with their classmates.

Vibrotactile sensitivity is measured using a "dry" procedure as opposed to a "wet" procedure previously used. Thresholds are determined using 40 Hz and 160 Hz stimuli across seven temperatures ranging from 20°C to 44°C. Twelve male subjects participated in each of four sessions, producing a high degree of reliability. Results indicate that vibrotactile sensitivity increases with temperatures above 32°C and decreases at temperatures below 32°C; thresholds represent similar functions for both high and low frequency vibrotactile receptor populations. Concerns with previous studies are discussed. Implications are made with regard to future work in the area regarding skin pigmentation and subject age. / Master of Science

Contented Architecture : In search of delight for all senses is an attempt to discover and capture the delightful sensory experiences of the users in the architectural space. Architectural space is seen as an artistic space, that appeals to different senses. The project is a Bike Hotel in Old Town, Alexandria. The situation and orientation of the building on site, the program and the features altogether make it possible for bikers to experience the space through different senses. This assembly among other pleasant experiences offers those sensory experiences that counteract the bikers daily exhaustive activities. Their bodies and minds feel relaxed, revitalized and encouraged to achieve their next goals. / Master of Architecture