WSU EUNOIA Volume II

WISTERIA: A SHELTER FOR THE MIND
DESIGN + FABRICATION | MONA GHANDI, MOHAMED ISMAIL, SHANLE LIN, AISHA MARCOS
PROGRAMMING + ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | MARCUS BLAISDELL, SAL BAGAVEYEV
PHOTO + VIDEO | MOHAMED ISMAIL, NICOLE LIU
Wisteria seeks to address the shortcomings
of post-disaster sheltering by designing and
fabricating a quarter scale smart interactive
space that is capable of actively responding
to both the psychological and physiological
conditions of its occupants through the
reconfiguration of its interior qualities. Using a
programmable Alloy (Shape Memory Alloy)
the ceiling of the shelter changes upon sensing
the presence of an occupant. The atmospheric
qualities of the shelter are determined by the
occupant’s emotions detected in real-time by
using smart wearables and affective computing
algorithms developed by the team. This system
translates a set of biometrics (e.g. heart rate,
skin temperature, blood volume, and body
temperature) into emotional categories and
change the color of the space accordingly
to moderate the emotion. If stress is detected,
the space begins to morph; ceiling rises and
expands the interior volume, colors brighten,
and natural air is introduced. The end result is
an immersive spatial experience that grounds
the occupant in moment and place, instilling
feelings of presence and belonging. At the
root of this exercise lies a singular objective:
to reconcile the relationship between host and
occupant, and to redefine this relationship
as one of emotional empathy and active
compassion.
Natural disasters impact and displace millions of people every year. In addition to financial loss, these disasters
have a profound psychological impact on victims. The psychological toll on large populations results in epidemics of
Survivor’s Guilt, depression, and anxiety. Current practices of disaster housing are often limited in their functionality
and quality of space, further compounding feelings of displacement and isolation, adding to the detriment of mental
health. Our reassessment comes in the form of recreational and restorative spaces that can play a role in mitigating
feelings of displacement.
Studio led by Professor Name
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volume ii
eunoia