The Architectural Qualities of Media Architecture

Media architecture is becoming an increasingly affordable and ubiquitous element in our built environment. As a result, architecture gains dynamic and interactive opportunities to engage with its surroundings. However, many architects resist the idea of interactive media as it is claimed it negatively impact the experience of the built environment and is disconnected from the architectural qualities.

In this research, we aim to reveal the design qualities that are able to support the architectural relevance of media architecture. We report on a Q Methodology survey among 22 architects that aimed to reveal the perceived architectural quality of 24  existing media architecture projects. Our analysis of the specific terminology illustrates how perceived architectural quality of media architecture relates to its ability to:

• coexist with physical characteristics of architecture;
• augment the quality of space;
• respond to time-varying and contextual changes; and
• communicate content that is immediate relevant for the architectural situation.