| Hardspace and Softspace. Usman Haque has designed his practice around these two concepts, not as two separate ideas but rather one working in conjunction with the other. Aside from designing the physical constructs of real space (defined as hardspace), most of his work involves the creation of software systems, interactive inventions, as well as computer based virtual realities. Most of his focus however, is involved in the non-physical (softspace), which include the human sense, date fields and wireless signals. The overlap of both hardspace and softspace create the opportunities of interaction. Haque Design + Research is a London based practice, researching and designing interactive architecture systems. His practice states: Architecture is no longer considered something static and immutable; instead it is seen as dynamic, responsive and conversant. Starting with his first project Moody Mushroom Floor (1996), Haque has been actively involved in the developing new architectural experiences based on human interaction, whether it is direct or through digital systems. Even in his first project, Haque immediately tests human interactive with a physical architecture. Each of these mushroom floor panels is installed with a system of sound, light and olfactory sensors. However, his first investigation considers a counter-reaction by programming specific behaviors to these panels. No longer is it just the human causing an interaction, but the architecture reacts back. From this ... |
