Space and places: when interacting with and in physical space becomes a meaningful experience

摘要

Human experience of physical space and places is a complex phenomenon that includes geographical and sensorial, as well as more social and interpersonal dimensions. We investigate theoretical insights from computing research and environmental psychology on space and place to determine the different dimensions of the experience of physical space. Empirical results from a case study on creative activities for environment exploration are also presented. We indicate five dimensions that encompass the different ways of apprehending our environment, as well as the emotional relationships we develop toward it through personal and interpersonal experiences-in-place. To us, technology should be examined in terms of its potentiality for supporting rich experiences of and in physical space. We assume that the identified dimensions can serve as basis for the development of technological tools to be used in that perspective.