Life in a wheelchair ..

Going nowhere: My life in a wheelchair

The Independent's Business Editor David Prosser





1. The first problem is the terrain. Have you ever noticed the cracks, bumps and gaps in the typical pavement? Well, if you're in a wheelchair, those imperfections the local council hasn't quite got round to dealing with can turn into crevasses that threaten to pitch you on to the floor at any moment, or leave you with one wheel stuck off the ground, rendering any movement other than some redundant circling almost impossible.

2. What should be an easy self-propelled jaunt for a wheelchair user becomes – for me, anyway – a terrifying and exhausting journey. Either I push myself, becoming increasingly frustrated about how difficult progress seems to be, or someone pushes me, leaving me in a permanent state of panic about the possibility of another painful crash.

3. Entering a shop: venturing into a shop, of course. After 10 mins of pushing and pulling, a coffee might be just the thing, and here's our local branch of Costa. As I remember from pushing babies' buggies in and out, there's no annoying step to navigate and the door is extra-wide.

4. Extra-wide doors is that they turn out to be extra-heavy if you're trying to push them open from a seated position where you've got little purchase.

5. Ignorance and communication :  It's me who needs the photos, so it's me who asks the shop assistant for help. It will also be me, in a moment or two, who pays the bill with my credit card. So why then, throughout this transaction, are all questions directed at my wife? All conversation, in fact. Does my wheelchair-bound status render me incapable of speaking for myself, let alone engaging in a spot of polite small talk? I'm pretty sure that, when I broke my pelvis, my brain wasn't injured at the same time, but I am being treated like a helpless child.

BY: David Prosser

Source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/going-nowhere-my-life-in-a-wheelchair-1761724.html

Lifting platform for public pools

Variopool understands the needs of pool staff, therapists and the end users when it comes to moving the elderly and disabled comfortably and with dignity into a swimming pool. The Variopool adjustable access platform is the easiest and most comfortable way in which to enter a pool as you can use it standing up or in a chair.

The platform uses an electrically driven servo motor to adjust itself to the desired pool depth. This independent unit can be installed alongside a new pool or can be situated in a corner of an existing pool with a minimum depth of 1.50m.

The platform can also be supplied with removable handrails filled with synthetic safety plates (optional).

The finish of the platform consists of a white anti-slip polypropylene top deck which is perforated to allow for proper water passage during its operation. The type of the front panel will depend on the final design of the platform and associated

Material:All metal parts used underneath are stainless steel 316L and steel parts located in the technical are made from coated steel.

Operating the platform is easily done from a control panel securely mounted nearby against the wall. An optional remote control can also be supplied.

Source: http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/variopool-bv/movable-floors-for-public-pool-50088-166462.html

Unbelievable Non-Photoshopped Body Modifications

Surrealism comes in many forms and can often be difficult to define but one common ability that spans the works of almost all surrealist artists is the power to represent the oddities of one's wildest imaginations and pass it off as real life. We know that having a mouth on the back of your hand is unusual, yet one Japanese university student that goes by the name Chooo-san confuses us all into mistaking her body mutilating art for real appendages and additional mechanics in one's body, transforming the model into a mutant or cyborg. What's most remarkable about the artist's work is that there is no digital editing involved. Everything is hand-painted.

Chooo-san first began exploring her talents at hyperrealistic illustrations on her own body, doodling eyes on the back of her hand during breaks from school. Over time, the hobby evolved into a bigger project, inviting other test subjects to offer their bodies as canvases. Simply by using acrylic paints and her given talent, the young artist manages to modify normal faces and body parts into mutated figures featuring several distorted sets of eyes, mouths, and even a compartment for batteries in one's arm (with the additional flesh-tone prop serving as the case, which can be seen, below). Chooo-san has also expanded her artistic experimentation to edible objects like apples and oranges, dramatically changing their outward appearance.

Gender differences in wayfinding in virtual environments with global or local landmarks

Experiment 


The virtual maze environment was implemented with a custom software system that displayed 3D environments and allowed users to navigate using a first-person view. The field-of-view (FOV) of the
VE was approximately 37 degrees (which is almost the human's scope of vision) . The participants used four arrow keys on  keyboard to move forward, backward, left, and
right inside the maze.
The layout of the maze included a 5 5 grid of interweaving roads and cubic blocks surrounded by walls (Fig. 1a).

Fig. 1. (a) A bird’s eye view of the simple maze structure adopted in the current study; (b) First-person view of the global-landmark condition; (c) First-person view of the locallandmar condition.

Two environments with different types of landmarks were created:

global (Fig.1b) and local (Fig.1c) landmarks which would lead to differential performance,
* global landmarks, has eleven enormous structures (for example, a tower, lighthouse, water tower, windmill,
and other buildings), which participants could see from everywhere inside the maze, and they were placed outside the surrounding walls. 
* local landmarks, eleven different cartoon
pictures (an axe, banana, bell, bird,bow, radish, deer, fish, desk lamp,scissors, and umbrella) were placed on the sides of the cubic blocks inside the maze. Each one will appear on only one side of
a given cube. 

Four targets an airplane, bicycle, grape, and penguin were under the global landmark condition; and a candle, duck, flag, and kettle under the local landmark condition) were placed at different locations under each type of landmark condition. 



All participants were tested in both global and local landmark mazes: half of the participants were first tested with global landmarks, whereas the other half were first tested with local landmarks. Before the formal experiment started, the participants were briefed about the procedure and stimulus configuration, and they practiced using the arrow keys for controlling movement in the VE for approximately 5 min.


Result:
Generally, males tended to engage in a more exploratory mode of way-finding  which led to quicker moves but not necessarily to optimal routes. 
By contrast, females adopted a more conservative strategy by making more stops to change their viewing orientation, which led to slower moves but not fewer detours. These gender differences were most obvious for VEs with local landmarks, most likely due to the different strategies adopted during way-finding  males learned the map from a configural perspective, whereas females focused on local features (Coluccia et al., 2007).

Source:  Chin-Ten Lin et al ,(2012). Gender differences in wayfinding in virtual environments with global or local landmarks:Journal of Environmental Psychology. Pp:89e96

~Research Method~

Perception and Communication

Perception often occurs when people gather a stereotype of what they perceive a person to be like, Mullins (2010) suggests that we all have our own ‘world’, our own way of looking at and understanding our environment and the people within it .


How is people different in perception? (what might affect the perception )

This could be due to the many things which such as age, gender, race, attitudes, values, beliefs, past experiences, stereotypes and background. Things seen or heard in the media is often the underlying cause of these perceptions and interpretations.


What is Perception?

Robbins et al, 2010 suggested that perception, is the process by which individuals organise and interpret their sensory impressions in order to give a meaning to their environment.

How long does it take to be performed?

Perceptions are often made with being in the presence of someone in thirty seconds, very quickly. These first impressions are often what influence the way a person is perceived.

Charles Handy suggested that there are four cultures including Power, Task, Person and Role Culture. Person culture relates mostly to perception and communication, it involves people being able to fully express and make decisions for themselves. It is essential that especially within a work/ institution environment that there is good communication otherwise conflict can be caused.

What is communication?

 is a process that requires a sender, a message, and an intended recipient also the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.

Source: http://jademoule.blogspot.co.uk/2011/04/perception-communication.html

ReferencesJane Godson lecture notes (Week 9)
Books
Mullins, L,J. (2009) Management & Organisational Behaviour. 9th Ed. Essex: Pearson Education Limited
Online
CIPD Survey results. How to improve staff Communication [Online]. Available from:Peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2010/07/how-to-improve-staff-communication.htm [Accessed 10th April 2011]
Dictionary. Definition of communication [Online]. Available from: Dictionary.reference.com [Accessed 10th April 2011]
Lancs. Perception Images-chapter four [Online] Available from: Lancs.ac.uk [Accessed 10th April 2011]

~Research Method~

Perception and Architecture

Optical illusion can play a subtle role in everyday living – even affecting how architecture is constructed.

Did you know that the Parthenon was designed to correct an illusion? 

Its outer columns are thicker at the top and angled inward at a slant so that from certain viewpoints the building appears to stand tall and straight.

A. represents the front of a template as it should appear

B. represents its appearance (exaggerated) if it were actually built like without compensations for optical illusions

and it was built in :

Perception of place is important. It embeds within occupant memory and influences an occupant’s learned history or experience of that place. Because of perception architectural vantage points and approaches are often celebrated. For example, a massive exterior can add an element of surprise for that delicately floated interior space. 

Illusions that impact occupant perception can be cleverly used by architects in design. The key is to know that you are using them and to take full advantage as you exploit their influential qualities.

Sources: http://sensingarchitecture.com/175/perception-and-illusion-in-architecture/, http://www.glogster.com/jverchin/parthenon/g-6m9uc410up0lrapda3j8va0?old_view=True

~Research Method~

How to reach an environmental Design?

Firstly:

Create a Pattern Observation:
1 - Translation patterns and classified into groups.
2 - Classified turning it into a form of the housing code.
3 - Later transformed into design standards in the future.

Also take the Social norms into account :
A- Data collection:
With a focus on hidden function of a particular behavior or perception.
B- Patterns analysis :
Vary in different societies and cultures.
C- Translate it into design standards.
D- Make decisions depending on the design criteria.

Example:
 Homes in South Carolina (for working class):
Children under six are usually play in the west of the house this necessitates a permanent place of mother's work (kitchen) to be in the west for a permanent surveillance of their children and this necessitates the presence of children in back yard games.
Children over six to adolescence are often allowed to drive bikes or skis on the streets near their homes unless there is crowded street.

By studying these patterns:
When planning for these children need to put some of the decisions:
1 - Playgrounds for children are located in a way that all houses are participating in the surveillance process .
They predicted that will transform the attention of the parents ..
2 - For the amateur cycling they developed play areas that are separated from the street and has only one entrance, plus security points to reduce the speed of cars.

~Research Method~

Healing Environment~

 How can nature help people who find themselves in a hospital environment?

 Look to evidence-based design (EBD).


Conventionally, the design of hospitals has focused on the functional delivery of care, which is the primary role of a medical facility, but there is a lack of consideration for well-considered, evidence-based design in these settings which could be limiting the healing of its patients. 

What is EBD?
EBD is a developing body of science that ties elements of the physical environment with patients, staff, and resource outcomes. These practices can help enhance patients’ well-being through the manipulation of their surroundings to better support their needs, psychologically and environmentally. 

What is Healing Environment?



healing environment was defined by Jerry Smith, LEED AP, as environments that expand upon a holistic approach to healthcare through a commitment to the overall healing experience. These designs intend to foster a healthy, positive user-outcome. As with all EBD, these environments focus not only on the patient but also on staff, families, and visitors. A key player in these healing environments is the role of nature and its restorative impacts. In fact, various studies uphold a healing potential: Patients having views of nature had shorter hospital stays and took less pain medication than those given a view of a brick wall.


A major component of EBD research analyzes nature’s healing effects on our bodies in relation to the built environment, resulting in facilities designed to help improve their inhabitants’ well-being. While designers integrate nature in healing environments in various ways, healthcare design has three common EBD applications:

• Incorporation of views of nature
• Increase of daylight in interior spaces
• Presence of therapeutic gardens

The Psychology of Color in Healthcare

Color therapy, also known as chromatherapy, is the principle that certain colors are infused with healing powers. The seven colors of the rainbow improve balance and healing in the mind and body. This form of therapy also works in conjunction with hydrotherapy and aromatherapy to enhance the healing effect.

 Implementation of color therapy:
 - Daily routine:
Wearing clothing or eating foods of specific colors, exposing the body to color lights, massaging the body with colorsaturated oils, or envisioning colors are methods of color therapy.
- Environment:
Painting walls and selecting particular colors for window treatments, furnishings, and trimmings are also forms of color therapy known to have positive health benefits.

In healthcare Buildings:
- Short Term patient room: pastel color scheme
- Long Term patient room : balance of color and a mixture of contrasting tones. Essentially, the idea is to keep the space fresh and interesting with clearly

When decorating a space the colors red, blue, yellow, and green can be used to restore people’s health. These colors relate correspondingly to the body, mind, and emotions—and the essential balance among them. According to colorconnections.com, the psychological properties of these colors are as follows:

• Red raises blood temperature and stimulates circulation. Red is used to care for people with anemia, fatigue, paralysis, and exhaustion.
• Blue is soothing. It is used for cases of inflammatory conditions, burns, and bruises. It also helps with eczema, psoriasis, rashes, and sores. In addition, blue helps alleviate tension, stress, and problems with the immune system. It is believed to relieve insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, migraines, and skin irritation.
• Yellow is used to aid digestion as well as the liver and intestine process. Yellow is thought to have decongestant and antibacterial properties to act as a cleanser for the body. It has been known to help relieve rheumatism and arthritis.
• Green creates balance and harmony within the body. It is especially good for heart and blood problems. It is known to influence the human cell structure and muscles.
• Orange gives vitality to the body and is associated with the kidneys, urinary tract, and reproductive organs.
• Purple is associated with the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It helps with head congestion and sinuses, and is known to calm the nervous system.

Source: http://www.pva.org/site/c.ajIRK9NJLcJ2E/b.6738073/k.9877/The_Psychology_of_Color_in_Healthcare.htm


~Research Method~

Men vs Women : colour consciousness ~

"Much has been written about the effects of colour on people as philosopher and Freemason, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe discussed optics and the physiological effects of colours in 1810. A recent study illustrates gender sensitivities to colour as females seem more ‘colour conscious’ and there colour tastes more “flexible and diverse.”ii When a person is exposed to the colour red dramatic physiologic effect’s may be observed including the release of adrenalin, elevated heart rate, and an increase in gastric activity- hence the practical use of red or red-checked table clothes in restaurants. The application of orange and reds (warm colours) to interior’s or the use of interior accents, such as candles, with low-level light output, serve to enhance an intimate psychological effect when applied to dining. Electroencephalogram and pulse rates of people recorded accelerated heart rates when in a grey room than in a colourful room (Kuller 1976)."



Source: A Report on Psychology & Architecture
By W. Bro. Victor G. Popow, Dec 2000. V1

~Research Method~

Where psychology meets architecture ~

By Dave Barista, Assistant Managing Editor

Introduction:

Imagine how much more effective the design process would be if you knew what your clients were really thinking.

What colors inspire them?
How do they interact with their physical environments?
How does sunlight make them feel?


"Research shows that only 5% of what the average person thinks can be expressed verbally," says Del Sole. The other 95% is hidden deep within the subconscious.

Solution is there: 

Del Sole's Pittsburgh-based consulting firm, fathom, applies a staid research technique to probe the conscious and subconscious thoughts of user groups and then translates these thoughts into design approaches. Think of it as a shrink session for building occupants.

Developed by Harvard Business School professor Gerald Zaltman, the technique has been used for years by Coca-Cola, DuPont, and other Fortune 500 companies as a market research tool for product and brand development. Now, fathom is bringing it to the architectural community to help designers create better environments.

How?

1.  Ask questions a typical designer would not ask, and in ways that uncover the deepest thoughts.
2. Key to the process is the use of art therapy during initial one-on-one interviews with end users. They ask them to bring six to eight images that explain their thoughts and feelings about their most recent experience at the facility >>> Gives a snapshot of what's going on inside their head and gives some objectives like transformation," "energy," "control" among the group of users.


3. These objectives are then matched with the client's programmatic needs to come up with a prioritized design guide.

Example:

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, currently under construction.
One-on-one interviews with 29 patients, nurses, and doctors resulted in metaphors like "control," "energy," and "connection."

They found that:
1- The children wanted the new hospital to feel home-like and comfortable, but not too much like home because they felt that they wanted to be able to leave it.
2-The kids were very intimated by the height of the beds.

As a result:
1- Architects reworked the design scheme, introducing bright, vibrant colors, softer materials, and patient-friendly features: a healing garden, private rooms, and individual temperature controls for patient rooms.
2- They are working with a manufacturer to design a bed that is much lower to the ground, but can be raised when nurses and doctors come in.


For more: www.gofathom.com

~Research Method~

Human psychology and architecture

Human psychology is directly related with architecture. Appropriate use of various architectural components has the capacity of enlightening the atmosphere whereas inappropriate use does the opposite. The building forms, the functions incorporated in it, colors, negative and positive spaces in and around it may be the few points but architecture is directly attached with human psychology from conscious to subconscious level.

Some of the components of architecture which affects human psychology are:

· Building form

· Positive and negative spaces

· Colors

· Open spaces

· Openings

· Lighting

· Acoustics

· Sound construction

· Green techniques

· Landscapes

Source:http://archijanu.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/human-psychology-and-architecture.html

~Research Method~

How do colors affect purchases?

For retailers, shopping is the art of persuasion. Though there are many factors that influence how and what consumers buy. However, a great deal is decided by visual cues, the strongest and most persuasive being color. When marketing new products it is crucial to consider that consumers place visual appearance and color above other factors such as sound, smell and texture. To learn more about color psychology and how it influences purchases, see our latest infographic.

 

 

Source: http://blog.kissmetrics.com/color-psychology/ 

The psychology of colors

~Research Method~

Color Coding in London Tube ..

The London underground train system is known as the tube. Its actually the oldest system of its type in the world first operating in 1863. The various sections are broken down into named routes called lines, and each tube line has an identifying locality name and is additionally colour coded on tube maps. These are:
Bakerloo line
Central line
Circle line
District line
Hammersmith & City line
Jubilee line
Metropolitan line
Northern line
Piccadilly line
Victoria line
Waterloo & City line


This coding is not just applied on the maps, it's applied to some architectural features so the user can make a connection. Taking the Central line as an example, red is applied in many places:

In stations

In trains






~Research Method~

colour in communication ..

Transport for London clever use of colour..

'I came across this ad in the Evening Standard (a free UK newsletter). I was immediately drawn to how colour and design was used to convey a message without the need for words.

“Colour is registered by the brain before either images or typography. Colour increases brand recognition by up to 80%. ”
- Source: University of Loyla, Maryland study

colour in communicationAs you can see in this advertisement, they are communicating, through colour and design the tube disruptions for the weekend. Each tube line colour is represented in this bar code design, clearly conveying the maroon line will be disrupted.

We don’t need words to understand the message because we take in colour before shapes or words. We see the colour first, and then we read the sign.

I love the fraying detail in the design to further convey shopping angle.'

Taken all form (BLOG):

~Research Method~

Healthy nature healthy people

‘contact with nature’ as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations

‘People with access to nearby natural settings have been found
 to be healthier overall than other individuals. The longer-term,
 indirect impacts  (of  ‘nearby nature’ ) also  include   increased
levels of satisfaction with one's home, one's job and with life in
general’ [Kaplan and Kaplan, 1989 (p. 173)].

In a review of the literature, Rohde and Kendle found that the
psychological response to nature involves feelings of pleasure,
sustained  attention  or   interest,  ‘relaxed  wakefulness’,   and
diminution of negative emotions, such  as  anger  and  anxiety
(Rohde and Kendle, 1994).

Source:  Health Promot. Int. (March 2006), Healthy nature healthy people: ‘contact with
 nature’ as an upstream health promotion intervention for populations 21 (1): 45-54.