SPATIAL QUALITY SHAPING WOMEN’S TRAUMATIC MEMORIES: A NEUROARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE
Keywords:
memory, neuroarchitecture, stimulus, traumatic architecture, womenAbstract
In architectural studies, traumatic architecture positions space as a medium to evoke traumatic memories, where trauma is intentionally presented as spatial experience that built reflection, learning, and awareness, while transforming past events into architectural narratives. Humans often experience discomfort in spaces that are meant to be safe, particularly women, whose everyday experiences are shaped by gender-based vulnerabilities. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the atmosphere and related architectural elements serve as foundation for developing formal and spatial concepts. It also explores how unpleasant events, such as discrimination and gender-based violence translated into design concept that function as a learning environment for raising awareness. A qualitative method explores human spatial experience, starting with literature reviews to synthesize architectural stimuli that trigger traumatic atmospheres through olfactory, auditory, and visual, including spatial odor, sound, spatial configuration, lighting, and colors. In-depth interviews conducted to understand events that represent women’s traumatic memories. Sketches and AI visualization are then used to visualize and validate the perceived atmosphere. Findings show that traumatic atmosphere emerges from layered multisensory stimuli and spatial qualities experienced gradually by the body, positioning it as central yet vulnerable, pressured, and discomfort. Architectural elements such as ambiguous or limited spatial orientation, dim light, cold and dark colors, amplified sound, and disturbing odors could create traumatic atmosphere into space.
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