Urban and architectural spatial changes based on technology-adapted users: A literature review

Abstract

It is a matter of curiosity whether urban and architectural spaces can accommodate the ever-increasing technologies. This article presents a systematic literature review to show the extent to which the assumption that spatial changes of today cannot keep up with the pace of technological change can be verified. Our review approaches this issue from three perspectives: timeline, spatial changes, and user studies. We consider this review critical to explore the adequacy of spatial changes so that HCI designers and architects can address how users can incorporate technologies into their everyday spaces. Through thematic analysis, we revealed several changes that occurred in urban and architectural spaces. However, the extent of these changes is not enough to be considered a complete transformation for accommodating the current technologies. Considering our findings, we discuss the reasons for this scarcity and propose a speculative design methodology for tackling with the issue of technology, and architectural and urban spaces' coexistence. Overall, we create a baseline for future studies with four design directions to enlighten the way for design guidelines or design fictions that can help to bridge the gap from design research to design practice.