Niels Wouters, Ph.D. About
is an architect, digital media specialist and creative technologist.
I'm a Digital Media Specialist at The University of Melbourne and Science Gallery Melbourne. I have a keen interest in investigating democratic use of technology in public space. I conduct design research to uncover the design parameters that stimulate activation, participation and engagement with technology, particularly media architecture and immersive interactive spaces.
List of publications
Synchronized Wayfinding on Consecutively Situated Public Displays
Media architecture is becoming an increasingly affordable and ubiquitous element in our built environment. As a result, architecture gains dynamic and interactive opportunities to engage with its surroundings. However, the influence of media architecture on the experience of the built environment raises the need to avoid an architectural disconnect. In this paper, we describe which design qualities support the architectural relevance of media architecture. We report on a Q Methodology survey among 22 architects that aimed to reveal the perceived architectural quality of 24 existing media architecture projects. Our analysis of the specific terminology illustrates how perceived architectural quality of media architecture relates to its ability to 1) coexist with physical characteristics of architecture; 2) augment space; 3) respond to contextual changes; and 4) communicate content that is relevant for the architectural situation.
Honeypot Effect: Audience Engagement in Interactive Installations
Social Influence of Full-Body Interaction with Public Displays
Interviews and Press
„Media Architecture Changes the City”, in ABC Newcastle, Australia
„Make Friends While Printing”, in De Standaard, Belgium
„What if Houses Could Talk?”, in Campuskrant KU Leuven, Belgium
„Our Neighbors have Something to Tell”, in Radio 1, Belgium
„If Houses Could Talk...”, in De Standaard Avond, Belgium