Design Frim: Cama Circle
Role: Research and Developed the final design idea, Supervised and Coordinated the urban design team
Client: Isfahan Municipality
Location: Isfahan, Iran
Date: 2023
In the Chenar Street project,
we gained valuable insights into low-tech interactive design. In 2022, as we ventured into the design and development of another section of the site, we incorporated a forward-looking approach. Building upon the analyses and lessons learned from the Chenar Street project, our central objective for this new endeavor was to prolong the time people spend in the space by leveraging the potential of interactive design, albeit with a technological twist.
The intention was to harness the power of technology to create engaging and immersive experiences that encourage visitors to linger in the environment, thereby enhancing their overall enjoyment and interaction with the space.
The project site was situated adjacent to Najvan’s verdant expanse, renowned as the natural lungs of Isfahan city. This proximity brought us face to face with a pristine and untouched natural environment. Grounded in this context, our primary design approach centered on the creation of an environment characterized by minimal intervention, with the overarching goal of fashioning a space that promotes health and well-being.
Beyond accommodating social activities, our design envisioned a space where users could engage in activities that fostered both physical and mental health. This holistic approach aimed to harness the inherent benefits of the site’s natural surroundings while nurturing the overall well-being of its users.
Aligned with this overarching scenario, we meticulously delineated distinct sequences for the space, assigning a specific function to each sequence.
Heart Disease
Medical studies and statistical data underscore the profound significance of cardiovascular diseases as one of the leading global causes of mortality. In the United States, a staggering statistic reveals that one individual succumbs to cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds. Meanwhile, in Iran, this malady stands as the foremost contributor to mortality, accounting for a staggering 46% of all deaths in the country.
Heart Disease Death Rates, 2018 – 2020 Adults, Ages 35+, by County
Distribution map of the incidence of death due to heart attack in one hundred thousand people in Iran in 2012
Henceforth, cultivating awareness about heart health emerges as a pivotal cornerstone in the realm of physical well-being. Among the fundamental elements contributing to the diagnosis of heart diseases is the measurement of one’s heart rate. According to research conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), a typical resting heart rate falls within the range of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Deviations from this range, whether fewer or greater beats per minute, can serve as indicative markers of potential cardiovascular issues for an individual.
Design
In our design process, we implemented two significant measures to underscore the importance of heart health. Firstly, we allocated a specific area within the space for exercise equipment, enabling users to engage in workouts that promote cardiovascular fitness. Secondly, we integrated sensors into the furniture situated throughout the space. These sensors serve the purpose of monitoring and informing users about their heart rates, fostering greater awareness of their cardiovascular health during moments of rest or relaxation.
This system comprises pulse sensors, an Arduino board, and RGB lasers. The pulse sensor operates by emitting a green light at approximately 550nm onto the user’s finger, subsequently gauging the quantity of reflected light using a photosensor to determine heart rate.
The user’s heart rate will be translated into specific colors through a program implemented on the Arduino board. These color categories have been carefully selected based on the psychological impact they have on human beings. They are chosen with the intention of potentially reducing stress and promoting mental well-being, factors that can directly influence heart health.
Heart rate between 50 and 70: Purple
For heart rates ranging from 50 to 70 beats per minute, the corresponding color representation will be purple. The choice of purple is influenced by its association with the shortest visible wavelength, which is akin to the color violet. Purple is often characterized as a color that fosters introspection, deep contemplation, and meditation. It is linked to qualities of profound thought and is thought to evoke a sense of connection with time, space, and the cosmos.
Heart rate between 70 and 90: Green
For heart rates falling within the range of 70 to 90 beats per minute, the corresponding color representation will be green. Green is symbolically associated with balance, signifying that everything is in harmony and requires no immediate adjustment or alteration. It engenders a sense of confidence and equilibrium in those who encounter it.
Heart rate between 90 and 110: Blue
Heart rates in the range of 90 to 110 beats per minute will be represented by the color blue. Blue is often associated with the intellect and relaxation. It possesses a profound influence on the mind, with deep or bold blues stimulating thinking, while lighter shades of blue promote a calming effect and enhance concentration. Blue is often regarded as the color of the world, symbolizing a sense of unity and interconnectedness.
The project is currently in the stage of seeking approval from the employer to proceed with the development of the initial prototype.
Project Affiliates
Principal Designer: Ali Sheikholeslam, Alireza Shahi
Design Team: Mobin Karevan
Programming: Fatemeh Shahi