Power by space is a collection of experiments done by Corpo-real students. Corpo-real is located in Zwolle, where students and tutors develop a research-driven spatial design practice geared towards an unknown future.

Power of the Audio Codes

To research the spreading of power through space, we decided to focus on power through sounds. The projects contain many different  methodologies, and findings. They have given us a broad understanding of sound and power. We invite you to take a look and see for yourself.  Mirthe Bolt // Niloufar Ghalandari

Habitual Smells and Sounds

Research Question how to explore a city by its sounds and smells? Our research explored the sensory identity of Zwolle’s city center by focusing on how everyday sounds and smells shape our perception of public space. These sensory layers often go unnoticed, yet they are deeply tied to the rhythms,

The Habits of Zwolle

How well do we know the city we live in? We are looking for the power of interruptions, bodies or instructions on habits. How can we change the usual, the habit, and what does someone need to be willing to change their usual? And how does this work in city

Workshop: take back power in space

This workshop was part of our ongoing research. During this workshop the participants experienced the relationship between power and space. The participants were devided into groups, working on the same keyword related to one of our lenses, Power and Health, Power and Reality and Power and Shelter.

Personal space

Research question What effects does an extension of our body have on our perception of personal space? Experiment By building a cardboard box around the waist of the researcher, the bodily movements were interfered with and so the researcher had to move their body based on the space the cardboard

“How Color and Abstract Art Inspire Imagination and Creativity”

Colors evoke emotions and associations, while abstract art removes fixed meanings, encouraging free thought. By combining these elements, this experiment examines how they inspire imagination. This experiment explores how color and abstract art affect imagination. Participants are immersed in a cylindrical installation featuring a vibrant abstract painting. They observe the

Choice

We tested different parts of our previous research with this life sized installation. The shelter adapted to a space within an already existing building. With this we made a more livable place taking protection, privacy and comfort into account.​

Emotion body map

EMOTION BODY MAP First we came up with the idea to translate our expressions we were working with in semester one, how do you carry emotional weight? We wanted to work with symbols that came out of our interest in doing research through space. In space. In spaces, symbols are everywhere.

Scent Vocabulary

We aimed to explore the power of scent perception by engaging participants in a multi-sensory experience. Students were exposed to unfamiliar odors and tasked with visually representing the smells through collages of colors and shapes. Additionally, they used cut threads to symbolize the volume or length of each scent. This

Experiment: Extreme Slow/ Fast Walk

What happens when we behave in an unusual way in public? To find out, we did various experiments, including an exaggerated slow and fast walk, jumping jacks, and stopping at green lights.  Results: • circumstances (place/ people etc.) play big role • how familiar are the surroundings? • there is

Language Unknown

The inspiration for this experiment originates from the Museum of the Future in Dubai, where the museum’s walls are adorned with intricate Arabic calligraphy. This creates a uniquely multidimensional linguistic space, blending visual and verbal elements. The engraved Arabic calligraphy not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also as

Effect of sounds

Research question How can sounds influence our perception of a space? Can sounds have a calming effect when listened to? What do these sounds represent? Experiment Drawing to visualise the perception of the sounds. To explore this question, 5 people are requested to listen to 4 different sounds. While hearing

Walking music “two”

Research Question: How do different elements of sound (speed, tune, quality) influence movement patterns and spatial perception in individuals? Experiment We conducted an experiment to explore the relationship between sound, space, and movement. Participants listened to different repetitive sounds produced by various objects, such as balls moving in circular patterns.

… With Body Movement

For this experiment, we opted to explore body movement and language through our unique approach. Our methods were centered around Arabic gestures, performative storytelling, and the expressive language of music. https://youtu.be/3_8mZwivH2I 1. Arabic Gestues The objective of this experiment is to provide participants with an educational experience regarding non-verbal communication

Power of the Senses

In the realm of architecture, the exploration of our senses holds immense potential to unlock new dimensions of consciousness and pleasure. As we present our collective endeavors, we invite you to embark on a captivating journey. Through a series of groundbreaking experiments, we have delved into the intricate workings of

Experiment: Power Relations (Unfamiliar Setting)

We noticed that our results from the first power relations experiment may be not entirely representative, as our classmates knew what we were researching (if you have not seen it, click here). Therefore, we decided to conduct the same experiment again with strangers. We went to the conservatory and asked

Signs “one”

Research question What if we add important official signs in their peripheral sight on the doors that are used daily? Would one new red circle on the door bring power back in the space? Experiment Implementing official signs to the space people use every day, to see how aware they are

Research installation

This research installation is our way to experiment with perceived reality. We tried to manipulate the participants in a soft and almost invisible way by mixing reality, a made up story, perspectives and times.

Signs “two”

Research questionCan we bring the power back to the signs, by implementing them in playful ways into the interior of the space itself? Experiment After the experiment “Signs one”, results showed that the classic design of the sign does not work on human any more, even if being placed in

Experiment: Power Relations (Familiar Setting)

Based on our previous experiments, we wanted to find ways to break the power that being put in a higher position gives us. To do so, we created a setting in which one person gets the task to read a text to another person. To compare different situations, we changed

Hidden Gems of Zwolle

“Our exploration of Zwolle’s city center revealed places that often escape the attention of both locals and visitors such as quiet corners, overlooked details, and unplanned beauty that lays in the everyday. We call them hidden gems, the spaces that invite to pause and reflect with a sense of curiosity.

Habits in Wayfinding

Intuitively exploring unknown places without the use of technology When thinking of harmful habits, the use of screens and technology  was one that popped into mind quite quickly. When applying this habit to wayfinding and exploration, we noticed that a lot of us rely on applications such as Google Maps

Sound and memory recall

Research questionWhat is the impact of sound on memory retention and recall accuracy?   Experiment Playing background music while participants perform a memory recall task. In the first step, we asked the participants to choose one of their “good memories”. When they hear the first song they are asked to

Non-Verbal Communication 

Our non-verbal communication experiment marks the initial step towards understanding the efficacy and potential limitations of gestures as a medium for effective communication. We aimed to explore the extent to which non-verbal cues can bridge communication gaps across individuals with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Key questions include identifying the