WABI: Facilitating synchrony between inhabitants of adaptive architecture

We spend most of our lives in buildings where we interact with people that occupy the same space. A common and intuitive form of interaction with others is to synchronise our own behaviour with theirs, and such interpersonal synchrony can have various benefits for our wellbeing. We present research that investigates how a new prototype of digitally-driven adaptive architecture called WABI facilitates behavioural synchrony between its inhabitants. We designed three interaction modes that each feature a unique mapping and processing of physiological data emanating from inhabitants. Qualitative feedback from a first exploratory study indicates that the different interaction modes affect how inhabitants interact and synchronise their behaviours. We discuss how adaptive architecture might contribute to wellbeing, therapy, and sports by facilitating synchrony.