Course Preview
Spatial Literacy is the ability to read, interpret, and effectively navigate the built environment. It goes beyond mere observation to a critical understanding of how physical spaces shape human behavior, social interactions, and systemic equity.
In this introductory masterclass, you will learn the foundational concepts of reading architecture and urban spaces. Perfect for non-architects, community organizers, policymakers, and professionals looking to engage critically with their physical surroundings.
What You Will Learn:
- The Language of Architecture: Identifying key elements that define open spaces, boundaries, and pathways.
- Psychology of Space: How ceiling height, lighting, and materiality influence mood and productivity.
- Spatial Equity: Recognizing invisible barriers and inclusive design principles in public facilities.
Module 1: The Vocabulary of the Built Environment
We begin by building a shared language. How do architects and urban planners discuss space? In this module, we break down essential concepts such as scale, proportion, hierarchy, and circulation. Understanding these terms is the first step toward critiquing and advocating for better spaces.
Module 2: Reading Public vs. Private Boundaries
Not all walls are built with bricks. Many boundaries in the built environment are psychological or implicit, defined by changes in flooring material, lighting, or elevation. This module explores how spaces transition from public use to private ownership, and the social cues that dictate who feels welcome where.
Module 3: Evaluating Your Own Environment
The final module empowers you to evaluate spaces you use every day, such as your workplace, home, or local park. We will use a simplified post-occupancy evaluation (POE) toolkit to assess daylighting, thermal comfort, accessibility, and acoustic health.
Capstone Exercise
Select a room or a small public space you frequent. Sketch a rough floor plan and annotate it using the vocabulary learned in Module 1. Identify at least two "invisible boundaries" and propose one change to improve the space's accessibility or comfort.
Download Capstone Worksheet
About the Instructor
Sara Bensalem is a researcher and architectural designer specializing in workplace sustainability and environmental psychology. Through her PhD research on Placemaking at Work, she dissects the profound impact spatial autonomy, biophilic design, and collaborative ecosystems have on employee well-being. She teaches this course to empower professionals and organizations to reclaim their environments from outdated industrial models, creating meaningful, flexible spaces that thrive in the age of hybrid and remote work.