ABSTRACT –

Socioeconomic disjuncture manifests itself architecturally along community edges within the urban fabric. These edges signal cultural differences and misunderstandings within a community and demarcate a place to begin reconciliation between the culture of poverty and the dominant culture of middle class America. Responsive architecture begins to attenuate these differences by cultivating common shared culture, generating a sense of ownership, and fostering a sense of belonging.

 

Here the idea of responsive architecture centers on the concept of user interface (UI). UIs should demonstrate multiplicity. UI reactions should vary in degree, magnitude and type based on user interaction. Responsive architecture is neither organism nor machine; it should therefore exist in liminality. Furthermore, responsive architecture should encourage discourse, not necessarily offer solutions. As a result, responsive architecture with user interfaces encourages users of all socioeconomic levels to inflect change on their environment and in doing so„ fosters a sense of belonging and ownership. Implementing responsive architecture as a cultural catalyst abates socioeconomic differences by creating a dialogic, synergistic relationship between architecture and user groups.