Media architecture: An investigation on the usage of technology-driven devices in the spatial configuration of cities

In this era, technology and media are in a rapid change, cities have become a platform to present different forms of media. Media architecture, as the integration of media and architecture, has provided new approaches for architects to implement media and technology-driven devices to design living spaces. One of the contemporary aspects of digitalization, which has been signified by the emergence of media on the face of cities, is the new modes of interaction that are formed because of the new media platforms. The significant number of media platforms in the urban spaces have had an influence on how citizens perceive their environment, and as a result of this influence, people's interaction forms have been affected as well. This thesis investigates the role of early forms of media, photography, films and screens from 19th century to present, in reshaping the experience of living spaces. In the aspect of flexibility and user freedom qualities of Media Architecture, the concept of Mobile Architecture in the 20th century is investigated as earlier approaches in architectural designs that paved the path for implementing media and digital devices in designs of living spaces. As the use of media and digitalization grow in the face of cities, this thesis investigates the new social spaces that are created because of them, by demonstrating different new forms of interaction that these contemporary spaces have shaped. While these forms of interaction are being created, other aspects of perception are realized in citizens' experience of their living spaces. Although the content and forms created by abundance of large urban screens and illuminated facades may be familiar for citizens, the context that they are presented creates a new mode of perception and brings up feeling that are explained as "Technological Uncanny" in this thesis. Throughout the thesis, it is discussed that presenting media is not the only role of cities and architecture in the contemporary world, but they have the significant role of forming these new modes of perception and facilitates the spatial experience of users to address the uncanny sensation of people.