Blog task 5: Experiencing architecture & landscape/cityscape –phenomenology Linked to Studio Pro

Phenomenology is a field of philosophy associated with authors such as Husserl and Heidegger, which describes the structures of experience and how they are represented to our consciousness. It has been influential for architects such as Peter Zumthor and Steven Holl (Sharr, 2007). It is relevant to our field of study as it helps us to understand our connection with somewhere, or the idea of ‘sense of place’.

Phenomenology can be well described through J. Pallasmaa’s book ‘The Eyes of the Skin’ in which they can be quoted as saying “The ultimate meaning of any building is beyond architecture; it directs our consciousness back to the world and towards our own sense of self and being. Profound architecture makes us experience ourselves as complete embodied and spiritual beings” (Pallasmaa, 2014). This quote, to me, shows not only the importance of architecture but if done well, the vast power and effect it can have on people effecting emotions and feelings with the ability for it to evoke memories of all nature differing for each person who experiences it. This quote brings to light the idea that architecture and the way we perceive it is an extension of ourselves and that our reactions to it can teach us a lot about who we are “as complete embodied and spiritual beings”.

I have chosen to look at the phenomonology of the Attenborough Nature Reserve visitors centre as it was a location I frequented during my childhood. The ‘new’ visitors centre boasts a contemporary and interesting design. Its large windows make up a high percentage of its total elevations with the purpose of showing off the great sweeping natural viwes of the flooded gravel pits it was built upon (BBC News, 2015). From every window the view of greenery and reservoirs seem to stretch far into the distance.

I will use my new gained knowledge of phenomenology in my beach hut design to ensure my space can evoke appropriate emotions of peace and happiness, I will also aim to make sure that the interventions within my design frame the best aspects of the view from my structure in interesting and fun ways while maintaining an appropriate ratio of overall structure size to window size.

Bibliography:

Pallasmaa, J. (2014). The eyes of the skin. 1st ed. Chichester: Wiley.

Groundworks Architects (2005) Drawings. [online] Available at: http://www.groundworksarchitects.co.uk/projects/.../ProjAttenborough/.../drawings.pdf [Accessed 7 May 2017].

BBC News. (2015). Attenborough Nature Centre celebrates 10th birthday - BBC News. [online] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-32001332 [Accessed 7 May 2017].