Notification A contextual analysis of site and situation via a historical, environmental and sociological framework
Typically, site analysis is conducted to assess existing physical conditions within a given boundary, to determine the financial undertaking and to survey environmental circumstances. However, it could be argued that this level of information has masked the significance of those that inhabit and experience the spaces that are created. As a result of advancements in technology and dependance on the media “we live in a world, where the more information, the less the meaning” (Proto, 2003, p.2-3). A decline in meaning with respect to architectural implementation has the potential to sequentially damage individual identities and ideologies. This principle analyses the relationship between ‘philosophy, mission and value’ and ‘physical stimuli/ambient conditions’ of the identification triad theory. To ensure these values are maintained, it is imperative that this
development remains sustainable. In doing so “A key question is to address the temporal, historical, spatial, value-led and multi-scale aspects of sustainability in places and (re-)connect people to place” (Horlings, 2016, p.35) Collating the conscious understanding of place and the analysis of phenomenological factors, a ‘socio-environmental’ (Fig.6) foundation can be established to reinforce identity. Architect Steven Holl connected with this form of phenomenological observation with regards to place perception, stating that it is a way to “stimulate both inner and outer perception; to heighten phenomenal experience…in response to the particularities of site and circumstance” (Holl, Pallasmaa and Perez-Gomez, 2007, p.42). This interpretation suggests that in order to gain an insight into the experiential and perceptual qualities of place, an adaptive approach must be applied that allows contextual distinctions to manifest themselves.
Fig.6 Steering the socio-environmental system (Musters, de Graaf and ter Keurs, 1998)
7
