Architectural Phenomenology exploring the experiential potentiality of architecture

ARCHITECTURAL PHENOMENOLOGY EXPLORING THE EXPERIENTIAL POTENTIALITY OF ARCHITECTURE

ABSTRACT

Architecture is vital part of human life and it has emotional impact on human behavior .Human learn from their experiences. Thus it is necessary to study the human relationship with built environment as it can help designers in building places with identity and meaning by focusing on user experience. This paper provides understanding of human experience from phenomenological point of view. Phenomenology establishes the need for the observance of sensorial sensitivity in design for human experience. The integration of Phenomenology into our generation of designing will acknowledge architecture’s respect for human experience. But the key challenge is the awareness of how to use this theoretical knowledge in architectural practice. The purpose of this paper is to present ways of applying this knowledge in architectural practice.

Inferences are drawn from survey conducted among architects and studying work of various phenomenologist’ for finding the ways of designing for better human experience. These inferences are further analyzed and elaborated for better understanding of interrelationship of human behavior, psychology with architectural spaces. The paper concludes by suggesting design approaches and tools for improving human experience in built environment.

Key words: Phenomenology, Architectural phenomenology, Human Behavior, Experience, Atmosphere, Place, Sense of place.

ARCHITECTURAL PHENOMENOLOGY EXPLORING THE EXPERIENTIAL POTENTIALITY OF ARCHITECTURE

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I have taken efforts in this research paper. However, it would not have been possible without guidance of my guide, help from friends and faculties, and support from the college and my family. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my guide Dr. Ila Gupta and coordinators Ar. Rajshree Mathur and Ar. Navneet Khurana for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the report and also for their support for completing my paper.

I would also like to thank MBS School of Planning and Architecture, for their support and cooperation provided for the past several months.

My thanks and appreciation also goes to all architects who presented their views in the survey and other faculty members who helped in developing the project and people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.

JYOTI AHLAWAT

ARCHITECTURAL PHENOMENOLOGY EXPLORING THE EXPERIENTIAL POTENTIALITY OF ARCHITECTURE

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CONTENTS Candidates’ Declaration

i

Abstract

ii

Acknowledgements

iii

List of Contents

iv-v

List of Illustrations

vi-vii

Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

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1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………...3 1.2 Nature of Problem…………………………………………….……...3 1.3 Need of Study…………………………………………………............4 1.4 Problem Statement…………………………………………..............4 1.5 Aim and Objective…………………………………………………...5 1.6 Methodology……………………………………………………....….5-6

Chapter 2: PHENOMENOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE

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2.1 Brief Introduction: Phenomenology………………………………..9-13 2.1.1 What is phenomenology?.........................................................9 2.1.2 Historical background………………………………………..9 2.1.3 Views by Various Theorists…………………………………10 2.2 Conclusion……………………………………………....……..13 2.2 Need of Phenomenology in Architecture……….................................14-16 2.2.1 Theoretical Precedent………………………………………..14 2.2.2 Serving Purpose of Architecture…………………………….15 2.2.3 Conclusion……………………………………………….......16

Chapter 3: SURVEY

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3.1 Method of Survey……………………………………………………19 3.2 Result and Inferences………………………………………………..20 3.3 Conclusion……………………………………………………………26

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Chapter 4: CONTEXT ANALYSIS 4.1 Jewish museum, Berlin………………………………………….…..29 4.2 Therme Vals, Switzerland…………………………………………..34 Page 40-51

Chapter 5: APPROACHING ARCHITECTURAL PRACTISE 5.1 Design Approaches and Tools………………………………………42 5.2 Sense of Place in Architecture………………………………………42-46 5.2.1 Introduction………………………………………………….42 5.2.2 Understanding Place…………………………………………43 5.2.3Elements of Place…………………………………………….43 5.2.4 Factors Creating Sense of Place……………………………..45 5.2.5 Conclusion…………………………………………………...46 5.3 Atmosphere in Architecture………………………………………...47-51 5.3.1 Atmosphere in context of architecture………………………47 5.3.1 Creating atmosphere………………………………………... 48 5.3.2 Material Compatibility………………………………...49 5.2.3The sound of Space…………………………………….49 5.2.4 Level of Intimacy…………………………………...…50 5.2.3The Temperature of Space……………………………..50 5.2.4 The Light on Things…………………………..….…...50 5.3.3 Conclusion…………………………………………………...51

Chapter 6: CONCLUSION REFERENCES ANNEXURE

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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS LIST OF FIGURES: Figure 1.1: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY……………………………………………….......................6 Figure 2.1: PHENOMENOLOGY AND ITS ASPECTS………………………………………………..….13 Figure 3.1: EXPERIENCE OF RESPONDENTS (IN YEARS)……………………………………...………20 Figure 3.2: ARCHITECTURE HAS POWER TO TRANSFORM HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY………………......21 Figure 3.3: SHOULD SPACE BE DESIGNED WITH PHENOMENOLOGICAL DESIGN APPROACH …….....22 Figure 3.4: USE OF PHENOMENOLOGICAL DESIGN APPROACHES BY RESPONDENTS IN DESIGN ...….23 Figure 3.5: WAYS FOR INCREASING EXPERIENTIAL QUALITY OF SPACE………………………...…..24 Figure 3.6: CHALLENGES IN PRACTICING EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN ………………………….…..…...25 Figure 4.1: SPATIAL CONFIGURATION OF JEWISH MUSEUM …………………………………...........30 Figure 4.2: DIFFERENT AXIS’S, JEWISH MUSEUM …………………………………............................31 Figure 4.3: REPRESENTATIONOF EXPERIENCE IN MUSEUM …………………………………….…...33 Figure 4.4: SPACES DESIGN FOR CREATING EXPERIENCE IN MUSEUM………………………………..…….33 Figure 4.5: SPACE ORGANISATION IN THERME VALS……………………………………………………...…...35 Figure 4.6: REPRESENTATIONOF EXPERIENCE IN THERME VALS…………………………………….………36 Figure 4.7: FLOOR PLAN THERME VALS…………………………………………………..………………..……...37 Figure 5.1: ELEMENTS OF PLACE……………………………………………………..……………………..………43 Figure 5.2: GESTALT PRINCIPLES OF VISUAL PERCEPTION………………………………………....…………44 Figure 6.1: HUMAN PERCEPTION OF SPACE…………………………………………………………………...….53 Figure 6.2: RELATION OF EXPERIENTIAL ARCHITECTURE…………………………………………………....54 Figure 6.3: FLOW CHART SHOWING DEVELOPED EXPERIENTIAL DESIGN APPROACH………….….…...55

LIST OF IMAGES: Image 4.1: SCARED FAÇADE, JEWISH MUSEUM………………………………………….....………..29 Image 4.2: DEFORMED INTERIOR, AXIS OF CONTINUITY………………………………………………..…….32 Image 4.3: GARDEN OF EXILE………………………………………………………………………………...….….32.

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Image 4.4: SCREAMING METAL FACES………………………………..………...………………...…...32 Image 4.5: VIEW OF THERME VALS…………………………...……………………..…………..…….34 Image 4.6: CONCEPT OF SCALE,THERME VALS……………………………………………..…………38 Image 4.7: LIGHTS IN MAIN INDOOR POOL……………………………………………………………39

LIST OF TABLES: Table 3.1: SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE CONTENT…………………………….……………………..…..19

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CHAPTER

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

This chapter gives the overview about the research paper. The aim and objective of research and research question. The chapter describes about research methodology followed for reaching at conclusion

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Introduction

1.1 INTRODUCTION Architectural Phenomenology is the study of architectural experiences of human in the built environment. Phenomenology in architecture promotes the integration of sensory perception as a function of a built form. Phenomenological concept strategies in architectural design intend to develop a unique experience for user. Phenomenology as demonstrated in architecture is the manipulation of various themes to create a memorable encounter through an impact on the human senses.

1.2 NATURE OF PROBLEM Architecture has an emotional impact on humans. Architecture is part of our life, we learn what we experience. Architecture is designed to serve the needs of human activity, therefore creates a relationship between human senses and the built environment. But there is a general lack of emotional richness in contemporary architecture. Today most of the buildings are designed as structures in trendy wrappings to grab attention. In result they are lacking the true essence of architecture that is the experience. ―Why do very few modern buildings appeal to our feelings, the building of our own time may arouse our curiosity with their daring or inventiveness, but they hardly give us any sense of meaning of our world or our existence‖ The above writing by Juhani Pallasmaa in “The geometry of feeling” about style of modern architecture suggest that modern architecture is lacking in experiential and sensorial aspects: Besides the functional and aesthetic demand the question for the design should include how the people will feel inside the building and how they are going to experience the space.

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Introduction

1.3 NEED OF STUDY “Experience of architecture is multi-sensory; qualities of matter, space and scale are measured equally by the eye, ear, nose, skin, tongue, skeleton and muscle. Architecture strengthens… one‘s sense of being in the world, essentially giving rise to a strengthened experience of self.‖ (Juhani Pallasmaa ,Eyes of the Skin,1996, 28).

Our bodies, movement are in constant interaction with the environment, the world. They self inform and redefine each other constantly .With interaction between body, imagination and environment one eventually gain some experience. But today most of the architects are selling style not architecture which is result in places that lack physical and mental accessibility and experience. This depicts the need for reviving the true essence of architecture which is human experience.

The form and function plays a very crucial role for building design but it should also value the experience of the individual which can be done by designing buildings and spaces keeping in mind the concept of architectural phenomenology.

1.4 PROBLEM STATEMENT “Space is an empty container for experience.”

It‟s the architects‟ responsibility to create experience in a space. Architects have the capacity of creating meaningful places and producing distinctive memorable designs which harbor extraordinary experiences. But one of the key challenges in architecture is the lack of awareness of tools through which an experiential understanding of place can be achieved, communicated and translated into design. Architects can better communicate the experiences human have with built environment by understanding of strategies and concept of architectural phenomenology.

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To read the full research write to author at ahlawatjyoti2695@gmail.com

2015 Š Jyoti Ahlawat Contact: ahlawatjyoti2695@gmail.com

MBS School of Planning and architecture Sector 9, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075