DISSERTATION - SYMBOLISM OF REMEMBRANCE IN ARCHITECTURE(LOCI)

SYMBOLISM OF REMEMBRANCE IN ARCHITECTURE (LOCI) A Dissertation Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE By

SRAJATI TIWARI B.Arch Fourth Year Seventh Semester (Roll no. 181331003014) Batch 2018-19

Under the Supervision of

Guided by: Ar. Raina Garg Associate Professor

INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTURE AND TOWNPLANNING

BUNDELKHAND UNIVERSITY, JHANSI Session 2021-22

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT I would like to express my gratitude to all those who gave me the possibility to complete this Dissertation. I want to thank my college Institute of architecture & Town planning, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi for giving me permission to commence this dissertation, do the necessary research work and use departmental data. I am deeply indebted to my guide, Ar. Raina Garg, who confirmed this permission and whose help, stimulating suggestions, for designing and writing of this dissertation encouraged me. I am bound to the Director/Head of Department Dr. Soma Anil Mishra for the stimulating support.

My parents’ Mr. Bal Mukund Tiwari and Mrs. Maya Tiwari their heartwarming support has been the true stimulus. I’m gratified to my friends for all their backing and support.

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CERTIFICATE The dissertation entitled “SYMBOLISM OF REMEMBRANCE IN ARCHITECTURE (LOCI) ” submitted by Srajati Tiw ari , Roll no. 181331003014 , embodies the work for submission to the Institute of Architecture & Town Planning, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi.

Dr. Soma Anil Mishra Director & HOD

Prof. M.S.Khan Advisor

Ar. Raina Garg Associate Professor

External Examiner:

1. ……………………………………

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DECLERATION

I, Srajati Tiwari, hereby declare that this project titled “Symbolism of Remembrance in Architecture” has been submitted by me to Institute of architecture & Town planning, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi as dissertation report completed in one semester.

It is a record of my own work and the matter in this project has not been ever submitted by me for award of any other degree, it is an original compilation of the literature study.

Srajati Tiwari B.Arch 4 Year 7th Semester (Roll no. 181331003014) Batch 2018-19 th

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TABLE OF CONTENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT .......................................................................................................................................2 CERTIFICATE .....................................................................................................................................................3 DECLERATION ...................................................................................................................................................4 1

AIM ...............................................................................................................................................................6

2

OBJECTIVES ...............................................................................................................................................6

3

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS ......................................................................................................................6

4

PURPOSE AND GOAL ...............................................................................................................................6

5

INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................6

6

METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................8

7

HISTORY .....................................................................................................................................................8

8

SIGNIFICANCE OF REMEMBRANCE IN BUILT ENVIRONMENTS……………………………….11

9

ROLE OF SPACES IN FORMATION OF MEMORIES............................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

10 THE INTERPLAY OF TRANSFORMING ENVIRONMENTS AND POPUPLACE ............................16 10.1

Incorporating Nature ...........................................................................................................................23

10.2

Public Spaces ......................................................................................................................................24

10.3

Social Environments Vs Social Isolation ............................................................................................25

10.4

Healthe and living space .....................................................................................................................25

10.5

Spatiality & Behaviour .........................................................................................................................26

10.6

Psycology in Architecture – No place like home .................................................................................28

11 RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT OF SPACES ..............................................................................................29 12 SURVEY BASED ANALYSIS ..................................................................................................................34 12.1

Hostel Premises ...................................................................................................................................34

12.2

Outside college campus .......................................................................................................................36

13 CONCLUSION ...........................................................................................................................................29

REFERENCE / BIBLIOGRAPHY .....................................................................................................................40

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1. AIM 1.1 The approach is to study the symbolism of remembrance in architecture linked with diversifying human perceptions.

2. OBJECTIVE The approach is to study the role of spaces in an individual’s perception. The unique individuality of every place, its physical form always grew out of activities, out of the meeting of users and environment. Further, the purpose is to reawaken the significance of "place of spirit" as well as society's stagnant ideas. Individual prejudices must be earmarked in order to focus on the places, moments, and community's inner soul demands.

3. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS 

The study deals with reawaking the significance of remembrance in Architecture with survey based analysis.

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Further, the topic explores role of specific spaces & environments associated with remembrance.

4. PURPOSE AND GOAL 

To initiate healthy & lively spaces

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To design more encountering & multifunctional spaces.

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To provoke intentional designs to increase elementals of memories.

5. INTRODUCTION The term 'Loci' refers to an ancient Roman belief that each location has its guardian spirit, which gives life to people and places, accompanies them from birth to death, and shapes their personalities.

Even though places and frameworks change, their ' loci' stay unchanged. As a result, even time cannot rescind the ' loci,' which ensures that places retain their identity. [Fig. 1.] The link between design and consciousness is formed, further connecting with the other to create a link in spatial and

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temporal; the disparity between memories of the past vanishes, and one place integrates with the other through visuals.

The distinct personality of every place, its physical form, has always evolved from activities that happened there, Along with the relationships between the people and their surroundings. Without a doubt, one of the most effective ways to store, lock, and rethink special moments is through the use of spaces. People might have wandered the corridors, recalling incidents referenced by psychopaths.

[Fig. 2.] The intangible but perceptible spirit of place, a visual and sensory experience, all constitute to conclude to aesthetic responsibilities. It necessitates putting stylistic and individualistic preferences aside in favor of focusing on what the places, moments, and community demand. The study's goal is to rediscover the essence of the "spirit of places" as well as society's frozen thoughts.

With most of our lives spent indoors, the space we occupy has a major role in our psychological behavior. Environmental psychology or Space psychology is, in fact, the interaction between people and the spaces they inhabit. Lighting, colors, configuration, scale, proportions, acoustics, and materials address the senses of the individual and generate a spectrum of feelings and practices.

From inducing warmth and safety, defining well-being, or creating a positive and efficient working environment, space can have a whole lot of impact on how we act or on what we feel; therefore, design and creative measures should be considered according to the social and psychological needs of the occupants.

Spatial structures are also associated with safety and security issues. If spatial structures fail, measures such as alarm systems or surveillance cameras often come into play. Certain structures can therefore attract crime or vandalism, but can also help to improve security and provide security.

Psychology of space is in fact “the study of human relations and behaviors within the context of the built and natural environments”. Having a direct impact on your subconscious, contributing to our emotions and perceptions, through that special part of your brain that reacts to the geometry of the space you occupy, interior design became an inherent part of people’s psychology. Though it is not the only factor involved, interior space has big implications, and it is the architect’s responsibility to shape tangible solutions for users and incorporate these ideas into the structure.

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Fig. 1. Photograph of - Terrace view

– college campus, imparting peace (The spirit of places needs be cherished) Fig. 2. Photograph of - Amusement at Sun Temple at Gwalior. (freedom of design can be interpreted as the opportunity for individualistic expression.)

6. METHODOLOGY Fig. 2. Photograph of - Amusement at Sun Temple at Gwalior. (freedom of design can be interpreted as the opportunity for individualistic expression.)

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Literature Study

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Case Study

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References from Books and Published research papers

7. HISTORY Loci is not a today’s term, it was primarily discovered by the famous Romans and Greeks long ago.

The process involved the approach of linking memories with places. The Greeks and Romans used their "mental palaces" to not only remember events but also to recite stories to others and help them to imagine them. That is how strongly places are linked to our memories. Memory theatre, the art of memory, memory palace, and other terms were coined to describe this ability to remember memories by linking them to spaces. The loci method employs the visualization of a space in which multiple 8|Page

memories can be interpreted. A building, a house, or a road that leads to multiple addresses is widely termed as space. The advantage of this technique stems from the mind's ability to store visual memories in specific locations.

The method used by ancient Greeks and Romans associating memories and spaces is called the method of loci. This ability to remember memories by linking them to spaces later also came to be known as memory theatre, the art of memory, memory palace, and etc. The method of loci uses the technique of visualizing a space where multiple memories can be stored. Space is often a building, a house or a road leading to multiple addresses. The advantage of this technique comes from the ability of the mind to hold on to visual memories by storing them in architectural spaces. When you want to recall your memories, you walk through your memory space in your mind.

Our history bears a tremendous responsibility for who we are today (Portman). Even though humans are constantly in dialogue and interaction with their surroundings, it's indeed impossible to separate self-perception from the situation-specific and spatial constructs. Time causes a variety of narratives to emerge, evoking sentimentality in the space and resulting in a wide array of different experiences.

Shoemakers, saddlers, jewelers, cloth merchants, and hay markets lined the streets of medieval towns. This isn't about zoning; this is about a zone that everyone must keep driving through, not a street that can be walked through in a few minutes.

A site’s memory and history inspire a new sense of place or even a resumption of an existing one.

The symbolic value and essence of a location tell a continuous tale and highlight the intangible emotions that are linked with it. The interpretation of memory is a blend of the roots of history and well as ethical awareness of the current epoch.

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Fig 3. The concept of loci – by Greeks Source - R.b29f4dc8eb33193e7824cf5ddc631872 (1600×1224) (bing.com)

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8. SIGNIFICANCE OF REMEMBRANCE IN BUILT ENVIRONMENTS The built environment holds the capability to evoke various emotions which further results in distinct mental states leading to creative thinking, learning, well-being and happiness. The perception of a mind varies from individual to individual, for instance, a teenager loves the serendipity of the balcony space evolves one’s frozen thoughts there while a child loves free spaces to rush through.

We all know that a picture is worth a thousand words and that the optic nerve is enormous in comparison to the other sense organs, but a smell can transport us back to childhood memories and music can transport us to another world. Remembrance in built environments can be discovered in the left side of your brain and Loci can be processed. The first moment when we learned bicycling in our childhood or those colourful swings, and that one favourite place to hide in the game of eye- spy, all of them can never be forgotten. There are numerous examples one can relate to.

Afterward, while growing, we all loved that school corridor, which we discovered better anyway. As kids, we had the curiosity to discover every corner of the school and cherish “our” spaces. The belongingness holds significance in the respect of spaces and their environments.

[Fig. 4.] A few months ago, we went to Gwalior fort, and it’s hard to forget the three openings, where my three friends lean their faces probably like “3 Idiots” movie and created a reason for laughter.

That’s how places are remembered, by their ability to connect with memories, and the method of Loci is followed. Hence, the cities possess a character that affects the human brain & behavior in farther contexts. There is a loop in which we create spaces, and then those spaces create us as well.

The spaces are not always concrete solid structures but can exist in their very being—hidden, invisible, and metaphorical.

People's memories of a place are associations that entangle them to the location and give them a strong sense of belonging there. The memory imbues the location with a palpable presence. It also highlights the psychological significance of the location, transforming it into a central focus for cultural spirit and social interaction, culminating in a more cohesive community. Remembrances are the result of our bodies' physical experiences and interactions around us. It interacts with the individual on various states of consciousness, space can have a central spot in one‘s mind. These environments elicit and interact with the sense of individuality and place in time, and they will continue to play a significant role in the built environment.

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Fig. 4. Photograph of - Memories at Gwalior Fort.

(Experiences and interaction with spaces.)

9. ROLE OF SPACES IN FORMATION OF MEMORIES Spaces are captured in our memories and it is difficult to isolate them from each other. A large number of memories come back to us when we repeatedly stand or move around in the same architectural space. Memories are generally stored in an unconscious state in the mind. However, they return to the conscious state when recollected or remained through spatial perception.(Fig 5)

When it comes to architectural spaces stored in the form of memories, the human brain often does not distinguish between what is real and what is not. There are instances when architectural spaces can be visualized by our mind, we imagine ourselves in those spaces but might not have visited those spaces ever in our lives. We often visualize architectural spaces that are mentioned in books, dream about those places too. The human brain creates a series of images, which probably does not exist in reality. The mind imagines things in 3D and hence, the spaces, surroundings and backdrop play a very important role in any dream or imagination.

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Fig 5. Photograph of – At Orchha, the stone & the environment linked together to Became the part of our memory

The dilemma if space is created or not, and whether it is planned or unplanned can be intensified by introducing a new question—‘does space also create something?’ Even though intangible, yes they do. It conducts humans within them and hence creates characters and identities, i.e., they assign roles and responsibility to its inhabitants. From experience to memory, all that the human brain consists of has something to do with space and its surroundings. Surroundings control how people perform and they reflect actions and choices they would make.

The range of this phenomenon is slightly larger than it may appear because these assigned roles, identities, and responsibilities lead to what happens in public spaces at large. Any kind of domination in these spaces is it, class, caste, or gender can change the aura of any space.

Hence, it is not a one-way task of just making something and never turning back to it, but twoway thing that demands involvement and engagement, not only with the depths of perspective sketches but the multiple perspectives of society and culture that various cities inherit.

Architectural spaces play a very important role in visualizing our memories. Architecture not only captures our memories but also has an impact on our reasoning and making sense of the world around us. Spatial perception is the ability of people to perceive spatial relationships consisting of visualizing a space with its features, movement in that space, position and shapes of permanent and temporary things in that space and its approximate measurements. Through spatial perception, every individual interprets their own meaning of the architectural spaces.

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Architecture seems to have a language of its own, where drawings become the medium of communication and lines within them define spaces. But when reading between the lines, they are not entirely the lines of definition but the lines of limitation. Lines through the lens of perspective (drawings) ascribe circumscribed and isolated meanings that filter the complexities of Architecture.

When it comes to architectural spaces stored in the form of memories, the human brain often does not distinguish between what is real and what is not. There are instances when architectural spaces can be visualised by our mind, we imagine ourselves in those spaces but might not have visited those spaces ever in our lives. We often visualize architectural spaces that are mentioned in books, dream about those places too. The human brain creates a series of images, which probably does not exist in reality. The mind imagines things in 3D and hence, the spaces, surroundings and backdrop play a very important role in any dream or imagination.

Scientists study the connection between psychology and the physical environment for the last four decades. However, that relationship is, at an intuitive level, as old as civilization itself. The effects of architectural frames on individuals and society have been considered from the early shelter to today s modern structure. Ancient temples were placed and organized in a way to enhance the desired effects. Alongside this, one can say that modern “temples” like malls and supermarkets continue the exact same approach.

Human perceptions of spaces they spend time in are under direct impact of the reflection of overall cultural and social identities. However, the psychological identity sense and its interaction with interior architecture occur more directly in smaller domains such as local neighborhoods, personal environments and homes. We subconsciously identify with places that reflect our personality’s main features in a complex, bilateral interaction. It’s important to understand that our identity does not depend merely on the composition and form of physical space, but also heavily links to the concept of meaning and making sense. The person defines the space as much as space defines the person, mutually exchanging the gains. Fig 6.

Visual, audio and physical sensations affect the psychological attitude of humans. That explains the vital role of all kinds of design in shaping behavioral pictures worldwide. Interior design needs a special place in studying these connections. One of the primary duties of 14 | P a g e

architecture is to provide sheltering environments that can sustain, or even enhance, its occupants’ well-being. Fig 7.Considering the amount of time most of us are spending indoors, I dare say it’s truly essential.

Fig 6. Mind perceive in varying aspects – Source- Pinterest

Fig 7. The creativity aspect of right side of brain – Source- Pinterest

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10. THE INTERPLAY OF TRANSFORMING ENVIRONMENTS AND POPUPLACE Humans have always had a proclivity to respond to their surroundings based on their perception, consciousness, and spatial behavior. Perception is the process of becoming aware of space through information received through the sense of vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. Perception refers to the psychological processing of visual inputs, whereas spatial behavior describes the responses and reactions to the environment.

When it comes to architectural spaces stored in the form of memories, the human brain often does not distinguish between what is real and what is not. There are instances when architectural spaces can be visualised by our mind, we imagine ourselves in those spaces but might not have visited those spaces ever in our lives. We often visualize architectural spaces that are mentioned in books, dream about those places too. The human brain creates a series of images, which probably does not exist in reality. The mind imagines things in 3D and hence, the spaces, surroundings and backdrop play a very important role in any dream or imagination.

The utilization of transforming environments is necessary, as the cities are becoming denser and denser gradually. The multifunctional places need to be discovered as the true meaning of place lies in discovering its root core, by fulfilling its utmost purpose. For example, the Indore Streets of fast food centres are assembled during the evening hours specifically and meanwhile the other shops play their role.

The blend of appropriate built environment encompasses the people to prospect varied behaviours.

The intentional environment leads to the perception of freedom, safety, assurance, happiness among varied people. [Fig. 8.] For example, during my first year in Architecture College, we were wandering along with the campus and found this one serene park, and surprisingly we made our sheets there. Probably the environment played with our psychology and made us do so in an amusing way.

Therefore, the Environment plays a significant role in the psychology of humans. And Transforming environments can evolve better ideas in people & their perception might change of the long & long hours of work. We can design places where the people can come together and be better human beings as well.

Now, the application of searching the multipurpose in places involves a multidimensional approach.

We experience planning, sections, and elevation differently. The plan tells us about relationships of one activity to another; sections tell us about the spatial quality, views from and light into that place; 16 | P a g e

elevations we see when they confront us; normally they don't and we don't see them. The priorities in design are place, relationships, and sequential experience. Walking the site, plans, sections, sketches (mood and sequence) are all involved in the design process. [Fig. 9.]

The place is a personal projection people give to space which is not limited to the boundaries of materials but is a complex construct of various social, political, and emotional experiences. This has to do with an individual who inhabits the space and the values they attach to it. These places are far away from the grid of paper and act as the product of need at any particular time.

There is a sense of belongingness that these places provide to their people, from shared emotions, values, and memory. They comfort people with an area of incautiousness… to just to be.

Nevertheless, numerous factors shape this idea—it could be the feel of any particular space, or the significant smell or some regular noise in the background, or even the silence it offers. There are unplanned corners (not always in the corner) everywhere in the city which are constructed by the lines of interaction and not an intersection.

Even though elements within buildings are designed for specific functions they aren’t always unique to their use. From that Tea seller on the roadside to those parked bikes and stairs outside any metro station, they all act as mutual points for people to interact, letting them take a break from their structured lives. Not always designed, temporarily occupied by people of a city, and covered with an uncertain population, spaces always entail some hidden places.

Memory serves as the foundation for building meaning, regardless of whether it is autobiographical or collective. Every aspect of experience becomes enveloped in the process of memory. It forms our identity as individuals together to form the identity of social groups. Memory is also the thread which links the lived-in now with the past and the future: what I remember of my past has contributed to what I am today and will play a role in defining who I grow to become in the future.

The relationship between architecture and memory is forged in each one’s appropriation of the other to make connection in space and time; the fragmentation between present and past disappears, alone place, through imagery, unites with another.

Memory and architecture complement one another in that they use man’s perception of imagery to recall peculiarities of place. For memory, architecture serves as a point of reference in time – a screen against which one deflects their experiences; in architecture, memory imparts the essence of form which allows the built environment to lend itself to human spatial comprehension.

Architecture is a distinct phenomenon. It comprises landscapes and settlements, buildings and characterizing articulation. Therefore, it is a living reality. Since remote times, architecture has 17 | P a g e

helped man in making his existence meaningful. With the aid of architecture he has gained a foothold in space and time. Architecture is therefore concerned with something more than practical needs and economy. It is concerned with existential meanings. Existential meanings are derived from natural, human, and spiritual phenomena, and are experienced as order and character.

Architecture translates these meanings into spatial forms. Spatial forms in architecture are neither Euclidean nor Einsteinium. In architecture spatial form means place, path, and domain; that is, the concrete structure of man's environment. Therefore, architecture cannot be satisfactorily described by means of geometrical or semi logical concepts. Architecture ought to be understood in terms of meaningful (symbolic) forms.

The built environment has the power to generate various emotions which leads to change in our mental states, also impacts creativity, how we feel, decision making, memory, learning, and most importantly, our well-being and happiness. Helps better understand how spaces are perceived and experienced by a human. Its study, with a lot of scientific back-ups, is aimed at creating a positive impact on user experience. Neuroarchitecture has successfully proved that the design of buildings or cities affects humans’ brains and behavior in a much deeper way than previously imagined by architectural psychology. The built environment has the power to generate various emotions which leads to change in our mental states, also impacts creativity, how we feel, decision making, memory, learning, and most importantly, our well-being and happiness.

The place is a personal projection people give to space which is not limited to the boundaries of materials but is a complex construct of various social, political, and emotional experiences. This has to do with an individual who inhabits the space and the values they attach to it. These places are far away from the grid of paper and act as the product of need at any particular time. There is a sense of belongingness that these places provide to their people, from shared emotions, values, and memory.

They comfort people with an area of incautiousness to just to be. Nevertheless, numerous factors shape this idea—it could be the feel of any particular space, or the significant smell or some regular noise in the background, or even the silence it offers. There are unplanned corners (not always in the corner) everywhere in the city which are constructed by the lines of interaction and not an intersection.

Even though elements within buildings are designed for specific functions they aren’t always unique to their use. From that Tea seller on the roadside to those parked bikes and stairs outside any metro station, they all act as mutual points for people to interact, letting them take a break from their 18 | P a g e

structured lives. Not always designed, temporarily occupied by people of a city, and covered with an uncertain population, spaces always entail some hidden places.

The dilemma if space is created or not, and whether it is planned or unplanned can be intensified by introducing a new question—‘does space also create something?’ Even though intangible, yes they do. It conducts humans within them and hence creates characters and identities, i.e., they assign roles and responsibility to its inhabitants.

From experience to memory, all that the human brain consists of has something to do with space and its surroundings. Surroundings control how people perform and they reflect actions and choices they would make. (Oh well on that note, the brain is a space too which controls all the activities of the human body.)

The range of this phenomenon is slightly larger than it may appear because these assigned roles, identities, and responsibilities lead to what happens in public spaces at large. Any kind of domination in these spaces is it, class, caste, or gender can change the aura of any space.

Hence, it is not a one-way task of just making something and never turning back to it, but two-way thing that demands involvement and engagement, not only with the depths of perspective sketches but the multiple perspectives of society and culture that various cities inherit.

From a generalized societal perspective, we have for the most part been increasingly creating our buildings and communities with preoccupation of immediacy - short term results - rather than with sincere concern for long term appropriateness, value, permanence or significance. Our contemporary habitat tends overwhelmingly to be created by prioritization of the impact of ‘first' costs and value systems that place the priorities of individual landowners above those of the public domain. We seem to have a very limited interest in Architecture; it does not market easily or compete well with lower but more expedient standards of care. It demands that we build well, which usually means building less; it.

Perhaps more importantly, few among us seem to have more than vague idea why such seemingly quixotic priorities may have value, much less how they might actually be attained. Instant gratification is rewarded by the market and supported by our culture. We tend to favor quantity over quality, image over substance, with little if any regard for issues of economic, environmental, or social sustainability. All these factors play a role in discouraging meaningful concern for long-term 19 | P a g e

value in terms of individual works or community. All too often, the role of architects or designers is simply reduced to the literal application of decoration and ornament intended to shroud indifferent work completed in haste - functioning as an 'exterior decorator' for whoever is really in charge of design decisions. When this is our point of departure, it is difficult to imagine building a legacy worthy of our coming generations.The vital role of symbolism in architecture and design is especially confused in this context of unbridled commercialism by the lure of associative decoration, fast and easy, glib and disinterested ornament, arbitrary and superficial style.

A high quality environment (as opposed to a mere high stimulation environment) will have a quality of authenticity, or 'realness' about it. While this experience may be increasingly uncommon in the context of our built environment, it is readily accessible to many among us... in nature. The natural world is, for those of us who are drawn to it, synonymous with the experience of 'high quality environment'. It draws us out and engages our senses at both intellectual and pre-intellectual levels.

We yearn for the qualities nature offers.

Architecture is a not only a concrete phenomenon. It comprises landscapes and settlements, buildings and characterizing articulation. Therefore, it is a living reality. Since remote times, architecture has helped man in making his existence meaningful. With the aid of architecture he has gained a foothold in space and time. Architecture is therefore concerned with something more than practical needs and economy. It is concerned with existential meanings. Existential meanings are derived from natural, human, and spiritual phenomena, and are experienced as order and character. Architecture translates these meanings into spatial forms. In architecture spatial form means place, path, and domain; that is, the concrete structure of man's environment. Therefore, architecture cannot be satisfactorily described by means of geometrical or semi logical concepts. Architecture ought to be understood in terms of meaningful (symbolic) forms. As such, it is part of the history of existential meanings. It must be emphasized that existential meaning is not something arbitrarily added to man's daily life.

Such meanings are inherent in daily life, consisting of the relationships between natural and human properties."

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Fig. 8. Photograph of The unplanned group junctures in the greens. (Places of remembrance.)

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Fig 9. Photograph of - The multidimensional use of staircases, in Blue World (Kanpur), IIT (Kanpur), Orchha (MP). (The transforming enviroments.)

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10.1 Incorporating Nature After the industrial revolution, new materials were created and new techniques of construction were developed, enabling us to build in a more efficient and faster way. However, this led to a certain lack of creativity and sensibility, resulting in a series of monotonous buildings that looked the same.

Living in spaces such as these may in fact feel quite unwelcoming and give out a certain feeling of negativity, thus affecting the human psyche indirectly and inevitably. The question that came to mind was: How to restore the life and aura of dull spaces such as these?

The solution was a clear one: Incorporate nature into the design of these spaces. The connection that humans forged with nature ever since the beginning of times is known to be a rather rock-hard and undeniable one. Humans always found in nature their haven and refuge. Nowadays, architecture does not only consist of building a safe home of concrete, glass, and steel but of incorporating nature in every aspect of one’s daily routine. [Fig 10] Including a garden, whether small or big in one’s home or even planters when resources don’t allow, can enhance feelings of positivity and comfort and build in the users a sense of belonging and attachment to their home. [Fig 11]

Fig 10. Sunrise at Varanasi – Nature blends with places Source- 08ba6a4903c13340af77a13b443209b3.jpg (1080×884) (pinimg.com) 23 | P a g e

Fig 11. The symbolism of remembrance Taj Mahal is enhanced by the use of design principles

aligned with built – environment.

Source- spirit of places loci india - Bing

10.2 Public Spaces

On a bigger scale, the way buildings are arranged and cities are organized can affect the way their inhabitants behave and feel. While some urban spaces stimulate people and make them feel positive and alive, others lead to an unfortunate flow of events and negative emotions. An experiment has been conducted on a group of subjects who have been led through different parts of a city.

Using monitoring bracelets and headsets that would help depict their pulse, heart rate, and brain activity, it was possible to highlight how public spaces affect the human psyche. Passing by stores with smoked glass fronts, the subjects quickened their pace, thus showcasing feelings of discomfort and anxiety. Spaces such as these, with a lack of light and security, can subsequently lead to an increase in crime rates.

However, passing by a chain of brightly lit restaurants and buildings, the individuals felt immediately more comfortable and enthusiastic. This proves how the design of public spaces and cities at large play an important role in human psychology and behavior.

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10.3 Social Environments vs Social Isolation The creation of successful public places is quite a challenge for architects and designers. What defines a successful public place though? It is, without doubt, the capacity of that space to pull people closer together and invite them to socialize while being comfortable and at ease. Nowadays, incorporating elements in natural settings that help people acquire feelings of well-being is an efficient way to combat social isolation. For instance, making people feel good will make it easier for them to socialize and open up.

Introducing activities related to street art or music and making a place for benches and tables in wide public areas are ways to also achieve this goal. This proves how the way public spaces are designed can play a major role in affecting one’s mental state and comfort, thus affecting one’s capacity to open up and socialize less or more. That principle can be observed in Times Squares by Snohetta, where benches have been included within the urban landscape, making a living and social space for pedestrians to meet up and enjoy.

10.4 Health and the Living Space In the same way, in which certain elements in a space can make people feel good, enhance their productivity and lift their moods, some spaces can have the exact controversial effect. When we talk about one’s living space, one’s home, it is necessary to make sure that this space works in favour of its inhabitants and is procuring them the comfort they need to lead a healthy physical and mental life.

Living in poorly conceived spaces that do not consider a pleasant indoor climate, a required amount of light and ventilation, and a smooth organization can lead the user to feel constantly stressed and irritated, leading to serious anxiety and fatigue, sometimes without really knowing the reason behind.

[Fig 12] Today, it is mandatory for architects to think about the comfort of the inhabitants inside their homes and manage to accommodate all of their needs, especially children’s and the orderly’s, for these portions of age spend even more time indoors than others. On a bigger scale, improving people’s homes and living spaces would beneficiate their educational outcomes and achievements, reducing crimes and scandals and thus promoting a better future for everyone. As the saying goes, “It all starts at home.”

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Fig 12. Design impacts mental health Source- Webp.net-resizeimage-2020-02-18T143346.793.jpg (1140×600) (cannondesign.com)

10.5 Spatiality and Behavior Designing an interior space and furnishing it in a specific way dictates how the users will move and behave in that space. In other words, and contrary to the beliefs, we do not have full control over the spaces we live in; however, the spaces we live in have some degree of control over us. Spaces that are wider and more open, with flexible furniture, allow freedom of movement and thus have a positive and welcoming impact on the users.

On the contrary, clogged and tight spaces will immediately make the users feel limited and more restricted in their movements, thus influencing their thinking and moods negatively. This concept of designing interior spaces is therefore very important, especially in workspaces and offices, or even design studios, where flexibility is mandatory to allow the users to rearrange the settings according to their needs (a common set of offices can be rearranged into a meeting room for example through moveable partitions, the same way in design studios tables and chairs can be rearranged freely when students would want to exhibit their works to the jury).

With most of our lives spent indoors, the space we occupy has a major role in our psychological behavior. Environmental psychology or Space psychology is, in fact, the interaction between people and the spaces they inhabit. Lighting, colors, configuration, scale, proportions, acoustics, and materials address the senses of the individual and generate a spectrum of feelings and practices.

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From inducing warmth and safety, defining well-being, or creating a positive and efficient working environment, space can have a whole lot of impact on how we act or on what we feel; therefore, design and creative measures should be considered according to the social and psychological needs of the occupants.

“Architectural cues can provide reinforcement to the desired behaviors that we would like to see enacted in specific place types,” says environmental psychologist and interior designer Migette Kaup. In other words, architecture is the physical mean. While key factors, that architects need to pay attention to, include safety, social connectedness, ease of movement, and sensory stimulation; more concrete measures encompass light, colours, art, ventilation, etc. For example, some principles of design comprising balance, proportion, symmetry, and rhythm can introduce a sense of harmony. Colours, on the other hand, have a very simple logic behind them, the warmer the colour is, the more compact space becomes. They can also evoke feelings of comfort or stimulate communication. Light depends greatly on the function. A dim light suggests a gloomy space while a bright light defines a bigger animated appearance. Natural light stimulates production and recovery.

Spatial structures promote certain patterns of behavior, and designs and equipment animate us to certain ways of dealing with and using them. Phenomena such as dilapidation, improper use or vandalism often have structural causes. If architecture promotes a positive and emotional attachment to places and strengthen a sense of responsibility, such consequences can be intercepted. Thus questions about the How?, Whereby? and Why? for all residential and construction projects be carefully studied and answered. Living or working environments can also become instruments of identification for our personality. If those processes occur, our sense of responsibility for the spaces we inhabit develops.

In conclusion, the arrangement, equipment and dimensioning of spaces and their design influence the human patterns of movement, actions and usage. If spaces are created in a way that runs counter to our patterns, it can hamper our movements and actions and cause anger or frustration. Or, conversely, support the structures of everyday life and make us feel comfortable.

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10.6 Psychology in Architecture: No Place like Home The home interior also makes a statement for his owners while providing shelter. Thus it has to offer an unbeatable sense of “being on your own.” Your home is your kingdom, shaped by the way it fits you above everything else. There’s no place like home—because nothing else is a reflection of us on such a large scale. [Fig 13] Close your eyes and imagine that you see an absolutely blank living room. There are no finishes, no furnishing, no parameters, and no connection with the exterior. Does this room speak to you? Hardly.

But try to add some colour to the walls, bring down a wall that doesn’t feel right, put in some textures, and open the windows. Does it speak now? Imagine how far such a connection can reach in the hands of a knowledgeable architect or interior designer. The sky’s the limit.

Fig 13. Photograph - Even the road to home smells belongingness

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11. RECOGNIZING THE SPIRIT OF SPACES

The spirit of place offers a more comprehensive understanding of the living and, at the same time, permanent character of monuments, sites and cultural landscapes. It provides a richer, more dynamic and inclusive vision of cultural heritage. Spirit of place exists, in one form or another, in practically all the cultures of the world, and is constructed by human beings in response to their social needs.

The communities that inhabit place, especially when they are traditional societies, should be intimately associated in the safeguarding of its memory, vitality, continuity and spirituality.[Fig 14.]

Spirit of place (or soul) refers to the unique, distinctive and cherished aspects of a place; often those celebrated by artists and writers, but also those cherished in folk tales, festivals and celebrations. It is thus as much in the invisible weave of culture (stories, art, memories, beliefs, histories, etc.) as it is the tangible physical aspects of a place (monuments, boundaries, rivers, woods, architectural style, rural crafts styles, pathways, views, and so on) or its interpersonal aspects (the presence of relatives, friends and kindred spirits, and the like).

S

Fig 14. Spirit of Places Source- Pinterest

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Often the term is applied to a rural or a relatively unspoiled or regenerated place — whereas the very similar term sense of place would tend to be more domestic, urban, or suburban in tone. For instance, one could logically apply 'sense of place' to an urban high street; noting the architecture, the width of the roads and pavements, the plantings, the style of the shop-fronts, the street furniture, and so on, but one could not really talk about the 'spirit of place' of such an essentially urban and commercial environment. However, an urban area that looks faceless or neglected to an adult may have deep meaning in children's street culture.

The Roman term for spirit of place was Genius loci, by which it is sometimes still referred. This has often been historically envisaged as a guardian animal or a small supernatural being (puck, fairy, elf, and the like) or a ghost. In the developed world these beliefs have been, for the most part, discarded.

The western cultural movements of Romanticism and Neo-romanticism are often deeply concerned with creating cultural forms that’re-enchant the land', in order to establish or re-establish a spirit of place.

Modern earth art (sometimes called environment art) artists such as Andy Goldsworthy have explored the contribution of natural/ephemeral sculpture to spirit of place.[3][4] Many indigenous and tribal cultures around the world are deeply concerned with spirits of place in their landscape. Spirits of place are explicitly recognized by some of the world's main religions: Shinto has

its Kami which

may

incorporate

spirits

of

place;

and

the Dvarapalas and Lokapalas in Hinduism, Vajrayana and Bonpo traditions.

In the statues of the Hindu gods, one will never find it in a stationery positioning, some might be in dancing, smiling, sitting with different postures along with varied gestures that somehow depicts that no single space is idle, it has an inbuilt spirit that needs to be felt and restored for the fulfillment of its intention. Therefore, the design must serve its objective. As Glen Murcutt told in his interview that we cannot reach the ultimate in Architecture, but however one has to try enough to achieve the true being of a particular place.

Places can't communicate with us in human terms, but we can listen to what they ask for and accept.

The senses, taken together, paint a picture of a reality that no single sense can adequately describe, a reality we call spirit, the spirit of a person, event, or place. [Fig. 6.] The spirit is more than just the appearance or comfort that has a profound impact on us.

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When you stand in front of a new building or walk into one, it usually feels empty, like a spiritless shell. It waits for someone to come along and shower it with love, comfort, and individuality by hanging curtains in the windows, placing flowers on the balcony, and instilling life in the rooms.

However, until that happens, many structures will remain lifeless. Such structures have not yet begun the process of ensoulment. Every location has something unique, living and evolving, but enduring beyond minor change. It is a separate entity - the spirit of the location. Every location has a spirit, though it isn't always pleasant. [Fig. 15.]

Loci, the idea of a place's spirit has been around for a long time. Researchers believe that the spirit of a place is formed and given by both tangible (locations, dwellings, natural landscape, pathways, artefacts) and intangible (remembrances, stories, documents, festivals, celebrations, rituals, cultural traditions, principles, fabrics, colour schemes, aromas, and so on) features. The meaning of heritage is enriched and completed by intangible cultural heritage, which must be preserved.

Local people, particularly traditional cultural groups, are best equipped to understand and safeguard the spirit of place, and they should be involved in all efforts to conserve and transmit the spirit of place. Non-formal (stories, ceremonies, showings, traditional experiences, and behaviours, etc.) and formal (educational services, virtual database management systems, websites, pedagogical tools, multimedia presentations, etc.) modes of transmission should be encouraged because they ensure not only the preservation and restoration of the spirit of place, but also the community's long-term sustainable and socio-economic development. The past and the future are inextricably linked; the former informs, while the latter inspires.

The spirit of place offers a more comprehensive understanding of the living and, at the same time, permanent character of monuments, sites and cultural landscapes. It provides a richer, more dynamic and inclusive vision of cultural heritage. Spirit of place exists, in one form or another, in practically all the cultures of the world, and is constructed by human beings in response to their social needs.

The communities that inhabit place, especially when they are traditional societies, should be intimately associated in the safeguarding of its memory, vitality, continuity and spirituality.

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Fig. 15. Photograph of – The magnificent view of the rising sun from the balcony . (Nature blends with the spirit in spaces.)

Recognizing that the spirit of place is made up of tangible (sites, buildings, landscapes, routes, objects) as well as intangible elements (memories, narratives, written documents, festivals, commemorations, rituals, traditional knowledge, values, textures, colours, odours, etc.), which all significantly contribute to making place and to giving it spirit, we declare that intangible cultural heritage gives a richer and more complete meaning to heritage as a whole and it must be taken into account in all legislation concerning cultural heritage, and in all conservation and restoration projects for monuments, sites, landscapes, routes and collections of objects. Because the spirit of place is complex and multiform, we demand that governments and other stakeholders call upon the expertise of multidisciplinary research teams and traditional practitioners in order to better understand, preserve and transmit the spirit of place. Since the spirit of place is a continuously reconstructed process, which responds to the needs for change and continuity of communities, we uphold that it can vary in time and from one culture to another according to their practices of memory, and that a place can have several spirits and be shared by different groups.[Fig 16 ]

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Fig 16.

Role of spaces in different value based systems

The built environment has direct and indirect effects on human psychology. It has an impact on our senses, mood, emotions, motivations, judgments, decisions, health, and participation in physical activity and community life. Having a good built environment is important because it can give better performance, less distraction, and occupants comfort and satisfaction. The preferences of certain physical environments may be neutrally/hormonally underpinned, evolutionarily driven, and/or culturally modulated. Furthermore, individual differences are likely to lead to diverging experiences of the same building or room. To create a built environment is not only providing four blank walls, but to build a space that satisfies physical & psychological needs. A space should be flexible enough to be personalized by different occupants, and the best way to achieve this in today’s complex environment is through more participation, cooperation and understanding among designers and environmental psychologists.

Architecture is the art, which combines expression, technology and the satisfaction of human needs.

Its purpose is to make places where people feel more human, more alive and mostly more filled.[Fig 17]

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Fig. 17. Photograph of - Experience of the village life at Kanpur. (The Spirit lies in the roots.)

12. SURVEY BASED ANALYSIS 12.1. HOSTEL PREMISES

On exploring the built environment of our hostel campus, we realized that some spaces hold a strong sense of belongingness in them. When asked by the girls residing there, we could figure out the common spaces that were appreciated by all. The remembrance in spaces is created by the activities that happened there. For instance, there are two benches in the garden area, are situated just in front of the entry. The dull concrete bench followed in fig was constructed earlier, and later on, the comfortable red-colored benches were constructed. [Fig 18] The inference brought is that most people sit on the older bench, & not opt for the more comfortable (newly constructed one ) as their first preference. We observed that it could have been possible only due to a sense of belongingness.

Probably, as the spirit lies in the roots, so the roots can never be replaced, they can only be replanted

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with better ideas. If the previous bench would have been renovated with fewer changes & additional comfort of modern techniques, it would have been used better or the newly benches constructed would accommodate some elements of the previous bench, they would have been utilized better.

The conclusion draws the significance of remembrance in spaces & its impact on the perception of people. [Fig 19]

[Fig 18] Photograph – Hostel Premises

[Fig 19] Photograph – Hostel Premises

The [ Fig 20] shown below is the photograph of the projected area just at the entry of our hostel gate.

This space was utilized as it depicts a sense of freedom with its openness & blend of nature.

Furthermore, when we used to leave for the vacations, a group of girls greeted here. And unknowingly so this space became a part of the memory. So, spaces need to be designed in a pattern accommodating the required design principles for better enclosure and remembrance.

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Fig 20. Photograph of – Entry of Hostel gate

12.2. OUTSIDE COLLEGE CAMPUS

On analyzing the perception of spaces just outside our university, the pattern followed with Exit from the main gate and completing our incomplete discussions under the shaded area just beside the main gate. [Fig 20] Jhansi is blessed to have enough greenery to change up your negative vibes to positive ones. Further stepping ahead, one could never skip sitting over the concrete circular platform, as it provides a sense of enclosure due to its circular shape & perhaps turns into the most remembered space where all the friendships become stronger eventually. [Fig 21]

Now moving ahead, one can find a series of temporary shops aligned linearly along the campus wall. There is one “tea shop” that is my favorite among all of them, such that I & my batchmates could always be found thereafter long hours of submissions.

This is how we remember spaces. The aspects such as connectivity, utilization play a 36 | P a g e

significant role, but the spirit is the master of all. That needs to be discovered in spaces for better utilization & will be remembered in the longer run. [Fig 22]

Fig 21. Photograph of – The Entry of the our university

Fig 22. Photograph of –The shaded sitting area beside the entry

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Fig 23. Photograph of – The temporary shops aligned linearly along the pathway

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13. CONCLUSION

The memories people have of a place are correlations that connect them to it and give them a sense of belongingness. As a result of the memory, the location takes on a physical presence. It moreover underlines the concerns surrounding the place, transforming it into a focal point for cultural true essence and human engagement, resulting in a more cohesive community. The design must be followed by paying attention to a location's needs; newcomers can feel as if they've always belonged there.

In today’s scenario, the majority of designs are generally concerned with aesthetics than with responsiveness. Places have such profound effects on the human being, no matter where they are, on human consciousness, and, ultimately, on the world, that it is far too important to be shaped by fads.

It can have serious personal, social, and environmental consequences. The connection between health problems, detachment, violence, and climate variability is now well established. Environmental improvements are nothing more than a gimmick when sensory messages clash. As a result, the strategy is to come up with simple yet innovative suggestions for improving habitability in the coming years.

The appropriate role of the architect is not to attempt the direct assignment of existential meaning, but to create architecture that is capable of acquiring such meaning - architecture that provides a framework for meaningful and satisfying use, and that becomes more valued, 'real', and distinctive over time.

The new generations hold the responsibility to reincarnate “Loci”, to initiate the significance of communication with habitats, declining the disparities. Places shouldn’t limit themselves to lifeless areas rather provide varying experiences to people, by creating encountering & lively places.

Henceforth, the creation will blossom again with the connection of the universe.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1]

Places of the soul, Architecture and Environmental Design as a healing Art – by Christopher Day

[2]

Aiello, J. R. (1987). Human spatial behaviour. In D. Stokols & I. Altman (Eds.), Handbook of environmental psychology (Vol. 1, pp. 505–531). New York: Wiley.

[3]

Altman, I. (1975). The environment and social behavior. Monterey, CA.: Brooks/Cole.

[4]

Anthes, E. (2009). How Room Designs Affect Your Work and Mood.

[5]

Bjørn Grinde, G. G. (2009). Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being? EPA. (2009). US EP Agency.

[6]

Galindo, M. P. (2000). Environmental aesthetic and psychological well-being.

[7]

Remembering and Forgetting: Contesting the Collective Memory of Built Heritage for Conflict Resolution By Radhika Jhamaria - RTF | Rethinking The Future (re-thinkingthefuture.com)

[8]

Spaces and Memories - RTF | Rethinking The Future

[9]

Bachelard, G. and Hieronimus, G., n.d. La poétique de l’espace.

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