PHENOMENOLOGY

• Phenomenology


  A philosophical movement that emphasizes the study of experience and consciousness
• Phenomenology has become increasingly significant in architectural theory and criticism in recent years
• Phenomenology in architecture


  • It has led to a greater focus on the human experience of architecture, rather than simply its physical form
  • It has emphasized the importance of place and context in design
  • It has challenged the traditional distinction between the inside and outside of buildings
  • It has promoted a more holistic understanding of architecture, one that considers its sensory, emotional, and cultural dimensions
• Examples of how phenomenology can be used in architectural theory

  • A phenomenological analysis of a building could examine the way that it is experienced by different people, considering their individual backgrounds, memories, and expectations
  • A phenomenological critic might examine the way that a building or space evokes different emotions and sensations
  • A phenomenologist might also be interested in the way that a building or space relates to the surrounding environment and to the culture in which it is located
• Core concepts of phenomenology as applied to architecture

  • Embodied experience: Experience is shaped by our bodies and our senses
  • Place: Place is more than just a physical location; it is also a place with meaning and memory
  • Atmosphere: The overall feeling or mood of a space, created by physical form, materials, lighting, and use
  • Dwelling: The way that we inhabit and live in buildings
• Phenomenology in architecture


  A way of understanding and designing buildings and spaces that is focused on the human experience
• Both Husserl and Heidegger's phenomenologies have had a significant impact on architecture
• Emphasis in phenomenological architecture

  • Atmosphere: The overall feeling or mood of a space
  • Dwelling: The way that we inhabit and live in buildings
• Atmosphere


  The overall feeling or mood of a space, created by physical form, materials, lighting, and use
• Dwelling


  The way that we inhabit and live in buildings
• Peter Zumthor applies phenomenology to architecture by focusing on the human experience of buildings and spaces
• Peter Zumthor: '"Atmosphere is not a thing. It cannot be grasped or possessed. It is something that happens between us and things. It is a phenomenon that occurs in the moment of perception."'
• Factors that create atmosphere

  • Physical form of the space
  • Materials used
  • Lighting
  • The way that people use the space
• How phenomenology can be applied to architecture

  • Designing a building responsive to the unique qualities of the site
  • Designing a building that evokes certain emotions
  • Designing a building that supports certain activities
• Intentionality


  The directedness of mental states towards objects
• Intentionality is important for perception because it allows us to focus on specific objects and to interpret our sensory input in a meaningful way
• How intentionality plays a role in perception


  • Focusing on specific objects and ignoring others
  • Using intentionality to change the way we perceive the world
  • Prior knowledge influencing perception
• Lived experience


  The way that our personal experiences shape our understanding of the world
• How lived experience can be used to understand architecture

  • Designing a school more conducive to learning
  • Designing a city more walkable and bikeable
  • Designing a museum more accessible and inclusive
  • Choosing a house that fits one's needs and values
  • Appreciating the unique architecture of a new place
• Lifeworld


  The world as we experience it in our everyday lives, including our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities
• Key concepts in the notion of the lifeworld

  • Embodiment: Our experience is shaped by our physical bodies and senses
  • Place: The meaning and memory associated with a physical location
  • Atmosphere: The overall feeling or mood of a space
• How the notion of the lifeworld can be applied to architecture

  • Designing a school responsive to the needs of the local community
  • Designing a city that is more walkable and bikeable
  • Designing a museum that is more accessible and inclusive
  • Choosing a house that reflects one's needs and values
  • Experiencing the unique architecture and culture of a new place
• Atmosphere in architectural environments

  The overall feeling or mood of a space, created by physical form, materials, lighting, and use
• Atmosphere is an important concept in architecture because it can have a significant impact on the way that people experience a space
• How atmosphere can be created in architectural environments

  • Physical form: High ceilings create openness, low ceilings create enclosure
  • Materials: Warm materials create comfort, cold materials create austerity
  • Lighting: Bright lighting creates energy, dim lighting creates tranquility
  • Use: Active use creates vibrancy, passive use creates serenity
• Atmosphere


  The overall feeling or mood of a space. It is created by a variety of factors, including the physical form of the space, the materials used, the lighting, and the way that people use the space
• Examples of how atmosphere can be created in architectural environments

  • Physical form
  • Materials
  • Lighting
  • Human activity
• Physical form


  • The physical form of a space can have a significant impact on its atmosphere. For example, a high ceiling can create a feeling of openness and spaciousness, while a low ceiling can create a feeling of intimacy and coziness
• Materials


  • The materials used in a space can also affect its atmosphere. For example, natural materials such as wood and stone can create a feeling of warmth and naturalness, while synthetic materials such as metal and plastic can create a feeling of modernity and coolness
• Lighting


  • Lighting is another important factor in creating atmosphere. For example, bright and even lighting can create a feeling of cheerfulness and optimism, while dim and subdued lighting can create a feeling of mystery and romance
• Human activity


  • The way that people use a space can also affect its atmosphere. For example, a crowded and noisy space may create a feeling of excitement and energy, while a quiet and empty space may create a feeling of peace and tranquility
• Architects can use atmosphere to create buildings and spaces that are more meaningful and enriching for people
• Examples of how architects have used atmosphere to create specific effects in their designs

  • The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain
  • The Pantheon in Rome, Italy
  • The Chapel of Light in Ibaraki, Japan
• Sensory perception


  Plays a significant role in experiencing architectural atmospheres. Our senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste all contribute to the way that we experience a space
• Sight


  • The most dominant sense in our experience of architecture. We use our eyes to perceive the physical form of a space, the materials used, the lighting, and the way that people use the space
• Sound


  • An important factor in creating atmosphere. The sounds that we hear in a space can have a significant impact on our mood and our experience of the space
• Smell


  • Can also affect our experience of a space. Certain smells can be associated with positive or negative emotions
• Touch


  • Another important sense in our experience of architecture. We use our sense of touch to perceive the textures and materials of a space
• Taste


  • The least important sense in our experience of architecture, but it can still play a role
• Architects can use sensory perception to create specific effects in their designs