Memory and its relationship to architecture and urban space is a common topic of discussion in urban design and architecture. Memories are essential to life and shape experiences and perceptions of the world. Incorporating memory into architecture and urban spaces is crucial in creating meaningful places; also improving the sense of identity and culture. Memories of past events, people, and locations form the basis of our identity and contribute to our understanding of our cultural heritage. Therefore, architecture and urban design closely tied to memory elements can reinforce a community’s sense of identity and cultural heritage.
Memories can help people navigate through the built environment. Memory cues such as landmarks, street patterns, and building types can aid in wayfinding and orientation within a city. Incorporating memory cues into the built environment can also enhance the sense of place and attachment to a particular area. It is such a pivotal factor in shaping the experiences of the urban space. Meaningful places reinforce identity and cultural heritage while enhancing the understanding and navigation of the built environment. The phrase “All roads lead to Rome” illustrates the close relationship between memory and the urban space. Throughout history, cities have had a design that created memorable experiences and reinforced collective memory. In modern cities, architecture continues to be influenced by memory and the desire to create meaningful places. This article will take a close look into the intricacies of that relationship.
The Poetics of Space
In the book “The Poetics of Space,” Gaston Bachelard explores the relationship between memory and architecture from a phenomenological perspective. According to Bachelard, memories of lived experiences and emotions are closely tied to the physical spaces in which they occur. Therefore, architecture is not just a physical structure but a repository of memories and emotions. Bachelard argues that architecture has the potential to evoke memories and emotions through the use of spatial elements such as doors, windows, and staircases. These elements are not just functional but can also serve as symbols of the human experience. For example, an entry can represent a threshold between different spaces and the transition from one event to another.
Bachelard’s work emphasises the importance of the human experience in architecture and highlights the potential for architecture to evoke memories and emotions. By incorporating spatial elements rich in symbolism, architects can create spaces that serve their functional purpose and contribute to a meaningful human experience. This approach is particularly relevant in the design of spaces to evoke emotions, such as places of worship, memorial sites, and museums.
Cultural Identity in the Urban Space
Architecture and urban spaces serve as a backdrop for our lives and provide the context for our experiences. As such, they shape the sense of identity and cultural heritage. Memory is closely tied to both of these concepts and can be used to reinforce a community’s sense of identity and cultural heritage.
One example of this is the incorporation of cultural symbols and motifs into architectural design. For instance, churches and cathedrals are a common feature of the urban landscape in many European cities. These buildings are not just places of worship but also symbols of European cultural heritage. The design of these buildings is often ornate and intricate, incorporating elements such as stained glass windows, frescoes, and sculptures. These design elements serve as reminders of the cultural and religious history of the area, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging.
Wayfinding and Memory
Wayfinding is a critical aspect of urban space, as it helps people navigate through the built environment. Memory can play a significant role in aiding wayfinding, as landmarks, street patterns, and building types can serve as memory cues that help people remember where they are and where they need to go.
One example of this is the use of distinctive architecture to aid wayfinding. In many cities, some buildings stand out from the surrounding landscape, such as the Empire State Building in New York City or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. These buildings can be reference points to help people orient themselves within the city. Similarly, distinctive street patterns can aid wayfinding, such as the grid system used in many North American cities.
The sense of place
Memories of a particular area help to establish humanity’s sense of place. The memories of a space, whether positive or negative, contribute to the attachment society forms to that place. One example of this is the use of public art to create a sense of place. Public art can take many forms, including sculptures, murals, and installations, and these build memory cues which reinforce possible attachments people will have with those areas.
Some memories come from the emotional response to the built environment. They can evoke feelings of nostalgia, comfort, or excitement. One example of this is the use of colour and light in architectural design. Different colours can evoke distinct emotions, such as red for passion or green for tranquillity. Architects and urban designers can create a more positive emotional response to the built environment by incorporating colours associated with positive memories and playing with the concept of light and lighting in their designs.
The Architecture of Memory
In conclusion, the relationship between memory and architecture is complex and multifaceted. Architects and urban planners can design the built environment to create meaningful and memorable experiences contributing to collective memory and cultural identity. The book “The Poetics of Space” offers valuable insights into how architects can accomplish it and architecture’s role in shaping emotional experiences and memories.
Bachelard’s work emphasises the importance of understanding how people interact with the built environment on a deeper, more emotional level. By recognising the symbolic value of spaces and design elements, architects can create environments that foster emotional connections and contribute to a meaningful human experience. Bachelard argues that spaces are not simply physical structures but repositories of memories and imagination. This insight offers a compelling framework for the design of urban spaces that incorporate memory and emotion.
One of the key ideas put forward by Bachelard is that spaces are capable of evoking memories and emotions. For example, he argues that the childhood home can evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Similarly, a church or other place of worship can evoke emotions of reverence and awe. By understanding the symbolic value of spaces and the memories they elicit, architects and urban planners can create environments that reinforce cultural heritage and promote sustainability.
Bachelard’s work also highlights the importance of incorporating symbolism into design elements. Architects can create spaces that communicate meaning and evoke emotions by using forms and materials that carry symbolic value. For example, a building with a dome-shaped roof may be associated with authority and power, while another with a sloping roof may evoke a sense of warmth and comfort.
In summary, by recognising the symbolic value of locations and design elements, architects can create urban spaces that foster emotional connections and contribute to a meaningful human experience leading to designing cities that are not just functional but rich in cultural meaning and emotional significance.
References
Bachelard, G. (1994). The Poetics of Space. Boston: Beacon Press.
Hutton, T. A. (2012). The Memory of Place: A Phenomenology of the Uncanny. Athens: University of Georgia Press.
Kubo, M. (2005). Collective Memory and the Historical Past. In M. Kubo (Ed.), Architecture and Memory: The Renaissance Studioli of Federico da Montefeltro (pp. 87-107). Cambridge: MIT Press.
Lynch, K. (1960). The Image of the City. Cambridge: MIT Press.
Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980). Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. New York: Rizzoli.
Rashee, M. A., & Salingaros, N. A. (2017). Memory, architecture, and urban design. Nexus Network Journal, 19(2), 473-484. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00004-017-0356-y [Accessed: 04/05/2023].
Urban Omnibus. (2018). Memory in the city. [online]. Available at: https://urbanomnibus.net/2018/11/memory-in-the-city/ [Accessed date: 05/05/ 2023].
