A pleasant evening at the park can be so refreshing with a cool breeze and the sweet smell of flowers. The park was covered with greenery and the benches with fallen leaves. A gaggle of children playing, running, and shouting. Youngsters are involved in the exercise. Elders take their usual walk and some sit under a shady tree having their chit chats. What a pleasing scene it is!
Park is apparently a place for all groups of people who come to enjoy themselves and it gives an exhilarating experience. On the contrary, an architect’s way of looking at a park is conspicuous. An architect’s perception delves into understanding the reason behind the experience. A plunge into Architectural thinking reveals the nuanced connection between people and their environment. A space can be captivating, calming, and provoking human emotions which is explicitly seen through the lens of architecture.
Architecture can change one’s perception. Interestingly, architecture itself is a matter of perspective.
The Pursuit of Architecture
In the process of shaping as an architect, one has to encounter a list of questions that potentially transform the perspective from a mere physical entity to a holistic experience. It elevates cognizance by unravelling the layers of architecture by bringing the intricate details that often go unnoticed by a neophyte.
The perception of architecture begins from day-to-day exposure to analysing the works of great people all around the world. From just looking at public spaces and community areas as a place of gathering, getting daunted by the huge skyscrapers to understanding the principles behind the space and form, architecture influences the way we perceive spaces drastically.
Architecture and Psychology
Architectural psychology is a profound stream of understanding the mental and physical response of humans to their environment. The Physical connection of a person with the space can be inferred in terms of Ergonomics and Anthropometry. The study of using design to make any space safer and cosy for the user is known as Ergonomics. Anthropometry is a field of study that assists ergonomics in dealing with human body measurements.
“We see, hear, feel and smell each design element we choose” – said Sally Augustin at Forbes
The mental and emotional connection with spaces can be established by using the senses.
Architecture plays a vital role in developing the emotional and sensual interrelation with the surroundings. In the course of designing, several factors are to be considered. It starts with the core functionality, designing light and ventilation, traversing through different materials to embrace the user with a wholesome experience. These parameters explicitly affect the sensory perception of a human. It enhances the physical and mental well-being of the user.
One can have nostalgic memories while entering an old building. The aroma of the half-plaster wall could take him back to years. The colourful setting of a play school will trigger the exuberant part of the child’s memory. Most of the time the balcony helps the household people to have a glimpse of the world outside. The divine experience of the chants echoed from the vaults of the church are the emotions provoked by the environment that people experience without meta-awareness.
Architecture of Public Spaces
For instance, public spaces are exemplary concepts, which teach how a place could be inclusive of all groups of people, regardless of any discrepancy. It is a phenomenal way of extending the threshold of a common man’s environment. It blends with the context that one can freely explore the space embracing heightened awareness. It is the lens of an architect that delves into the fundamental intention to understand the space.
The architecture behind the public spaces starts from the core functionality. It has a huge impact on social well-being. It caters to the needs of a wide range of users. The function developed in space may be momentary. But it captivates people, holds them for some time, and creates an impact that stays on even after moving from the place. On the other hand, spaces are having social interaction extended from a private zone. There is a sub-structure called “Thinnai” from traditional houses, an extended platform in the front opening into the streets. It acts like a semi-public space connecting people from the inside to the outer world. A seamless transition is created between two entities. It also allows social interaction among the community nourishing the social life.
Architecture has taught people the basic elements and principles of design, which form the foundation of the realm. The perspective and analysis begin with the personification of the structure. This contrasting perception in architecture not only sways the way of looking at a building but also influences the approach to design. It helps in analysing the pros and cons of a space in both visual and functional aspects. The perception does not focus only on the aesthetic part, but a lot more allures of the design. Architecture is a mere visual art without a function. The prowess of architecture lies in finding the balance between functionality, beauty, and utility.
Image Reference:
- Escher, M. C. (1953). Relativity. [lithograph print]
- Why we need the thinnai
https://www.thehindu.com/real-estate/why-we-need-the-thinnai/article65299041.ece
