The dialogue of space and scale as heard by the user

Abstract

This dissertation explores the evolving notion and understanding of scale within contemporary society, challenging its recent common association with physical size. The dissertation argues that the concept of scale goes beyond mere measurements, existing as a relational and phenomenological quality. The study stems from a critical examination of the present local landscape, which has experienced a drastic change in scale, often prioritizing economic gain at the expense of spatial experiences. To redefine scale as an influential architectural tool, the dissertation combines theoretical research and open-ended discussions with professionals, extracting valuable information from the historical use of scale and understanding its impact on user perception within contemporary society. The study breaks down the notion of scale into a gradient of layers: visual, sensory, and emotional scale, in which the latter is investigated through human, intimate, and monumental scales, extracting narratives. These narratives explore how scale influences the user's experience from the level of immediate visual perception to the realm of emotions and imagination, contributing to feelings of monumentality and intimacy in architectural spaces. The research is grounded through the application of the narratives to three case studies with different scales and contexts. With the resulting findings, the research concludes that when treated as an architectural instrument, scale can create rich spatial experiences, enhancing the human connection to our surroundings. In a context where scale has become synonymous with size, this research puts forward potential new approaches to incorporate scale into design. Such incorporation could foster a more intimate and meaningful connection between people and the spaces they inhabit.