Architectural moods : the thoughts and creations of Zumthor, Pallasmaa and Holl

Abstract

The inspiration to research the subject of architectural moods was brought about by a curiosity about the experiential dimension of architecture that causes one to enjoy or want to spend time in a space or place. This aspect goes beyond the functionality, technicalities and photogenic qualities of a building, which is not usually thought in architecture degree programmes. This curiosity lead to the literary and architectural works of the three leading architects in this field; Zumthor, Pallasmaa, and Holl. A phenornenological approach was adopted to better understand the sensual and psychological processes taking place within us when experiencing a space, place, or work of art. Although in today's western world, the sense of focused vision seems to be the most predominant sense, our perception of reality is influenced by a combination of all the senses. Different aspects in architecture were analysed by dwelling reflectively on sensory perception while attempting to capture as many of the individual architectural attributes to mood through examples with the aid of case studies using projects built by the same three leading architects being researched. Finally, in the light of the current selective limitations exemplified by contemporary architecture, and with the knowledge gained throughout the research process, the dissertation suggests that a new movement can address this shortcoming, by fulfilling the task of architecture, which is essentially, as Pallasmaa wrote in his book Encounters (2008), " ... the defence of the authenticity of human experience."