Interiors and the human experience

Architecture offers the ability to change someone’s perspective just by having the experience of being in it. The atmosphere of the interior plays a significant role in the human experience. The materials we choose and how that design effects the interior and the presence of the space really matters to the human experience. Peter Zumthor in “Atmospheres” discusses the interior having “… dense and mood, feeling of presence, well-being, harmony, beauty…” It seem that just the opportunity to be within such spaces can lift someone’s mood or give off a calm sense of place, Zumthor goes on to say that, ”I experience what I otherwise would not experience in precisely this way.”

Barnes Foundation- Philadelphia, PA

With the class discussion on Tuesday and Thursday we are seeing more and more today the impact social life plays with the architecture. Architecture is meant to be experienced with all 5 senses not just eyes. Textures, smells, light, sound all relate to how the space is perceived and relates to the perception of the space. Without the human experience architecture cannot thrive, users response has an effect on how public behaves in a space.