Creating the Right Atmosphere

 

I really enjoyed the Peter Zumthor readings Atmospheres this week.  It caused me to reflect upon my personal thoughts on architecture today.  (Not all the time, but) I feel like often, architects tend to design today to get the job done and appeal to the client, get their check and continue on with the next project.  I believe architecture is (majority of the time) looked at as just a structure that serves a purpose like a school, church, airport, etc., but the beauty of what it could be is often overlooked.  

Therme Vals, Switzerland - Peter Zumthor

For instance, our studio project this semester is a deployment center on Tyndall Airforce Base in Florida.  My group has been so thoughtful through the whole process, using the user as our main driving factor in all decisions from exterior façade to interior structure and layout.  From our first presentation, we used phenomology as a driving factor.  We noted that this could typically be a stressful time for the deploying and their families, so we used architecture to help create a space that would alleviate some of that stress they may be enduring.  Lots of research went in to it.  For instance, the exposure of wood and the smell.  There are studies that prove wood smell helps calm people.  Being on the flight line, the loud jets were something to consider, so we chose materials and locations of program where acoustic insulation helped block some of that sound creating a quieter space.  Materialistically, how would a metal façade disturb the noise level when it rains, verses a cement siding?  Honestly, every decision made, we tried to consider all factors and question every opportunity presented to make sure the user would be best benefited.        

During the Zumthor reading, all I could think about was how my group’s main goal was to create this atmosphere for the user that was purposeful and successful.  I am definitely not saying we made all the right decisions, as there were many that weren’t even considered in this short semester, however it opened my eyes to what architecture can be.  I will always strive to do just that in my future professional work.