Emphasize Existing Atmosphere
While reading Peter Zumthor’s thoughts about the atmosphere of architecture, I started to think about how the atmosphere of a place is determined by its location and occupants a whole lot more than its architecture. Zumthor expresses his desire to create a space that is beautiful and moves people. He goes on to explain that when observing a place that made him happy, this feeling changed once you removed the square within it. In my opinion, this is because the square exploits the potential that the place was given. I believe that architects have the ability to emphasize the atmosphere that already exists in the location.
I had a similar feeling to Peter Zumthor’s when I was studying abroad in Barcelona and we visited the bunkers. They were located at the top of a small mountain and despite the bunkers being the only thing that was there, the atmosphere of this place was like no other. In this place, you had a view of the whole city and you could sit there and stare into the ocean in the far distance while drinking some wine and listening to people play the guitar and sing, and you could hear people laughing in the distance. The city, the view, and the people are what made the atmosphere of this place so special. I believe that the most successful architectural pieces adapt and utilize their surroundings to create a harmonious atmosphere for their occupants.
Thaly,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that the best architecture adapts to the atmosphere the world has already provided. Some of the best places to be sometimes may not even be a fancy space or building, but it is surrounded by people, liveliness, music, food, and views. Buildings that can adapt to these already existing things are set up to succeed the most in a community.
Thaly, the ability for an architect to recognize what makes the space unique enough for one to desire a building there and play up on that is critical. I wonder for the locations where it isn't necessary the best to build, how can we design the architecture to redefine that space.
ReplyDeleteThaly, I like how you extended the experience of the atmosphere to the surroundings outside. The example you described sounded like a beautiful place. I believe that the idea you presented can be executed in a less attractive place as well. A thought I have is that to what extent does this outside environment be considered a part of the atmosphere that is associated with a building? Or perhaps this question is not relevant.
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