the psychological effects of architecture

Alejandro Zaera suggests that architects should prioritize the needs and desires of communities over their artistic expression. While architecture can be seen as an art form and should be free from political constraints, it is also essential to recognize that buildings significantly impact society. Architects have a responsibility to create spaces that are accessible, sustainable, and promote social justice. By prioritizing materialism over politics, architects risk perpetuating inequality and exclusion in our designs and built environment.

One way of prioritizing social and user needs/experiences is through the sensory experience created by architecture. I believe Peter Zumthor's ideas are essential for creating meaningful and impactful buildings.

Architecture should be designed to evoke emotions and create a sense of place. The atmosphere of a building is just as important as its functionality, and we should focus more on creating spaces that engage our users. Architecture is not purely functional, and we should think more deeply about our designs' impact on people.

Furthermore, Zumthor's emphasis on atmosphere highlights the importance of context in architectural design. He believes that buildings should be designed considering their surroundings and should complement rather than dominate their environment. By focusing on sensory experience and context, we can create spaces that truly resonate with people and enhance their lives.