001 // Parameters On Human Experience Instructor // Course //
Janice Shimizu ARCH 401 / Fall 2012
Program //
Outdoor Classroom, Meditative Space
Location //
West Coast, California
How can we challenge our expectations of physical existence? In a bay off the coast of California, the disintegration of a cliff into seascape acts as the catalyst to existential recollection. The expectation of large concrete forms in water would be that they would quickly rest on the ocean floor. When those forms are observed floating on the surface of the tide, however, the user becomes engaged in site. This experience might result in a user’s apprehension, surprise, glee, etc. Whatever the result, the user is rooted in experience. A single experience. The importance of such an event is only measured by a unit specially created by each individual. When a user makes the connection between the transformation of cliff into sea, their sudden realization of being in the middle of it all stops time and space. The concrete forms reflect the night sky by emitting lights from their tessellated surface. When a user stares out into the field of concrete forms, they recognize the disappearance of the horizon and their sensory perception in space is engaged beyond that of every day life. The intention is that the site’s physical qualities can become metaphysical. The experience is polymorphic and unique to every user. The success of the space is judged in the unit of measure developed by the user. The catalyst to humans’ recognition of existence is brought on by pure nature and calculated architectural moments. Is it not the architect’s responsibility to make a person experience novel sensations… whatever they may be? Our pursuit of new experientially challenging spaces should keep pace with our rapid advancements in technology. The hope is that someday, our built environments might compete with the experiences of pure nature that are so hard to find today.