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The Sound of a Space
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The Sound of a Space
Fig 35 | Splashing of the water, creating a sense of connection and solidarity (Author’s Own, 2020)
In order to understand the way that our bodies relate to space and experiences, the sense of sound plays a fundamental role. According to Pallasmaa, (2012, pg. 55) ‘a powerful architectural experience silences all external noise; it focuses our attention on our very own existence.’
From the research it can be identified that all exterior sounds are muted and the only noise that is heard is that of when an individual moves within the volume of water which echoes around the environment. The body causes splashes and ripples resulting in the water enveloping the body. This ‘creates a sense of connection and solidarity’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg.54) with the water as well as the surrounding environment and allows for a moment of purely focusing and relaxing, therefore, adding to the experience and improving the health and wellbeing of the individual.
In addition, it can be identified that ‘interiors are like large instruments, collecting sound, amplifying it, transmitting it elsewhere’ allowing for the body interpret and perceive the space’ (Zumthor, 2006, pg. 29). Within a pool environment, sounds are carried throughout, allowing for the body to associate with the tranquillity of the water, relaxing both the mind throughout the experience (Zumthor, 2006).
