Relationship with the Senses

Relationship with the Senses

‘Architecture is the art of reconciliation between ourselves and the world, and this mediation takes place through the senses’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg. 48).

Humans engage with architectural environments differently as different senses are experienced in different ways by each individual. Architecture has the power to bring back strong memories and emotions (Marinova, 2019) as well as stimulating the senses, especially within pool environments. It has been highlighted throughout the research that the relationship between water and the individual is fundamental in order to create a sensory experience. Pool environments engage and interact with all the senses, creating a multi-sensory experience, but in particular the sense of sight. The primary sense ‘collaborates with the body and the other senses’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg .44) implying that what we see and perceive plays a fundamental role that then interacts with the other senses which creates a unique and full experience. ‘Sight is what allows us to perceive light, form and colour’ (Marinova, 2019). The research conducted (Fig 31-38) highlights how the visual qualities, such as light within a pool, can create an atmosphere, both in the water and out, enhancing the sense of sight and therefore creating an experience.

Fig 39 | The primary sense of sight ‘collaborates with the body and other senses’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg. 44) (Author’s Own, 2020)

Fig 40 | The sensation of touch. ‘This stimulation is life-enhancing’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg. 48) (Author’s Own, 2020)

The sensation of touch and feeling of movement is another key aspect that has been recognised throughout the research. ‘This stimulation is life-enhancing’ (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg. 48). When being immersed in water, we can sense the cool, fresh water against the skin which allows for a moment of memory as well as a place of tranquillity for the body and mind. In addition, through the use of materials, the architecture connects with the individual physically. For example, soft stone and surfaces are used to highlight the sense of touch.

However, it is the integration between these senses that creates a unique and pure sensory experience. ‘The hands want to see, the eyes want to caress’ (Goeth, cited in Pallasmaa, 2012, pg. 17). The integration of senses throughout the journey of a pool environment enhances the experience which ‘ignites the imagination’ (Pallasmaa, 2012) and makes the body want to explore further. In addition, it can be seen that the ‘shapes and surfaces are moulded for the pleasurable touch of the eye (Pallasmaa, 2012, pg 49) further supporting the integration and engagement between the senses.