Pallasmaa: “Architecture is a Verb” MJC: You write about the danger of “an architecture of the eye,” which subdues our experience of the built environment through other senses. How would you redress this? JP: I believe the culture is becoming increasingly visual and narrowly focused. Yet we’re fundamentally multisensory beings. The existential nature of architecture arises from the fact that it’s fused with our experience and sense of life. Historians of the human senses note that until the 16th century, the senses of smell and hearing were our dominant senses. The French philosopher Gaston Bachelard helps us to think about images by dividing them into two categories: images of form and those of matter. He saw images of matter as more poetic and emotive. As a teacher over the past three decades, I’ve encouraged students to explore material imagination and peripheral perception. Rainer Maria Rilke believed that poets need to exercise their imaginations in the same way that athletes train their bodies and muscles. Auguste Rodin advised Rilke to observe the movements of wild animals in the Paris Zoo in order to “learn to see.” Architecture students need to train their synthetic, multisensory imagination and their reality sense, as well as their sense of self.
POINT ADDIS
Blasco Stuart Architects
Bells Beach, Victoria
This family home in Bells Beach, Surf Coast, is nestled on a hillside, offering spectacular panoramic views. Designed in a refined farmhouse style, it seamlessly blends elegance and contemporary materiality, creating a timeless and sophisticated living space.
I was involved throughout the entire process, from concept design and town planning to construction and final detailing. A key part of my role was shaping the program layout and spatial organization, ensuring functionality and coherence across all phases. I contributed to design development, coordinated with consultants, and oversaw project execution. Additionally, I worked on documenting all technical sets and design progress throughout the project.
FIRST AVENUE
Blasco Stuart Architects
Anglesea, Victoria
Perched atop a hill in Anglesea with breathtaking ocean views, this family beach house blends timeless elegance with a relaxed coastal aesthetic. The design optimizes the natural topography and enhances the connection to the sea, incorporating expansive openings and carefully curated materials that reflect the beachside environment.
I played a central role in this family beach house project, being actively involved in every stage—from concept to final detailing. I was key in shaping the design, leading the town planning process, and overseeing construction. Additionally, I was responsible for spatial organization, program layout, and comprehensive interior documentation. My work also included design development, coordination with consultants, rendering production and managing the technical documentation throughout the project.
SUMMERHILL
Blasco Stuart Architects
Bells Beach, Victoria
A grand farmhouse set in the rolling landscapes of rural Victoria, Summerhill reinterprets traditional barn architecture with a refined, contemporary approach. The composition of distinct volumes balances rustic charm with modern sophistication, while high-end interior finishes and a thoughtfully structured program create a luxurious yet functional living environment.
For this residence, I was deeply involved from the initial concept design through to project completion, working closely with the director to shape the layout, materiality, and overall production of the house. I played a key role in organizing spaces, ensuring functional and cohesive design solutions. Additionally, I was responsible for preparing the full interiors documentation set, as well as coordinating technical details and construction elements to bring the project to fruition
NEWTOWN
Blasco Stuart Architects
Bells Beach, Victoria
This Victorian house renovation preserves the heritage-listed front façade while introducing a seamless, contemporary rear extension. The design integrates a series of light-filled barn-like volumes, creating a fluid internal layout that enhances spatial continuity. A refined material palette and strategic openings maximize natural light and spatial flow.
I was actively involved from the early stages through to completion, contributing to the town planning process, construction documentation, and coordination with consultants. A key aspect of my role was the detailed documentation of the interiors, working closely with the interior designer to ensure cohesion between architectural and interior elements. Additionally, I played a significant role in space planning, rendering production, material selection, and technical detailing, ensuring the successful execution of the design vision.
BATESFORD
Blasco Stuart Architects
Bells Beach, Victoria
A high-end rural retreat, this farmhouse is composed of three distinct volumes that merge modern architectural expression with rustic sophistication. The design balances clean lines with warm, natural materials, creating a contemporary yet grounded aesthetic. The interiors feature high-end finishes, offering an elevated take on country living.
In this project, I was deeply involved in the design process, exploring spatial concepts through 3D modeling and developing the program layout and organization. I played a key role in shaping the architectural vision while ensuring functionality and coherence throughout the design. Additionally, I was responsible for the interior documentation, collaborating closely with the interior designer to refine details and material selections. My work also included coordinating technical aspects and contributing to the overall execution of the project.
ELEVENTH AVENUE
Blasco Stuart Architects
Anglesea, Victoria
A modern family home where rammed earth walls serve as both a structural and design statement, anchoring the house in its coastal landscape. The architecture embraces a minimalist, contemporary approach while incorporating subtle beach-inspired elements. Inside, a neutral and earthy palette enhances the home’s connection to nature.
For this project, I worked closely with the client to develop a design that aligned with their vision and functional needs. My role encompassed spatial planning, programming, and 3D model exploration to refine the architectural concept. I was also responsible for the interior documentation, collaborating with the interior designer to ensure a cohesive and well-detailed outcome. Additionally, I contributed to construction documentation, coordination with consultants, and the overall organization of the project from concept to completion
LYGON ST APARTMENTS
Shouman Spaces
Brusnwick, Victoria
This urban five-story apartment building responds to contemporary city living with a refined, minimalist aesthetic. The façade design reflects a sophisticated architectural language, while the interiors embrace a sleek, understated elegance. Thoughtfully curated materials and a restrained palette create a seamless blend of functionality and design.
For this five-story apartment building, I was actively involved in the façade design, selecting materials, and documenting the intricate detailing of the metal panels. My role extended to construction coordination, ensuring design intent was maintained through technical detailing and execution. Additionally, I contributed to the interior documentation, refining layouts and finishes to achieve a cohesive architectural and interior design outcome
