PERCEPTUAL DIMENSION OF ARCHITECTURE

Sai A. Pradhan l L. S. Raheja School of Architecture Traversing Through Architecture

Humans and the built environment have a constant and reciprocal relationship with each other. They are fed of it and feed it, changed by it and change it, they move in that space and with this movement, they create meaning in that space. (Dariush Sattarzadeh, 2015) Various elements of the structures enforce a behaviour within the structure and dictate our movement and activity patterns in them.

As we transition between spaces, we observe the relationship between functions, meanings, and the physical identity of the place. A connection with the surrounding space increases the interaction and a sense of responsibility towards the space. This awareness of the surrounding spaces caused by a sense of place helps them form associations and attachment with the space surrounding them and promotes place-based development and improves the overall perception of the space.

We perceive spaces and the elements present within them at our eye level. Their placement activates the street fronts and keep the users engaged in the activities facing the public realm. A lack of consideration to the spaces at our level, distances the users from the built form and creates monotony or facelessness to the structure. The placement of parking spaces, high compound walls, etc. enforce a sense of privacy and deter the users from walking past the spaces which further reduces the effectiveness and value of the spaces.