Architecture has the natural ability to evoke emotions in its users. To determine the type and range of emotions that a built structure can inculcate in us, a lot of factors need to be considered. Be it an architectural style that demonstrates a certain visual language or spatial semantic that ushers the user into perceiving space in a particular way, or perhaps, the scale and materiality of the building that can produce a special effect, Architecture establishes a connection between the human and the environment whilst experimenting with the senses.
As Juhani Pallasmaa has said, ‘I see the task of architecture as the defence of the authenticity of human experience’.
Architecture is the means of not only enhancing the human experience but also holding the ability to promote authentic user experiences. When it comes to enhancing the human experience, buildings, and the way they have been so meticulously executed play a pivotal part in the process. As Le Corbusier has mentioned in his book ‘Towards a New Architecture’, architecture is a thing of art and a phenomenon of emotions where the user experience lies beyond the realm of structure and construction. Le Corbusier further goes on to argue that the role of the built environment is to serve as an envelope to hold the structure in place. The emotional aspect of it which is felt through the user experience design is a distinct form of ‘harmony’ that can perhaps only be attained through sensing the spirit of the building. When it comes to the question of sensing this ‘spirit’, one can argue that authentic user experiences through buildings can be generated not only through the spatial semantics but also through the conscious engagement of the human senses by the architect in the designed spaces. This conscious engagement of the senses can be accentuated by the exploration of materiality, acoustics, and visual connections.
Tracing our way back into time, the realm of architectural history always has provided us with ample precedents that showcase the importance of a user experience, no matter which era the building may have been born in. From the Neolithic Age all the way up to the Post-Modern era, the plethora of human experiences does not fall short. From the progression of spatial layouts to the concept of architectural styles, towards the truth of material that is so unapologetically seen through the magnificent play of the masses with the aid of light, architectural experience has been a subject of great interest where the only constant has been the variety of human experiences being offered.
The advent of Modernism and Post-Modernism from the late 19th century onwards has given architects and designers that leeway to experiment with user experiences that may have not been possible. Through the various architectural theories that have stemmed from these movements, it has given the architects of today a precedent to derive not only inspiration from but also, given them a solid ground to explore their abstract ideas and give them a concrete reality in the form of built space. The ideology of evoking emotion through architecture by practicing the Modernist dogma of ‘truth of materiality’ is another way through which this target has been achieved.
To comprehend how these three elements discussed above can sculpt the human perception of space through an architectural experience, a very distinct case study that comes to my mind is the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan.
Being a Pakistani myself, the reason why I believe this building is worth highlighting as an example of experiential architecture is that it not only focuses on the architectural heritage aspect, but it also helps us to understand how scale, site, materiality, and user adaptability can impact the overall architectural experience being generated for its users. It is a perfect example to understand the hierarchy of experiences that have transitioned over the passage of time. This building binds together Le Corbusier’s theory of architectural masses being intricately woven to create a thing of art’ as well as Pallasmaa’s idea of authentic architectural experiences.
As a visitor of this space in the 21st century, accessing this building is an easy feat compared to the past when this area could be only accessed by the Royal Mughals in particular. The process for the common man to come into the site is an architectural experience highlighted by the crowded and narrow streets of the inner Walled City of Lahore. After going through the hustle and bustle of the streets, the user is ultimately ushered via a large gateway that acts as a portal into an expansive open courtyard covered with sandstone pavers. The immediate serenity that is felt through the silence in the mosque is a stark contrast to the traffic and noise which the user leaves behind before entering.
The courtyard itself is then surrounded by arcades that create a sense of awe in the user due to its magnanimous scale. Given its very symmetrical plan that denotes the typical Mughal architectural style, the courtyard invites the user to view the praying hall that is celebrating sandstone again. The courtyard inculcates in the user a sense of liberty and invites them to experience the multiple views being offered around the site of other historical buildings such as the Sikh Shrine built next to it. However, the tone of the sandstone being used in the overall elevation of the building creates a very different visual impact than the pavers being used on the ground. As the user is essentially walking barefoot into the Mosque, the tactile experience of the user is further exaggerated by the sandstone pavers.
Another visual connector for the user apart from the openness of the courtyard are the three marble domes and octagonal minarets that reinforce the massive scale of the site. The form of these architectural elements paired with the exaggeration of scale does not only imbibe the regal spirit of the Mughal royals but also creates a sense of wonder for the user. Every architectural element curated at this site has the capacity to create a sense of amazement for the user as the scale used makes the user feel almost like an ant in a giant’s world! The deliberate use of the element of monumentality by the Mughals was precisely meant to create this user experience whilst portraying their power through architecture.
As avid users of architectural spaces, we must realize that we play an integral part in the very subject of architecture itself. Architecture is deeply rooted in our daily lives as it shapes our circumnavigation whilst testing our senses. It helps us understand the connection that certain buildings may hold to the past and perhaps even give us a taste of how buildings can serve as seedlings that have the potential to shape the future.
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