Comments on: Architectural Building for All the Senses: Bringing Space to Life

By: Maria Lorena Lehman

Maria Lorena Lehman — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:41:26 +0000

Hi Dennis — Thanks so much for taking the time to write me with such encouraging words about my work. I too am so passionate about these issues, and I am glad to meet you, someone who also shares these passions. Yes, let’s keep the discussion going. And please let me know of any insights you might have along the way as you continue to investigate!

By: Dennis McLaughlin

Dennis McLaughlin — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:06:46 +0000

I am excited to see you touch a vein of values architecture, I have been chasing myself for years. Your depth of involvement in these very deep subjects is really beautiful and passionately dealt with and well written. Sound, color and value, shape, texture, scale, smell…. all definitive measures of the spaces we should be alert to. One in particular, that has drawn my attention a great deal in the recent churches I have done is indirect natural light. Since light is visual, only one sense is involved. But it is major to me, at least in it’s affect on the sensitivity to mystery and presence, a religious heart is drawn to. I have an essay in the attached website.
Also, you have thoughts on a universal beauty that we are drawn too. I too advocate Christopher Alexander’s “Patterns”; at least relating to a the arrangement of building parts and function whiuch can be founf consistently or habitually thoughout history. I have written a lengthy draft of an essay on the subject. I have used it to assist some communities develop their plans.
I would love to continue this discussion. In the meantime, I will savor the rest of your investigation of sensuality in architecture.

I’m Glad I found you.

By: How to Use a Cliché to Make Your Building Design Work : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:34:54 +0000

[...] done well, your solution would make for a remarkable occupant experience. Such a juxtaposition would surely redefine what you and your occupant think a [...]

By: ozgur molla

ozgur molla — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:34:26 +0000

Hello! First of all ,I would like to thank for such an inspiring website.
I am architect and started my masters on interior design.I came across this article while researching about my thesis. And you inspired me a lot.I developed my subject around ‘Can architecture Expand Human Senses’ article which is absolutely great.
In these days I am looking for some books related to senses and design.Recently I have read Pallassama’s ‘The eyes of the skin’ which was really helpful for me. I will be more than happy if you can recommend me books about senses and design.
Many many thanks for this great website with such an interesting articles. As a student I must say It is more than educational.
I am looking forward for your reply…

By: 13 Architectural Design Questions Inspired by Paul Klee : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:33:45 +0000

[...] building. Hence, in its simplest form, that circulation route may begin to define a physical and experiential journey for the senses through an architectural [...]

By: Tapping into Your Occupant’s Sense of Smell : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:03:02 +0000

[...] choosing an interior building material, “visualize” how that might feel for your occupants entering your space. Will the scent of a particular kind of wood add anything to your design? Will [...]

By: Sensory Design: Lessons from a Tea Cup : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:33:19 +0000

[...] architects that design for the senses, it helps to understand latest findings in other fields such as the field of neuroscience — [...]

By: How Do You Use Texture in Architectural Design : Sensing Architecture by Maria Lorena Lehman

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:05:00 +0000

[...] has long been used by architects to breathe life into buildings as well as to create a unique experience for occupant’s senses. Expressing the true quality of materials, shaping an interior space or simply to articulate a [...]

By: What Gets the Most Visual Attention in Your Architecture? : Sensing Architecture

What Gets the Most Visual Attention in Your Architecture? : Sensing Architecture — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:14:09 +0000

[...] visual attention when someone sees a work of architecture? How does visual attention play into an occupant’s experience? The key is to understand that attention is a gradual process of adaptation where what gets our [...]

By: Maria Lorena Lehman

Maria Lorena Lehman — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:21:57 +0000

Rachel,

I often consider what it might be like to combine the best qualities of differing architectural works together. Imagine merging what makes a religious architecture so great with what makes a healthcare facility so great.

The religious building often prioritizes design for the mind while the healthcare facility often prioritizes design for the body. By learning from each — designers can unite what works for each to ultimately create an architectural masterpiece.

I think that is what makes amazing architecture so amazing — the ability to feed the mind, body and even the soul. A wonderful work that illustrates some of these qualities is Sainte Marie de La Tourette, designed by Le Corbusier. It is located in a valley near Lyon, France.