The Minds Eye
Architecture is created to fulfill a functional purpose, to serve the needs of a society. These needs can range widely from religious to institutional to recreational. Regardless of the function, architecture, like art, is also created to illicit an emotional response. Architecture conveys messages and instills imagery in the mind of the observer. It can make philosophical, even judgmental, statements about culture and society. In addition to performing its functional purpose, architecture exists to make us “feel” something. We are not often acutely aware of our immediate surroundings as we hurriedly rush about, moving through spaces as we take care of our daily business. We experience a building with our senses and our conscious mind, but react to it at a subconscious level, and each person's reaction is a uniquely personal one that is viewed in reference to their own experiences and values. This constant communication and influence at a subconscious level between the architecture and the observer takes place throughout the entire time the architecture is experienced. A building's relationship to its environment is one of the primary messages that an observer will encounter. Architecture cannot be viewed in a vacuum. It does not exist in and of itself. It can only be perceived within the context of its surroundings. This relationship is subconsciously comprehended and assessed by users. Depending upon its nature, this relationship can stir within the user emotions of peace and harmony or confrontation and conflict. Of all the senses, we primarily experience architecture visually. Color, lighting, and materials are directly observed and produce an immediate experience within the observer, creating impressions, recalling memories, and instilling feelings and emotions. The layout of space and form, the overall building massing, and the design style also convey messages that are subconsciously received and interpreted by the user. All these elements contribute to create the positive or negative emotions a person feels when experiencing a building or a space. Architecture has tremendous power to “speak to” and influence all those who interact with it, and it is the architect's role to use this power in an understanding and sensitive way.