Architecture as a Sensory Receptor

At first, the question of senses in architecture seems to be unnecessary. Buildings are rather functional or if possible, should include an aesthetical component. Some architects try to fulfil the function requirements and after that focus on the shape that will give the building their individual style and by that its acknowledgment in society.

Besides the functional demands the question for design should be how the people feel inside the building and how they are going to experience the space. Not only in terms of how the space looks, but also how it touches, how it smells, sounds and maybe even tastes.

Architecture is a multi-sensory experience. We should make use of this fact to create buildings that are more intense and more exciting than three dimensional objects that are waiting to be photographed for the latest magazines and addressing the vision only.

I want to focus on the five main senses and their relation both to architecture and to each other. We as architect must act as a composer that composes function and beauty through the senses – and how the human body engages space is of prime importance. As the human body moves, sees, smells, touches, hears and even tastes within a space – the architecture comes to life.Bringing a space to life means that architectural function and form is not just primarily for the visual sense. By engaging all of the senses, form and function may be more fully expressed so occupants can have deeper, more meaningful moments.

Well, much can be gathered through the eyes about touch and smell. After all, we can analyse that a textured looking wall might be rough to touch. Also, we remember from previous ­­­experience about what certain elements will feel and smell like and from there, you begin to formulate and model a design concept.We must not always rely on one tool to “see” how our design is shaping up for the occupants but we should be resourceful and should explore other tools(5-6 senses) within the design.