. Steven Holl
elaborates on an “architectural synthesis” in the book, “Questions of Perception”, suggesting,
“foreground, middle ground, and distant view, together with all the subjective qualities of
material and light, form the basis of ‘complete perception’” (Holl, Pallasmaa, and Perez-Gomez
44). This establishes the necessity for place making through sensory observance. Initially, the
combination of space, material and light design features creates a sensory observation for the
person and then they develop an understanding of space. Material is the tactile form of
phenomenology that facilitates memory. Zumthor often describes some of his most vivid
memories through the expression of texture and material. He begins, “There was once a time
when Iexperienced architecture without even thinking about it”, before he goes on to reveal a
vivid illustration on childhood memories of the texture of a “particular door handle”, “gravel
under his feet” and “soft asphalt warmed by the sun”. The phenomenon of materiality induces
memories and emotions, reflecting on of the layers of this theory. “Memories like these
contain the deepest architectural experience that Iknow. They are the reservoirs of the
architectural atmospheres and images that Iexplore in my work as an architect,” Zumthor states
(Thinking Architecture 9-10). It is the point where direct connection between the experience
and the visitor come into contact. Not only does this involve the physical sense of touch but
implied visual stimulus as well.
Light and shadow create a playful interaction of color, texture and related emotion
associated to the program. The contrast between these can be sharp or blurry depending on
the desired affect. This strategy can create depth and display texture and is one of the strongest
design features in phenomenology. Lighting is visual, experiential, environmental, and sensual.
The phenomenon lies in its affect on the human condition.
The following case studies represent the implementation of phenomenology; the
specific use of light and shadow to induce experience will be primarily analyzed.