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1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: NG HONG BIN ID No.: 0319735
Lecturer: MR PRINCE FAVIS ISIP Tutorial Time: 11.30A.M.
Reader/Text Title: The Eyes of the Skin:
Architecture and the Senses
Synopsis No: 2
Author: JUHANI PALLASMAA
In this literature, the author tried to emphasize the significance ofsensory experience in architecture. It
gives me revelation and a totally brand new, fresh perception towards architecture. He conveyed his
approach to architecture through the fundamental humanity, insightand sensitivity. He also translated a
modern city into a ‘haptic city’ by arguing that the bodies and movements ofthe mankind are in constant
interaction with environmentand that man becomes the central point oforigin ofeverything. For example,
he quoted an example from nature for each sense to show the significance ofall senses that defines and
completes a space.
He defined and experienced the city using his senses and every members ofhis body. The way he
expressed his impression towards architecture is beautiful. For instance, he pointed outthat architecture
comprises ofdifferent sensory experience which interact, coexistand complementwith each other. The
qualities ofspace, matter and scale can be measured equally using the five senses and even the skeleton
and muscle. In addition, he also strengthened his pointofview and importance offive senses by
emphasizing that an architectural work generates an indivisible complex ofimpression. It’s notjust
experienced as a collection ofisolated visual pictures,butis experienced in its fully embodied material and
spiritual essence.The task of architecture is ‘to make visible how the world touches us’.
Overall, the way the author expressed is justwonderful, poetic and wholesome. However, from the text, I
have some deep thoughtand doubtaboutit. In this case, it seems a question on how the handicapped may
sense and define the quality of architecture with the absence ofbody members.Is there any possibility or
initiative to provide them the opportunity to witness the experience visually,sensually,equally with the
normal mankind?
Word Count: 301 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date: 7-6-2017 Page No. 39-46