1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM
(ARC61303/ARC2224)
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (MARCH 2017)
Name: Chong Yu Xuan ID No.: 0317950
Lecturer: Nicholas Ng Tutorial Time:
Reader/Text Title: The Geometry Of Feeling Synopsis No: 4
Author: Juhani Pallasmaa
Based on “Geometry of Feelings”, Juhani Pallasmaa discussed about form, architecture,
how humans experience architecture and how spatial experience is affected by forms.
Juhani stated that modern buildings fail to appeal to our human feelings and emotions.
That the debilitating language of architecture is found in historical themes is lost in the
modern setting. He pointed out that architecture now days has become an intensive
game with form, detaching itself from its proper background. How buildings have
become a formal composition and nothing more, the experience and feelings forgotten. I
agree with his point as it is noticeable that in modern cities, buildings are merely
repetitions of blocks to serve a purpose, they lack any sort of expression, focusing solely
on the cost. He quoted that “the artistic dimensions of a work of art does not lie in the
actual physical thing; it exists only in the consciousness of the person experiencing it.”
Open images and memories that the architecture stimulates, feelings and senses it
creates are important to fully experience the uniqueness of the sense of place. Forms
are just to serve the functions and needs, without the poetic sense in it, it is void of any
attachment to the user. He also stated that architecture has its own origin, moving too
far from it makes it lose its effectiveness. Detached from our mental memories and
feelings, the building would only be something to be looked upon. A structure with no
sense of place and time, however beautiful or majestic is just a monument without
meaning.
Architecture now days are focused only on the form and their spatial experiences are
neglected. Exaggerated buildings are celebrated as good architecture. The instant direct
visual impact is important, but the experience that comes after that should not be
forgotten as well.
Word Count: 298 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.
