Body, Memory & Architecture

1. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONOURS) IN ARCHITECTURE
THEORIES OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM (ARC61303
SYNOPSIS: REACTION PAPER (August 2017)
Name: Lai Tzexiuan ID No.: 0318056
Lecturer: Mr. Prince Tutorial Time: 10 a.m.-1
p.m.
Reader/Text Title: Body, Memory &
Architecture
Synopsis No: 2 (B)
Author: Kent C. Bloomer & Charles W. Moore
In the article of Body, Memory and Architecture by Kent C. Bloomer and Charles W. Moore describes on
understanding ofarchitectural form with human body and mind to provide sense of identity and place. Kent
C. Bloomer and Charles W. Moore mention the significance of human body as the divine organizing
principles in the earliestbuilt forms to its near elimination from architectural thought in today's world. Present
time architects often conflict with assumptions that architecture is a specialized system with prescribed
technical goals rather than a sensual artwork derived from memories and experience of human body.
Therefore, based on my opinion, I agree on Kent C. Bloomer and Charles W. Moore that the human body,
memories and experience are crucial in architecture. They pointed out that architectural ordering of place,
path edge and pattern formed to respond to natural landscape and human body and memory. Place, path,
pattern and edge determine the boundaries and the sense of identity of places. The first boundary which is
a shared boundary between differentindividuals is the dwelling place where activities and events took place
will form memories and experience on certain significantactivities and events. Hence, the particular dwelling
place will form a memorable place due to significantactivities and events. Kent C. Bloomer and Charles W.
Moore pointed out that the potential transactions between human bodies, imagination and environment are
the missing elements in today’s dwelling. Inhabitation of human beings within a dwelling calls for a more
sensory appreciation and experience which able to stimulate human memories. Places thatare significant to
certain group ofpeople partly is because ofthe place itself is unique or certain time and events which affect
a person’s body and personal experience.
In conclusion, I agree on the article which states that buildings that show its special identity or spirit are
important in making memorable place. The human body, memories and experience are crucial elements in
architecture design. Human experience within a building is able to stimulate the senses and memories of
human which make the building a memorable and significant place.
Word Count: 347 Mark Grade
Assessed by: Date Page No.