1-3-9

(1) Architecture is about the journey, not the destination

(3) The experience of Architectural space can evoke anticipation. There generally are spaces that are more anticipated than others and thus more coveted and reaching this is the climactic ending. The whole journey building up to the climax however must be appreciated.

(9) When a person enters the building, the eagerness of finding the pinnacle of the structure begins. Acknowledging the importance of the journey through movement is critical to the experience, however this may go unrecognized at first. Appreciation of this journey will be conveyed through motion. Enthusiasm for the climax will push him forward. This constant want for moving faster however, will be juxtaposed by slowing the architecture down, and thus slowing man down. The architecture will influence him to stop. Then start. Until finally, when the person realizes that the culmination they so badly sought after, was actually with him the whole time. Only through physically circulating and moving, will one finally come to understand that the purpose of the experience was to appreciate the experience itself. After one can finally reflect on the journey that they have taken, can it truly be appreciated.

Image

Q: Why did the mountaineer climb the mountain?
A: Because it’s there.

Manifesto

I feel as though after four years of architecture school, I would be more prepared to answer the question of what architecture is all about. After reflecting on my past work and ideas, I searched for a common theme or a pattern. I haven’t yet solved these issues yet, but I think I’ve come close to discovering what architecture really is. I believe strongly that the journey I’ve made to getting closer to this answer, is far more poignant that the answer itself. I think that in essence, this idea is architecture. As I’ve grown, I’ve learned that it is important to respect the power of now. Throughout my life, I’ve found that I was constantly anticipating upcoming events. Only until recently did I reflect on this and realize that by always looking forward, I wasn’t enjoying the present. At some point in my past, the moment I was looking forward to was this exact instant. However, instead of living for the present, I was already looking ahead for the next thing.

To translate this into architecture perhaps goes against certain themes and ideals of my past projects; building up anticipation to a final climactic experience. What I finally think I want architecture to epitomize, is the appreciation of the present experience or journey as well as its destination. Channeling this desire I have into an architectural journey, could perhaps resonate with the people in a world that is moving so fast. It can be overwhelming and difficult to keep up with the world’s obsession with being fast-paced. My idea of “slowing” architecture could perhaps affect mankind’s high-paced life and ultimately benefit our wellbeing.

The space I want to create evokes thought. I want architecture to generate thinking, creativity, enlightenment, spirituality, etc. to the user. I want a space that awakens one’s senses through its experience. A relationship between the body and mind and architecture and space should exist. Ways to explore this relationship that will generate these defined human responses will be through the manipulation of light, sound and touch. Movement can be controlled by such sensory effects. I believe that this controlled movement of architecture will in effect, influence the human body and mind.

Although I have yet to pick a specific program or site, I feel that the idea of movement and journey could translate into some type of space focused around community. The idea of community is an important element that should somehow be achieved whether through a gallery, spiritual center, housing, or mixed use building. The idea of cherishing the journey whether the experience is alone or with others, can be a special experience shared through the catalyst that is architecture.