In our series Architectural means we’re trying to find answers to the questions: Which architectural means do we have to create specific atmospheres that can elicit specific emotions? In this post we’ll talk about the aspect Movement as one of the architectural mean we have to create specific architectural atmospheres.
Movement
“The design of buildings, which must be stationary, should be based on the movement that will flow through them.”
– RASMUSSEN, S. E. (1962) Experiencing architecture (1)
Two good examples of buildings where the movement of people play an important role are the Glass shop by Frank Lloyd Wright and Therme Vals by Peter Zumthor. Both are designed with movement in mind, but the results are quite different.
The organic staircase in the glass shop built for V.C. Morris guides you through the building. In the Therme Vals of Zumthor you are not guided and free to explore the different baths and sauna’s. There is not one defined route, like in the glass shop, but many. For example, from the central bath (see image below) four staircases lead you out of the water to explore the rest of the bathhouse.
Architecture can:
- Guide movement (Wright) or
- Stimulate free movement (Zumthor)
Do you have any good examples of Movement?
We’re always interested in other examples of Movement. If you have a good example, please let us know! You can comment about it below or send us an email with pictures and explanation at:
- experiencingarchitecture [at] gmail.com.
References
- RASMUSSEN, S. E. (1962) Experiencing Architecture, 2nd Edition
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Experiencing Architecture 