A month or so ago, I encountered an article titled “Exploring the role of Awe in Architecture as a pain disruptor” by Miriam Hoffman (https://theccd.org/), prompting in me reflections about the profound connection between architectural design and human well-being.
While the concept of awe-inspiring spaces is not new – think of the grandeur of religious buildings designed to evoke spirituality for example – it has been fascinating to see this concept entering mainstream discussions and even being understood as an innovative approach to improving well-being.
The Well building standards, for example, despite not specifically referring to it, champion the thoughtful use the elements that help evoke awe in architecture.
Awe is a complex emotion often triggered by our encounter with vastness, mystery, or profound beauty. Experiences such as these have the power to:
- Shift perspectives, allowing us to see beyond our immediate concerns and connect with something larger than ourselves.
- Activate positive emotions, leading to feelings of joy, wonder, and gratitude.
- Reduce stress by promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
- Increase in-the-moment awareness, fostering mindfulness and appreciation for the present experience.
While nature and the universe offer significant sources of awe, art and architecture also possess this ability.
Although research is ongoing, evidence suggests that incorporating awe-inducing elements into architectural design can contribute significantly to the physical and emotional well-being of individuals. For instance, Maggie's Centres, known for their focus on providing supportive environments for people with cancer, exemplify how awe can be integrated into a design brief.
As I mentioned earlier, architects can evoke awe through various design tools:
- Natural light: The careful use of natural light can create a sense of vastness and connection to the external world.
A place that to me exemplifies this is the staircase at the Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Museum in Osaka, designed by Tadao Ando, masterfully utilizes light and shadow to create a sense of ethereal beauty and spatial expansion.
- Expansive views: Panoramic vistas can evoke a feeling of awe by expanding our perception of space and reminding us of the vastness of the world around us.
As a student of architecture, back home, experiencing "The Comb of the Wind" sculptures by Eduardo Chillida in the setting created by Peña Ganchegui at sunrise (without tourists) provided a sense of sublime vastness through the contemplation of the interaction of the sculptures, architecture, the sea, and the sky,
- Unique or unexpected design elements: Architectural features that challenge our expectations and spark curiosity can trigger a sense of awe and wonder.
Another example from back home comes to mind. The chapel displaying the Sert murals at the San Telmo Museoa in Donosti is an unexpected space of contemplation and beauty within a historic building (a monastery) where the juxtaposition of old and new is behind the sense of awe through.
- Symbolism: Architectural elements with symbolic meaning can evoke a sense of awe by connecting us to shared cultural values or spiritual beliefs.
The repetitiveness in the way the thousand Kannon statues (the goddess of compassion) are displayed inside the Buddhist Sanjusangen-do temple in Kyoto creates a sense of infinite space and embodies Kannon’s role as a compassionate protector.
The article looked at Healthcare Environments, specifically, and how the potential of awe-inspiring architecture can be particularly beneficial for self-regulating pain management through reframing the context and meaning of pain.
Settings such as waiting rooms, labour rooms or hospice care facilities, where people are at their most vulnerable, could be transformed through design and:
- Interrupt the pain cycle by shifting attention away from pain
- Promoting positive emotions.
- Increase motivation by fostering a sense of hope and possibility.
Some of the tools suggested in the article disrupt pain include:
- Illusion of infinity: Repeating forms and expansive spaces contrast with the limitations of a body in pain and can offer a moment of respite.
- Quiet areas: Designated areas for reflection, such as alcoves, window seats, or garden benches, can promote pause.
- “Safe threat”: A place to safely observe our surroundings (a balcony for example)
- Biophilia: Incorporating natural elements like plants, water features, or views of nature can evoke feelings of connectedness with a greater context.
Conclusion (a bit obvious, i admit)
Given that awe-inspiring architecture has the power to transform our experience of the world and that we can create spaces that uplift, inspire, and contribute to a more positive human experience…. why would we choose, as an industry, to do anything less?
I already shared some of my favourite awe-inspiring places in this article. What are yours? #quietarchitecture #architecturelondon
