A profound design process eventually makes the patron, the architect, and every occasional visitor in the building a slightly better human being.
Interpretation
A well-thought-out design process enhances the character of everyone connected to the building.
Juhani Pallasmaa's quote emphasizes that a profound design process in architecture goes beyond mere aesthetics; it has the power to improve the essence of those who interact with the built environment. This improvement manifests in various ways, potentially promoting empathy, inspiration, and a heightened sense of responsibility, ultimately enriching the human experience within that space.
In practice
In a presentation about the impact of architecture on community well-being, one can use this quote to illustrate how thoughtful design enhances human connections.
Gravity is measured by the bottom of the foot; we trace the density and texture of the ground through our soles. Standing barefoot on a smooth glacial rock by the sea at sunset, and sensing the warmth of the sun-heated stone through one's soles, is an extraordinarily healing experience, making one part of the eternal cycle of nature. One senses the slow breathing of the earth.
Most of the wonderful places in the world were not made by architects but by the people.
I realize that having a style would be very beneficial for my practice from a marketing standpoint, but I can't do it. I believe my responsibilities as an architect are to design the most appropriate building for the place. Each place has a distinct culture and function, which for me requires an appropriate answer.
The criteria for architecture after the tsunami is humbleness
I'm particularly interested in the public role that all buildings play. I believe that we architects should try to go beyond our basic obligations to the public, and our opportunities to do so are many.
If you look at the Earth without architecture, its sometimes a little bit unpleasant. So there is this basic human need to do shelter in the broadest sense of the word, whether its a movie theater or a simple log cabin in the mountains. This is the core of architecture: To provide a space for human beings.
Architects design buildings; that's what we do, so we have to go with the flow; and, even though I'm still an old Leftie, global capitalism does have its good side. It's broken down barriers - the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Union - it's raised a lot of people up economically, and for architects, it has meant that we can work around the world.
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