Program Narrative

The modern world today is based on technological speed and control; therefore the visual sense has become the dominant sense. Ever since Greek architecture, buildings and objects have been designed for the pleasure of the eye. For example, between the signs that say ‘Do not walk on grass’ everywhere in parks and the ‘Do not touch artwork’ signs in museums we are not allowed to experience the world through our other senses. This is where haptic architecture can help reconnect us to our environment, and to ultimately to ourselves. “Haptic architecture promotes slowness and intimacy, appreciated and comprehended gradually as images of the body and the skin.” (Juhani Pallasmaa) Hapticity, or the sense of touch, can be broken down into subcategories of pressure, pain, warmth, cold, and kinesthesia. Kinesthesia is what Pallasmaa was referring about, the awareness of the position and movement of the body.

The program I will focus on will be that of a student center on a college campus. There are always people coming and going during class breaks, or after class is out. Some students just need a place to hang out while they wait between classes, some go into the stores or cafes in a rush to pick up something quick, while some go to socialize with other students in their school. There are many different uses and speeds that a student center accommodates. The student entering the building will enter through the main door into the student lounge space where people can kick back and enjoy themselves. As one continues to circulate throughout the building there are game rooms where students can meet up with others to compete at their favorite games, then grab a drink or snack at the café next door. Between classes some students may want a private space to cram for that test in one hour and will head upstairs through the smaller lounge into personalized study spaces designed just for them. At night in the large student lounge there may be concerts, comedians, and other forms of entertainment.