Shree: Architecture and Learning

 

120922: Shree: Architecture and Learning

Learning happens by many ways – to start with intellect and implement is one of the ways. It may happen through feelings or by body. Hence one cannot rely only on intellect to know the Truth – embrace all modes and be open to what is learnt or revealed through any medium – it may happen all of a sudden or laterally. In this respect perception is a “whole” and not a linear interpretation or analysis of events. Hence one learns by senses or by feelings or intellect. One imagines in all these modes and one conceives in all these modes. Phenomenology may be an acknowledgement of how a phenomenon is perceived in all modes and hence the perception of existence (and of space and time) may therefore vary and should be open for discussion and acceptance. A door is not just some static object “out there” but can generate feelings of all kinds which alters the identity or purpose or definition or impact or presence of the door element itself.

We also see consequently that space and time are not static entities which are to be only seen and responded as per some external changes or events taking place mechanically or mathematically or sequentially alone. But they can be perceived through feelings (or generate feelings or mood) and they are also known from perception of body. Thus, space and time is known by all mediums at the same time. We may prefer a particular mode over the other but one cannot deny any of the modes of existence. Apart from this, one cannot even deny modes of perception expressed by other life forms. At the grandest level one need not deny the mode of being in consciousness. If movement or motion means modes of learning, then non motion would also mean to “be” in a different learning zone.

This brings the inquiry of what gives “comfort” or a sense of well being in architecture? Feelings of connect, learning, contemplation may bring about this mood in architecture. Is that form based? That is for us to discover! If one tries to understand this, then the inquiry surpasses the stylistic movements in architecture and rests on attitude of just “being”. And in this inquiry, environment, community, people, self all come into the picture.

Hari Om.