ARCHITECTURE AT ZERO-DISTANCE:
We tend to think of architecture as a mostly visual experience. We look at buildings as objects within a city or a landscape, trying to see them from a point of view that allows for the most complete understanding—the widest perspective. Even inside of them we look from the deepest corners to the farthest walls in order to give ourselves the most privileged perspective—to take it all in.
But architecture is felt rather than seen. Which means the most privileged view of architecture is seen from zero-distance, at the very surface of our experience.
To actually see something is to let go of any distancing abstractions about its presence and to simply admit it into our awareness. The best way to take it all in is not to take it at all, but simply to receive what is already here.
We tend to think of architecture as a mostly visual experience. We look at buildings as objects within a city or a landscape, trying to see them from a point of view that allows for the most complete understanding—the widest perspective. Even inside of them we look from the deepest corners to the farthest walls in order to give ourselves the most privileged perspective—to take it all in.
But architecture is felt rather than seen. Which means the most privileged view of architecture is seen from zero-distance, at the very surface of our experience.
To actually see something is to let go of any distancing abstractions about its presence and to simply admit it into our awareness. The best way to take it all in is not to take it at all, but simply to receive what is already here.