Should “Architecture as an experience” be introduced to Architectural students? How can this effect their design strategies?

Introducing “Architecture as an experience” to architectural students can be highly beneficial. When students approach architecture from the perspective of creating experiences for users, it broadens their understanding of the discipline and enhances their design strategies. Here’s how it can impact their design approach:

1. User-Centered Design: Emphasizing architecture as an experience encourages students to prioritize the needs, preferences, and emotions of the users. They learn to consider how people interact with spaces, how to create engaging environments, and how architectural elements can shape human experiences. This user-centered approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of designing for people and enhances their ability to create meaningful and functional spaces.
2. Sensory Perception and Spatial Awareness: Architecture as an experience encompasses the sensory aspects of space, including light, sound, texture, and spatial sequences. By introducing this concept, students learn to design with a focus on sensory perception, considering how different materials, colors, lighting, and acoustics impact the overall experience of a place. This understanding allows them to create more immersive and engaging environments.
3. Emotion and Atmosphere: Architecture as an experience emphasizes the emotional impact of spaces. Students learn to consider how design elements can evoke specific moods, create a sense of place, and shape the overall atmosphere. By understanding the emotional aspects of architecture, students can develop strategies to design spaces that elicit specific responses and connect with users on a deeper level.
4. Narrative and Storytelling: Introducing architecture as an experience encourages students to explore the narrative potential of their designs. They learn to consider how spaces can tell stories, communicate cultural or historical references, and engage users through storytelling techniques. This approach adds layers of meaning and depth to their designs, enabling them to create more memorable and immersive experiences.
5. Multi-Sensory Design Integration: By considering architecture as an experience, students are encouraged to integrate various design disciplines, such as interior design, lighting design, sound design, and landscape design. They learn to holistically approach projects, combining different sensory elements to create cohesive and harmonious experiences. This multidisciplinary approach expands their design strategies and fosters collaboration with professionals from related fields.
6. Experiential Learning Opportunities: Introducing architecture as an experience opens up opportunities for experiential learning. Students can engage in hands-on projects, virtual reality simulations, or real-life case studies to understand the impact of architectural design on user experiences. This experiential learning approach helps students develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of architecture as a catalyst for emotions, interactions, and memories.

By introducing “Architecture as an experience,” students gain a broader perspective on the potential of architectural design beyond purely functional considerations. It encourages them to create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also engage users on a sensory, emotional, and intellectual level. Ultimately, this approach can lead to the development of more thoughtful, impactful, and meaningful design strategies.