افق های نو برای معماری و شهرسازی در طراحی و هنر صدا

ABSTRACT Sound art and architecture: New horizons for architecture and urbanism

What we experience with our bodies and senses differs dramatically from the theoretical concepts of pure space as proposed by scientists. Space can be defined by surfaces, lines, points. But besides this obvious physical nature of the space there exists its character, not measureable as easily – the phenomenal space. Our own human experience of space is quite different from a hypothetical concept of pure space because we are embodied beings and experience our environment with all senses available to us. Prominent philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1948-2002) points this out and argues that we are all part of that space, we are one with it. Similar statements are expressed by Charles Landry with his remark that “People are the part of urban story otherwise physical remains the empty shell” (Landry 2006). This suggests that personal experiences in relations to space uncover sensual nature of architecture Sometimes architecture and, more generally, art itself, serves to provide the experience that directs our consciousness towards the world and our sense of self. It also helps us experience ourselves as spiritual and embodied beings. Such was the stipulation of a well-known theoretician and architect, Juhani Pallasmaa (2005). Building upon the phenomenological concepts of philospher, Merleau-Ponty, Pallasmaa argued: “Architecture is the art of reconciliation between ourselves and the world, and this mediation takes place through the senses” (Pallasmaa 2005). His proposal was to interpret architecture in more profound ways, as an expression of our relationship with the world, and not simplistically, as a mere practical, functional aspect of life, providing shelter, workplace, school, and other functions. (Pallasmaa 2005) The education in the fields of architecture and design should encompass those very complex sensory phenomena of the space and to attempt to pose questions about them and propose solutions. The challenge becomes to introduce such pedagogical practices and educational design strategies that would reflect the profoundly rich space experience. In order to search for experiential activities to explore above mentioned issues we could turn to art. As Vitruvius mentioned in his groundbreaking work on architectural theory: architecture is a combination of several arts and abilities. (Vitruvius 2001) Today, postmodernity opened relationships with the public which in turn led to a creative dialogue between art and architecture. Cooperation ensued between architects specializing in the designing process, aesthetic discourse and spatial and conceptual issues as well as landscape projects. This model of work has developed in the resent years and scientists are now often working with artists, musicians with architects. (Fernie 2006) In order to provide a unique perspective and to teach new competencies to architects this project proposes to concentrate on the complex sound environment. This can be done by earning to listen, performing sound and implementing sound to the architecture practice increase sensory sensitivity. Outlined below are specific examples that illustrate practice-based assignments which incorporate using art, with special emphasis on sound art, in experimental activities for architectural education