Contributed by Ian Moores. 10/03/08

Contributed by Ian. 10/03/08

Questions of Perception Holl, Pallasmaa, Perez Gomez A+U Press, William Stout Publishers

I am often asked, when I say I am intrigued by phenomenology, "What exactly is it?"

Questions of Perception is a collection of essays edited by Steven Holl amongst others, and offers insight into the historical background of phenomenology, the occurrences of phenomenology in architecture, and how architects can incorporate phenomena such as time and sound. The book questions perception of architecture and the senses, evoking thought about spaces and making connections between ones own experiences and architecture.

The book features examples of phenomenological spaces, thought provoking images, beautiful drawings. It serves as a good reminder to the power of the architect, and the magic of well designed spaces. This is a good introduction to phenomenology and has certainly changed my thought process when designing.