Perception in Architecture. From Theory to University/Student Projects

Drawing on theoretical studies, prominent case-based illustrations and detailed presentation of specific examples, this paper explores perception in architecture, while also presenting how a similar requirement may lead to diverse answers and how the same reality may open towards various interpretations. The first part explains the reasons why people have a different perception of the same specific object in the light of their own prior experiences, based on how they interpret the information they receive and also on their memory thereof. Understanding the different stages through which the intellect records new information, based on cognitive psychology, the manner in which the optical effects are counteracted and appropriated via memory and how the context is a major factor in understanding both an object and its color, one can see how such information, despite seemingly included in the scope of psychology, is an integral part of architecture. The issue of how a single question may have multiple valid answers is addressed by the example depicting the architectural competition launched by „Asigurarea Românească” insurance company for its new headquarters located on Gheorghe Magheru G-ral Boulevard, but also by the practical works of the 22/32 design studio organized by „Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism, which is illustrated by the last topic of the 3rd academic year, called „Housing and Urban Density”. Having examined three projects that are different in terms of conceptual approach but also in terms of volumetric or formal solution, one can see the different approaches to the same architectural program, which can lead to different perceptions.