Exploring Embodied and Enactive Architecture: A Neuroarchitectural Perspective

The presentation by Andrea Le Chien delves into the intricate relationship between architecture and human experience, emphasizing an embodied and enactive approach. This perspective views architecture not merely as a static form but as a dynamic interaction between the mind, body, and built environment. The talk explores concepts such as body schema, narrative architecture, and time perception, illustrating how architectural design can evoke emotional and existential experiences. Through examples like the Water Temple and Brion Cemetery, the speaker highlights how spaces can manipulate time perception and enhance user engagement. The presentation concludes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of neuroarchitecture, suggesting that insights from cognitive processes can inform urban design to create supportive environments.

Introduction to Embodied and Enactive Architecture

0:00 - 1:39

The presentation begins with Andrea Le Chien introducing the concept of architecture as an existential art form, emphasizing its dual role in sheltering biological organisms and housing ideas and memories. The speaker highlights the importance of understanding architectural design not just as a solution to functional requirements but as a scenario for emotional and physical experiences. This segment sets the stage for exploring how architecture can be understood from an embodied and enactive perspective, which considers the dynamic relationship between the mind, body, and the built environment. The introduction is compelling as it frames architecture as a medium that communicates possibilities for existential recognition, rather than specific meanings, thus inviting a deeper exploration of how spaces influence human experience.

Embodied and Enactive Approach in Architecture

1:39 - 3:00

The speaker proposes an embodied and enactive approach to studying architectural experience, emphasizing the intrinsic relationship between the mind, body, and the built environment. This approach is rooted in phenomenological thinking and aims to build an interdisciplinary common ground. The segment introduces the concept of architectural experience as originating from the pre-reflective interaction between the body and the environment, where the body is seen as an active, emotional, and situated agent. This perspective is particularly interesting as it shifts the focus from static architectural forms to dynamic interactions, highlighting the role of bodily engagement in shaping spatial cognition and experience.

Body Schema and Architectural Experience

3:00 - 4:35

The discussion delves into the concept of body schema, which is crucial for understanding architectural experience. The body schema is described as having two fundamental functions: managing unconscious bodily states and providing a minimal sense of self. The speaker uses the example of the Garden of Exile to illustrate how architectural design can evoke emotional responses by acting on bodily systems. This segment is particularly engaging as it connects architectural design with the body's innate mechanisms, demonstrating how spaces can evoke specific emotional and existential experiences through physical interaction.

Narrative Architecture and Temporal Experience

4:35 - 6:12

The speaker explores narrative architecture, which uses design strategies to create a temporal experience for users. By gradually unfolding spaces and views, narrative architecture taps into human preferences for exploration and storytelling. The Water Temple by Tadao Ando and the Brion Cemetery by Carlo Scarpa are cited as examples where spatial itineraries evoke memorable emotional experiences. This segment is intriguing as it highlights how architectural design can manipulate time perception, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation that enhances the user's emotional engagement with the space.

Time Perception in Architectural Experience

6:12 - 8:00

The presentation examines how architectural design influences time perception, suggesting that sudden spatial changes capture attention and increase arousal, altering the subjective experience of time. The speaker proposes that the motor system plays a role in building sensory representations of time, aligning with the idea of 'activated time' in architecture. This segment is novel as it connects architectural design with cognitive processes, offering insights into how spaces can be designed to manipulate time perception and enhance user experience.

Embodiment and Spatial Affordances

8:00 - 10:05

The speaker discusses how architectural spaces, like Scarpa's stairs, affect the body schema and state of mind by disrupting habitual movements. This disruption activates attentional switches and creates time delays, allowing users to consciously experience their surroundings. The segment highlights the connection between bodily signals and architectural experience, suggesting that design can directly influence time perception and immerse users in the present moment. This analysis is compelling as it demonstrates the power of architecture to shape cognitive and emotional experiences through physical interaction.

Narrative Architecture and Mindfulness

10:05 - 12:01

The presentation draws parallels between narrative architecture and mindfulness, suggesting that both involve heightened awareness of bodily states and a slowing of perceived time. The speaker notes that architectural design can create moments of 'authentic being,' recognized by philosophers as profound aesthetic experiences. This segment is particularly engaging as it connects architectural design with philosophical concepts, highlighting the potential of architecture to create meaningful experiences that resonate with human consciousness and well-being.

Future Perspectives in Neuroarchitecture

12:01 - 13:05

The speaker concludes with thoughts on future research directions, suggesting that insights from time cognition could inform urban design and spatial cognition studies. The potential for architectural and urban affordances to modulate time perception and address issues like stress and boredom is highlighted. This forward-looking segment is intriguing as it suggests practical applications of neuroarchitectural insights in urban planning and design, emphasizing the importance of considering cognitive and emotional factors in creating supportive environments.