Architectural Making: Between a "Space of Experience" and a "Horizon of Expectations"

• Main Author: IRIS ARAVOT
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University of Windsor 2008-12-01
• Series: PhaenEx: Journal of Existential and Phenomenological Theory and Culture
• Subjects: Phenomenology; architecture; architectural design
• Online Access: https://phaenex.uwindsor.ca/index.php/phaenex/article/view/569

The paper suggests that architectural making, a process of research in practice, and itself a bridging between the space of experience and the horizon of expectations, corresponds to phenomenology as a method of inquiry. This includes architectural phases parallel to epoché, phenomenological reduction, free variations, transcendental intuition of the essence, and description. The paper describes the in-between, its two edges, experience and expectations, and their mutual influences through the process of architectural making. Examples from the design studio and professional literature illustrate the argumentation. The in-between is presented as structured, notably having a depth—the ineffable origin of creativity. In conclusion, the paper suggests that the edges and the in-between are temporary configurations in flux, wherein the architect makes use of his/her most inner resources, as a contribution to the metamorphosis and revitalization of his/her culture.