Thinking versus feeling in architecture
Dang Nguyen
Both Le Corbusier (1887-1965) and Tadao Ando (1941-) followed unconventional paths in their architectural education. Le Corbusier began his career as an artist before later gaining experience and knowledge through working with established architects. Similarly, Tadao Ando does not possess formal qualifications in design or architecture. Instead, he embarked on a global journey, learning through direct experience, engaging with buildings firsthand, and studying through sketching and feeling architecture. Both approach their work from a more intuitive and experiential perspective rather than a strictly theoretical or academic one. Their slants are characterised more by emotional and experiential insights than by the traditional intellectual frameworks we typically assume when examining their works.
Le Corbusier’s architectural design for his 1953 Chappelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut, Ronchamp, France, reveals stark white walls refracting light, creating an ethereal glow inside the chapel. Thick walls enhance acoustics, allowing sounds from the outside altar to carry across the field. The circular roof, resembling an aircraft wing, seemingly floats above its columns, enabling celestial light to flow through the curved roof space, reaching toward the sky. The varied glazing treatments, most evident in the plan view, channel light into the space and influence the experience of those inside. Additional design features include the roof shell structure and the light tower, which serve as metaphors for an airplane’s wings and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, respectively. The roof imposes a sense of compression on individuals, enhancing their spiritual experience.
Ando’s 1989 Church of Light near Osaka, Japan, emphasise the interplay of natural light within a stark concrete framework. The church's most iconic feature is the cruciform cutout in the concrete wall behind the altar, which allows sunlight to enter and create a dramatic cross of light within the interior. This minimalist design, inspired by Zen principles, focuses on simplicity, tranquillity, and the essence of spiritual contemplation.
The following table is a site and feeling comparison between Ronchamp Chapel and The Church of Light:
| Ronchamp Chapel | The Church of Light |
|
Ennobling |
Ensouling and ennobling |
|
Religious programs |
Religious programs |
|
Worshiping |
Worshiping but also contemplating, meditating |
|
Pilgrimage site |
Destination site |
|
Uplifting |
Grounded |
|
Light |
Shadow |
|
Ship-like |
Tomb-like |
|
Axial geometry |
Axial geometry |
|
Symbolic cubism artwork |
Absence of artwork, rely on architectural symbolism |
|
Sky |
Earth and sky |
|
Celestial |
Celestial |
|
Rural setting |
Urban setting |
|
Centrifugal |
Centripetal |
|
Extroverted |
Introverted |
|
Exteriority experience |
Interiority experience |
|
Exhilarating |
Sombre |
|
Wonder emotion cluster |
Serene emotion cluster |
|
Movement that quiets |
Stillness that moves |
|
Dynamic space |
Intimate sanctuary |
|
Sacred mountain metaphor |
Garden of paradise metaphor |
While Le Corbusier emphasises purism and prioritises space over form, the chapel is still highly sculptural, cleverly blending tangible notions of both space and form. In contrast, Tadao Ando focuses on simple forms and rich spatial compositions. He integrates many of Le Corbusier’s principles of design, but the design yields distinctly different outcomes.
I spent an hour sitting in the M-Pavillion in Melbourne, Victoria, immersing myself in its profound quietness and contemplative atmosphere. While there, I conducted analytical drawings and researched phenomenology, focusing on mindfulness and architecture. Concepts such as emptiness, boundaries in motion, changing space and moving self, and the dynamic nature of self highlight the principle of ‘less is more’ and underscore the power of human imagination and cognitive functions. These themes are deeply rooted in Japanese architecture and art.
This is not to say that Le Corbusier’s work is ineffective. On the contrary, his designs are visually stunning and have inspired awe and admiration. However, in today’s world, where people are often overwhelmed by constant stimulation from devices and technology, there is a growing need for spaces that offer respite and tranquillity.
The Japanese have a unique notion of space, embracing shadows, emptiness, changing space and moving self, betweenness, boundaries in motion. In Japanese Zen, the tea ceremony and its architecture reflecting the art and thought of the individual. Tea ceremony rooms are designed for solitary human discipline, where people often sit in seclusion to contemplate. In contrast, Christian spaces designed for contemplation tend to be communal, engaging participants in physical rituals, and employing light and filtered windows to evoke a feeling of divine glory.
The interplay of light is evident in how the window system utilise patterns and colours to manipulate illumination. On the other hand, shadow is how the physical structure interacts with light to create varying shadows, revealing the dynamic relationship between light and absence of it within the space. With the reaction to social and cultural context, Le Corbusier’s design philosophy moved away from his earlier industrial aesthetic, embracing organic forms and natural light. The chapel's sculptural arrangement was a significant departure from his rectilinear modernist principles, reflecting a more humanistic and spiritual approach
When commissioned in 1950 by church reformists, Le Corbusier aimed to strip away decadence and embrace modern art and architecture, focusing on spatial purity without overcomplicating the design. Therefore, Le Corbusier used symbolic cubism in designing the Ronchamp Chapel to depart from traditional religious architecture focused on ornate decoration. Instead, he aimed to evoke spirituality and transcendence through abstract forms and shapes. By incorporating elements derived from cubism, such as interplays of light, form, and material, he created a modern sacred space that encourages contemplation and awe, resonating with visitors’ spiritual aspirations .
In the Church of Light, there is no traditional symbolic artwork in the form of paintings or sculptures typically found in religious spaces. Instead, Ando relies on the architecture itself as the symbolic artwork. The main symbolic element is the use of light, particularly natural light, as a metaphorical representation of spirituality and transcendence in Zen spatial design. Inspired by Zen principles, including simplicity, maintaining a close spiritual connection, it reflects a fundamental Zen attitude. Ando's work is characterised by geometrical compositions, a preference for asymmetry, regular forms, and balanced proportions. He interactively uses natural elements like light, water, sound, and natural materials. Zen philosophy's preference for perfectly empty spaces over perfectly complete ones is present in Ando’s designs.
The emotional experience associated with The Church of Light by Tadao Ando is often described as belonging more to the Serene emotion cluster. This reflects the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere created by the minimalistic design, subdued lighting, and use of raw materials like concrete. Visitors often experience a sense of calm and contemplation, emphasising serenity and introspection.
In Ronchamp Chapel, the emphasis leans towards evoking the Wonder emotion, expressed through its expansive and luminous qualities. The unique architectural form, play of light, and symbolic elements create an atmosphere that often inspires awe and wonder in visitors. The chapel’s sculptural and mystical qualities elicit feelings of amazement and inspiration, distinct from the serene and peaceful ambiance typically found in other religious spaces.
Built in the aftermath of World War II, Ronchamp Chapel serves as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, addressing the need for spiritual renewal and hope in a society recovering from conflict. During the 1930s, Western societies, affected by the Great Depression and the threat of war, sought happiness and inspiration in its various possibilities. Design was one of these.
In the social and cultural context of Japan, during Japan's early development, the country faced significant hardships. In response, many Japanese intellectuals, writers, and educators of the late Edo and early Meiji periods focused on teaching people how to develop inner strength and called for an independent civil society beyond the boundaries of the state. Here, the Japanese tend to be more introverted and inward looking.
Le Corbusier's design for Ronchamp Chapel responded to its social and cultural context, emerging after World War II as a symbol of peace and hope. It integrated local architectural traditions with modern elements, such as thick masonry walls and white concrete, situated on a historic pilgrimage site that respects cultural significance while offering a modern spiritual retreat. The chapel uses natural light through strategically placed windows and light wells, creating a transcendent experience. The dynamic roof and irregular walls symbolise shelter and protection, embodying the chapel's role as a sanctuary. In contrast, Ando’s work, influenced by Japanese introspection and resilience developed during challenging historical periods, reflects a more contemplative and serene approach, contrasting with Western extroversion and the pursuit of positive experiences amid adversity.
Ando’s architecture resonates more deeply with contemporary audiences, addressing societal overstimulation and disconnection by providing spaces for introspection and inner peace. This reflects a shift in societal needs towards finding solace in a chaotic world. Like the theory of the pendulum, people often desire the opposite of what they are currently experiencing or facing.
Thinking in architecture involves analytical and logical processes such as planning, problem-solving, structural considerations, functionality, sustainability, and adherence to regulations and codes. This systematic approach ensures the building is safe, functional, and efficient. Feeling is the aspect encompasses the emotional and experiential dimensions of architecture. It involves creating spaces that evoke certain emotions, such as comfort, inspiration, tranquillity, and excitement. Feeling also considers aesthetics, ambiance, and the human experience within the space.
We tend to ascribe modernism as being devoid of romanticism or emotion. Still, Le Corbusier’s designs are deeply rooted in his personal feelings and aspirations. He stated that “my own duty and my aims to try and raise people out of their misery, away from catastrophe, to provide them with happiness, with a contented existence, with harmony. My own goal is to establish or re-establish harmony between people and their environment.”
Tadao Ando's motivation in architecture revolves around creating inclusive spaces that resonate with spirituality regardless of one's religious background, fostering introspection and connection with both self and surroundings while preserving social and cultural values. Through his use of raw concrete, nothingness, and minimalist design, Ando critiques the superficialities of modern living and consumerism, advocating instead for simplicity and a return to core human values. His void spaces serve as a deliberate contrast to the excessive materialism of contemporary society, encouraging individuals to pause, reflect, and find inner peace amidst the chaos of the modern world.
The main impact of a thin place experience is an emotional response, such as feelings of awe, serenity, and spirituality. Thin places are defined by their ability to evoke these emotions. The word ‘emotion’ comes from the French ‘emouvior’, meaning ‘to stir up.’ Emotions are neurophysiological states, experienced as feelings, that cause mental and physical changes in response to a stimulus.
Barbara Fredrickson identifies ten top positive emotions: amusement, awe, gratitude, hope, inspiration, interest, joy, love, and serenity. These emotions fall into three clusters: encouragement, playfulness, and harmony. [DN1]
Spirituality is a broad concept that includes experiences of serenity, which promote optimal health and quality of life. Religious and spiritual experiences often have ineffable (indescribable) and noetic (hidden knowledge) qualities, frequently accompanied by mystical episodes. Spiritual connections to awe including the feelings of unity with others and the world, revealing purpose, and experiencing transcendence and wonder. Spiritual connections to serenity including feelings of calm, inner peace, and a slowed perception of time.
Neuroscience explores how the brain influences behaviour and cognitive functions, including emotions such as awe. Key areas studied include the prefrontal cortex for emotional regulation and decision-making, the amygdala for assessing danger and storing emotional memory, the thalamus for processing sensory information from sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste, and sending it to relevant areas of the brain, and the hippocampus for memory and emotional sensations.
We perceive the world through our senses, which send signals to the brain. The brain then predicts outcomes and triggers corresponding emotions in the body, influencing our feelings and reactions in various scenarios This explains how each buildings evoke different emotions and feelings onto the users.
During my visit to Tadao Ando's M-Pavilion in Melbourne, I experienced a profound connection with mindfulness and contemplation. This encounter helped me reconnect with myself and return to a state of present awareness. The experience at the M-Pavilion marked the beginning of my spiritual journey, revealing the transformative power of silence and peace. It reminded me of the last time I felt such tranquillity, during my childhood, before life's stresses and anxieties disconnected me from my inner self.
Growing up and maturing is challenging and often uncomfortable. The darkest times, though frightening, can be beautiful as they offer moments to pause and reflect, leading to valuable introspection and self-discovery. Buddhism teaches that true value comes with effort; nothing worthwhile is easily obtained. Some avoid hardship and thus miss opportunities for personal growth. For me, architecture embodies this beauty. It nurtures, protects, and enhances my sense of being and belonging, serving as a form of art that evokes profound and uplifting emotions.
Le Corbusier’s architecture often aims to evoke strong positive feelings, which can be effective at times but may not always resonate deeply. In contrast, Tadao Ando’s designs also elicit positive emotions but maintain a more neutral stance. This neutrality may be more effective in achieving balance, allowing us to experience and accept all feelings without letting them define us. By observing our feelings without judgment, we embrace the full spectrum of human experience, finding beauty in the state of simply being. This balance and acceptance reveal the true beauty of existence.
Once one achieves inner unity, one can reconnect with others and their surroundings. Although both Le Corbusier and Tadao Ando may be viewed as rational architects, their work demonstrates a blend of both intellect and emotion. They infuse their designs with personal insight and empathy, carefully considering how users will feel and striving for environmental and social harmony. Their focus extends beyond mere aesthetics and theoretical principles, reflecting a deep commitment to the human experience and well-being.
Ando is renowned for his universally accessible designs. His approach, incorporating phenomenology and psychology, addresses contemporary challenges by employing simplicity and neutrality to evoke calmer emotions. This methods allows his architecture to accommodate a broader range of social, cultural, and religious contexts. The Church of Light has become an iconic symbol of contemporary religious architecture, celebrated for its serene and introspective ambiance.
When one’s mind is fully attuned to the body's sensations, one is at the highest level of consciousness. This self-awareness is crucial for personal well-being and psychological equilibrium. Research indicates that mindfulness and spiritual practices contribute to enhancing both physical and mental health, as well as fostering cognitive development. Architectural design that can evoke a sense of spirituality could possibly have a significant positive impact on human well-being.