Methodological framework of the emotional dimension in the built space for an architectural quality

Abstract

Architecture quality is complex due to a number of factors. Some of these factors implicitly engage in deep reflection on architectural space, then they end up having a significant impact on the user’s architectural experience. For the purposes of this paper, experience is considered as any contact between the user and the built environment through the architectural space, where the impact will be the result of both objective and subjective factors. Among these subjective aspects, we focus on the emotional dimension of the user's experience. This theoretical article will address this issue using an inductive approach. The main purpose is to examine the role of each of the following elements: firstly, the architect's perception of architectural space, in particular in relation to the traditional duel between form/space or geometry/architecture; secondly, the impact of emotion which is thought to be most closely related to human nature in promoting architectural quality; and finally, we will attempt to define the methodology that will enable the architect to address this emotional dimension in such a technical practice. The desired and appropriate methodological frame is intended to provide a scientific solution to the potential conflict between subjective and objective factors from the disciplines and participants involved. To do so, it should represent the first level (level-0 methodological framework) where the user-centered approach takes precedence and coordinates between architects, environmental psychologists and neuroscientists to prepare the quantitative and qualitative data needed to support the next level (level-1: architectural design), which is primarily the responsibility of the architect.

Keywords

• architectural quality
• architectural space
• emotional dimension
• methodological framework
• user-centered approach