Phenomenology of perception and memorizing contemporary architectural forms

Abstract

Perception of an architectural form is not a unilateral act which has been often and unduly identified with mechanicistic captures of a camera. In understanding architectural composition and the way it influences our perception and memory, the knowledge regarding the field of psychology of perception and the analysis of principles of its use in architecture proved to be highly important. Instinctive understanding of perceptual processes and of laws according which our visual apparatus and memory are influenced by the architectural form and space is something that cannot be avoided. These are the operating principles of the so called "ordinary" observer; and this is an important insight for architecture as a visual discipline, which has been often neglected. As a significant addition to intuition and experience, the creative work of architects is supported by the insights on perceptual and cognitive processes which have been revealed by the psychology of perception.

Keywords

• composition (architectural)
• form (architectural)
• gestalt (psychology)
• perception
• structure