Abstract:
Most buildings of the past speak to us, comfort us, and fulfill us. In other words they touch us in numerous subtle ways. Where as most contemporary buildings do not. The reason why this wholesome communication ( with the
buildings) is lost to us, inspite of the advancement of the economic, technological , methodological spheres that are believed to make Man fulfilled seemed worthy of research. The various advancements which occurred in the recent past, and very often , independently applied in architecture in various aspects , have not addressed to a very subtle , yet, very essential component in architecture that affect the psyche of Man. As are result both Man and architecture have been left confused, without the ability to fuse themselves into a wholesome relationship. The struggle to fulfill this crippled relationship through focused concern on visual stimulation , using contrast of light and shade, with different colour , materials , sizes and shapes
has proved to be simply a failure. Had this essential component in architecture , been given equal importance like all the other components , specially by
considering their effects on this component, the impact would have been enormous in maintaining the profound relationship experience d when with in the most buildings of the past. This neglected component which gives Quality to space, is no other than the invisible medium that flowingly fills the architectural space. It touches man vividly via all his senses and is evidently subjected to constant subtle change. Yet, when handled sensitively to be meaningful and artistic it makes architecture soothingly comforting.
Citation:
Wickramanayake, R.S.D. (2001). The Mystical touch of architecture [Master's theses, University of Moratuwa]. Institutional Repository University of Moratuwa. http://dl.lib.mrt.ac.lk/handle/123/351