A Narrative on the Wall

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Architecture conveys a sense of rootedness through its form and fabric. Through the mode of experiencing architecture, a sense of belonging is conveyed through the psychological impacts of form and material. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate and substantiate the significance of the role of the wall in the manifestation of architectural experience. The perception of buildings are not always guided by our sight but also through our bodies. In a predominantly 'form 'driven discipline there is a need to examine experiential architecture which focuses on surface texture and technique. Many architects and theorists have postulated on the way buildings can be felt. A phenomenological approach lets us experience buildings through a dialogue with our senses. Space and object are understood through our perception through our bodies via channels of materiality, scale, colour and texture. The paper aims to elaborate on this connection by studying the wall in its various roles in conjunction with space and its contribution to creating identity and place. Through a study of a range of houses from the vernacular to modern, the role of the wall as a fundamental element of enclosure, as a marker and facade will be examined in its phenomenological aspects through the framework of theories postulated by Heidegger and Norbert-Schulz. Mapping the behavior of the wall in courtyards, as a marker and as a facade to create presence and make space into place will be explored. Architecture it will show through its materiality, colour and texture and connection to the environment projects an atmosphere. Space or demarcated space or enclosure is created which in turn is identifiable, contextual and substantiates a "spirit of place".