An Architectural Phenomenology Reflection: A Case Study on Japanese Spatiality

From the perspective of architectural phenomenology, our built environments have a greater influence on us than we realize. They have an impact on our physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, particularly now as we spend the majority of our time indoors. These spaces inform our habits, moods, and behaviors, as well as our perspectives on everyday life. The meanings and experiences we gain from this interaction strengthen not only our relationships with others, but also our relationships with our surroundings.

What are some of the ways that architecture can address this? The principle of wabi-sabi embodied in Japanese architectural and design aesthetics is one particularly effective way. According to Wabi-sabi, the best way to experience our everyday life is by letting go of the chaos and distractions that take away from these experiences. Wabi-sabi argues that when we do this, we become more conscious of our interactions with others and our environments. These shared experiences become far more precious to us, and this is the key to a fulfilling life. This relationship between space and finding meaning and purpose in our lives is what this project aims to examine.

Industrial Design, the Best and Worst of Humanity

Design is present around us. From our automobiles, to furniture and consumer electronics, design has drastically changed and improved our way of living. However, we are not aware of its influence because we have been programmed not to. The value of an arts education has declined over the years due to the passing of the No Child Left Behind Act (2002) which directed the focus of the education system to science, mathematics, and reading to measure the levels of students with standardized testing. This led to the neglect of subjects like social studies and arts, which are just as important for students in getting a well-rounded education. This project discusses the influence of design in our lives, and the importance of the arts in our society. I look at Industrial Design, a diverse field that includes the concepts, planning, and design of meaningful and sustainable products that help us live comfortably in our environment. I explore how these designs represent the best of human nature as it inspired innovative thinking like ergonomics and digital design, changed products from a targeted niche to the masses (also known as the democratization of design) and pushed for a sustainable design future. Conversely, I also examine examples of bad design that brought out the worst in humanity. This information is compiled from documentaries, literature and interviews through research, and emphasizes the importance of arts and design in our society now and for our future.