A percepção do espaço: a experiência sensorial entre os materiais e a forma arquitectónica

Abstract

"Space Perception: the sensory experience between materials and architectural form" out on the basis on the human sensory experience of its shape which, in its turn, embodies the construction materials. It is thus intended, supported on these knowledge, its use in architecture's craft, in order to enhance architectural works, providing the most intense and memorable experiences to its users. Thus far, it is developed an investigation which targets the architectural perception processes. The human sensory experience is studied and both the human perception field and memory's role is analysed, on how they play in the action of this brain function. Afterwards, the acquired knowledge is applied to the field of matter, analysing different types of materials with respect to their physical, psychological and emotional properties. Here, a reflection is made on the preponderance of the material in the architectural work and on the way in which it influences the perception of space. Finally, with the intention of putting into practice the theoretical development present in the first moment of the dissertation, it is analysed three vacation homes: the Alcino Cardoso House, by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Vila Alcina house, by the architect Sergio Fernandez, and the Casa em Moledo, by the architect Eduardo Souto de Moura. Each housing is submitted to two types of analysis: the first, direct and objective, which includes its general description and its relation to the context; the second, from a more subjective point of view, of emotional and poetic content, which is based on perceived sensory experiences. It is an exercise of a theoretical nature, which comes from an old concern.