MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and Built Environment

Classical Argumentative Essay

AR135-1 ARCHITECTURAL ESSAYS AND REVIEWS

BY

2018138113
January 13, 2024
SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT
ARCHITECTURE
2018138113 1/12/2024

SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF

SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT ARCHITECTURE
(CLASSICAL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY)

Introduction:

In the modern era of architecture, the wellness resort industry has placed a strong emphasis on
aesthetics and functionality, resulting in sterile and clinical spaces that prioritize efficiency over the
overall well-being of guests. However, a new trend has emerged since the pandemic started, as people
are now more conscious and prioritize their mental health and well-being, shifting the focus towards
sensory experiences that elicit deeper emotional and physical responses. This shift in attitude indicates
a growing recognition of the need for self-care and the importance of engaging in activities that promote
holistic health. Thus, this essay asserts that a phenomenological approach to sensory design, centered
around guests' subjective and lived experiences, is both a luxury and a necessary aspect of achieving
genuine wellness within resort architecture.

Background:

Conventional resort designs often prioritize practical concerns such as efficient circulation,
maximum occupancy, and compliance with building regulations. However, they often overlook the
significance of the guest experience, reducing visitors to mere occupants navigating a predetermined
space. Having that said, some proponents and designers are still failing to comprehend that human well-
being is deeply connected to sensory experiences. A more effective approach would recognize the
intricate link between our sensory perceptions and overall well-being. The effects of light, sound,
texture, and aroma on our moods, stress levels, and physical health should be thoughtfully evaluated.
For example, a bright and airy atmosphere with the fragrance of fresh air and various flowers and the
soothing sound of moving water can evoke a sense of tranquility and revitalization.

Thesis:

The initial premise of our argument lies in the recognition that human well-being is intricately
intertwined with the sensory experiences that individuals encounter. It is well-established that humans
rely on the senses to navigate and interpret the world around them. Therefore, the quality of an
individual's sensory experiences has a direct impact on their overall state of well-being. This assertion
is supported by various scientific studies demonstrating that the human brain responds to sensory

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SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT
ARCHITECTURE
2018138113 1/12/2024

stimuli in a complex and nuanced way, playing a critical role in shaping our emotional and cognitive
responses. Consequently, we argue that enhancing the quality of sensory experiences can have
significant positive implications for human well-being. This should be a key consideration in discussing
policies or programs to improve quality of life.

Body Paragraph:

Some individuals with a critical perspective may argue that emphasizing the senses is frivolous
and unnecessary, ultimately resulting in excessive complexity in the intricate design process. One
example of opposition is Hutmacher (2019), Levin (1993), Posner, Nissen, & Klein (1976), saying that
we are visually dominant creatures, so there is only a limited need to integrate all senses in designing
as we mostly tend to think, reason, and imagine visually. However, based on the available evidence,
the statement mentioned above seems to be incorrect. Studies mention that instead of merely registering
architecture as visual images, we scan our settings by the ears, skin, nose, and tongue. According to
Pallasmaa (1996), architecture serves as a means of reconciliation between individuals and the world,
and this mediation is facilitated through sensory experiences. Böhme (2013) also supports this assertion.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, it is time to move and facilitate more beyond the limitations of a purely
functional approach to wellness resort design. Various architects, namely Tadao Ando, Alejandro
Aravena, and Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, also use phenomenological architecture. By embracing a
phenomenological perspective, architects can prioritize the subjective sensory experience of guests and
create spaces that promote healing, restoration, and transformation. It is essential to recognize that our
environment profoundly impacts our overall well-being. True wellness is a physical state and a multi-
sensory symphony that resonates within us. Therefore, resort architecture should be designed to reflect
this understanding and become havens for both the body and the soul, with aesthetics that genuinely
promote well-being.

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References

Böhme, G. (2013). Atmosphere as mindful physical presence in space. OASE: Journal for Architecture,
91, 21–32.

Hutmacher, F. (2019). Why is there so much more research on vision than on any other sensory
modality? Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2246. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02246.

Levin, M. D. (Ed.) (1993). Modernity and the hegemony of vision. Berkeley: University of California
Press.

Pallasmaa, J. (1996). The eyes of the skin: Architecture and the senses (Polemics). London: Academy
Editions.

Posner, M. I., Nissen, M. J., & Klein, R. M. (1976). Visual dominance: An information-processing
account of its origins and significance. Psychological Review, 83, 157–17

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 MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and Built Environment

Proposal Argumentative Essay

AR135-1 ARCHITECTURAL ESSAYS AND REVIEWS

BY

2018138113
January 13, 2024
SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT
ARCHITECTURE
2018138113 1/12/2024

SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF

SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT ARCHITECTURE
(PROPOSAL ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY)

Introduction:

Throughout history, architects have placed considerable emphasis on creating aesthetically

pleasing and functionally efficient buildings. However, contemporary architects have increasingly
focused on designing structures that offer multisensory experiences, particularly in the context of
wellness resorts. To this end, this proposal advocates for a comprehensive exploration of the interplay
between form, function, and sensory design in wellness resort architecture from a phenomenological
perspective. Such an approach offers a way to examine how users interact with their environment,
understand their experiences, and develop more effective design solutions that cater to their needs. By
adopting this perspective, we can better understand the complex interplay of aesthetics, functionality,
and sensory experience in architecture and create structures that provide users with a more holistic and
satisfying experience.

Background:

In the past, the assessment of wellness resorts primarily focused on their physical functionality
and spatial effectiveness. Today, in light of society's increasing emphasis on holistic wellness, these
locations are viewed as spaces where sensory factors can play a crucial role in the overall wellness
journey. By incorporating elements that engage the senses - sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste - into
their design, architects and the like can transform these environments into immersive and therapeutic
retreats that redefine the wellness experience.

Proposal:

This proposal presents the notion of conducting a thorough phenomenological study that
centers on the intricate interplay between sensory design and architecture in wellness resorts. The
study's primary objective is to delve into the personal experiences of individuals within these settings,
revealing the effects of sensory elements on their emotions, perceptions, and overall levels of
contentment. Employing quantitative research methods like surveys and participant observation, this
study offers comprehensive insights into sensory design's role in elevating individuals' overall well-
being in wellness resort architecture.

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SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT
ARCHITECTURE
2018138113 1/12/2024

The results of the study would be valuable and useable in determining whether these sensory
elements would effectively affect the users' overall experience in achieving well-being. In line with that,
it is recommended that nature be incorporated into the resort using well-lit open spaces to encourage
users to travel the area, natural materials such as wood and stone to incorporate textures, and restful
water features to evoke the users' emotions. Envision exercise studios and meditation gardens amidst
lush bamboo groves, fostering a deep sense of tranquility and connectedness among guests. These
spaces are designed to enhance the overall well-being of individuals seeking to de-stress and revitalize
in a serene environment. With it, guests can expect to leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and more in
tune with their inner selves.

Justification:

This study aims to revolutionize architectural design by delving into the correlation between
physical and mental wellness. To achieve this, conventional ideas of structure and utility must be
surpassed so that architects can fashion settings that serve a purpose beyond mere functionality and
positively impact the emotional and mental well-being of those who use them. The study concentrates
on sensory design and furnishes practical insights for architects and the like to keep up with the
constantly evolving requisites of contemporary society. In this society, architecture is more than a
physical edifice but an integral component of the human experience. Hence, the proposed research of
this study is a response to this demand.

In line with this, according to a quote from a blog post by Lehman (2009), it is said that as an
architect, one must act as a composer, harmonizing space to balance both practicality and aesthetics
with consideration for human sensory experience. Therefore, the interplay between the human body
and its environment is paramount. Architecture flourishes when the body interacts with space, involving
movement, sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. Supporting that, some infrastructure around the world
already utilizes sensory elements, namely Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, Hotel Jen Tanglin in
Singapore, and Amanpuri in Thailand.

Counterargument:

While some contend that emphasizing sensory design in architecture may come at the cost of
structural soundness or practicality, it is crucial to recognize that these factors need not be mutually
exclusive. Rather than abandoning traditional principles altogether, this proposal suggests broadening
the design scope to encompass sensory experiences. Moreover, any worries about the subjective nature

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ARCHITECTURE
2018138113 1/12/2024

of such experiences can be assuaged through rigorous phenomenological research methods, which aim
to identify common threads and themes across a range of perspectives and ensure a thorough grasp of
the impact of sensory design.

Conclusion:

The significance of incorporating sensory design in wellness resort architecture is highlighted

in this proposal. By conducting a phenomenological study, we can better understand human experiences
within these spaces. The aim is increasingly to design for experience rather than merely for appearance;
this will offer architects valuable insights to create environments that cater to functional needs and
promote the overall well-being of the individuals who use them.

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SENSES OF PLACE: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF SENSORY DESIGN IN WELLNESS RESORT
ARCHITECTURE
2018138113 1/12/2024

References

Hutmacher, F. (2019). Why is there so much more research on vision than on any other sensory
modality? Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2246. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02246.

Lehman, L. M. (2009) Architectural building for all the senses: Bringing space to life.
https://marialorenalehman.com/post/architectural-building-for-all-the-senses.