The origins of pleasure
Interesting talk by Paul Bloom on how the history of what we are looking at can have a big impact on how we perceive it. We don’t just respond to things as we see them,…
Two ways of looking at the world: Classic vs Romantic understanding
A while ago I started reading the classic philosophical novel Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. Currently I am half way but the part on the division of ‘human understanding’ at…
The affects of sound on our experience of space
Why is it that each time I get into a trendy restaurant- modern interior, minimalistic style- I get so annoyed by the horrible sound of this space? It seems like one fundamental weakness of (interior)…
Alain de Botton and the Architecture of Happiness
During my time as a student, one of my favourite classes were the ones on philosophy. Not that I understood much of it, partly due to the fact that the lectures were given by a…
The forms we prefer
Even though humans have evolved over 100 of thousands of years into very sophisticated beings we still have some of those pre-historical reflexes in us left. One of them is our preference of rounded, contoured…
Transparency III: towards materiality
This is my third article on transparency, this time I will propose qualities that reintroduce materiality and meaning. The modernist appeal for transparent architecture is the direct result of the aesthetic ideal that there should…
17 words that offer inspiration for any bold creative persuit
I didn’t use to be a big fan of the architectural style of architect Daniel Libeskind. To me it was a bit over the top. But two things changed my opinion, the real experience of…
Color psychology
Color can affect our emotions. At least, that’s the idea you get when you see all those websites stating that pink makes you calm and yellow gives you energy, etc. But when I read Universal…
Marian Bantjes: Follow your heart under the guidance of your ego
One thing that distinguishes ‘design’ from ‘art’ might be that design has to serve a purpose whereas (contemporary) art is more about following and expressing your emotions and thoughts. Design is usually about fulfilling a…
Looking at art
Once in a while I like going to a museum to look at art. There is no particular period I like more over the other. I can just as easily be amazed by a painting…
