More than just walls: The language of space

Architecture approaches many obstacles in today’s world. Technological advancements, mass populations of people, and virtual experiences that now take part in everyday life. Although these things provide endless opportunities they do not however devalue the degree to which architecture affects us. The language of spaces is an important topic. What role does architecture as a physical object play in the modern world? How do we take on the construction of spaces in a world of constant change? Especially concerning places such as museums that are for the purpose of preservation. They contain history, principles of preservation which can theoretically be conflicting to the demanding changes of the 21st century. Space and design are two aspects that can affect emotions even more uniquely when concerning people’s culture and past. Elements such as light and sounds also contribute to the aesthetic appeals and can heightened senses of those moving through a constructed space, both having the potential to impact and shape experiences. Therefore, our mood can be influence by the spaces when enter. Different aesthetics call for different designs, architectural choices are significant to museums regarding the stimuli they produce, because they can provoke people to prefer certain designs over others, encourage specific impressions, and vitalize overall emotions. Below is a contemporary addition to Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum. I found this particular museum especially interesting considering the drastic difference between not only the two buildings but the city and the placement. The architects describe some of the features of the contemporary Stedelijk museum of art in Amsterdam: “From the entrance, visitors can familiarize themselves with the different routes that are possible through the building. The routing can be controlled by the programming, but is not mandatory in one direction. Thus it is possible to walk directly into the old building to follow the various circuits. The monumental staircase remained and continues to have an important function in the routing.” The old building however was built during a period when Dutch architecture was searching for its values in the historical past. While the new addition appears to be a hit among many others are not stating that "entering an oversize plumbing fixture to commune with classic modern art is like hearing Bach played by a man wearing a clown suit." There is controversy over the contrast between the two. The Stedelijk says the work reveals "the uniformity of museum architecture... the changing role of the museum, which includes serving as a marketing tool for city branding within the ever-expanding spectacle of mass tourism." It is plain to see that architecture, placement, and the space it inhabits all have the power to influence and provoke emotions among those who interact.