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World Views
We as people have our own worldviews, also known as ontology, which helps us define the way we live, the environment around us, and how we act based on this. When people ask about our world views we tend to believe that our own views and perspectives are right and may find it difficult to understand other people's worldviews and how they base their actions toward them. These accouterments of indifference through phenomena which we know as "cultural shock". World views affect every action and aspect of our life, to take a closer look we can compare rational and phenomenological through the design point of view.
Rationalism in the Western world represents a significant shift in the way designers and architects approached their work, emphasizing practicality and efficiency over feeling and decoration. For example, Designers will be given a project with a set of variables and will need to design with a rational approach emphasizing functionality, simplicity, geometric shapes, and a minimalist aesthetic. Overall rationalists use logic and efficiency to create products and spaces which are practical.
Designing Buildings. (2020). Italian rationalistic building the Palazzo della civiltà del. lavoro https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Italian_rationalism
Natilie Amoros. (2021). Phenomenological design.
https://www.r3dstudio.com/en/the-phenomenology-in-architecture/
When comparing the two it can be seen that the rationalist is all about knowledge and the phenomenologist is all about emotion. Philosopher Hannah Arendt, argues that in the Western world, there is a growing divide between people and their environment. People have effectively disconnected from the natural world and from each other, leading to a sense of alienation and loss of belonging. Showing that the Western world mainly uses a rational approach resulting in the loss of connection between the two. From a phenomenological perspective, the relationship between the individual has a significant meaning and is an essential part of the design process from the beginning.
On the other hand, the phenomenological design seeks to produce designs that are not just functional, but also engage the user on a deeper, more experiential level, trying to enhance the overall experience by creating a sense of connection and meaning. This approach considers the emotional impact of the design, creating spaces that elicit positive emotions.
Rethinking The Future. (2023). Physical emotion of phenomenological design. https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/2019/04/24/coming-back-to-our-senses-what-is-phenomenology-in-architecture/
Haus Jax, Trier, Germany. (2007. Rationalistic house design. https://rationalistarchitecture.tumblr.com/
In conclusion, the prevalence of a rational approach to architecture in the Western world will end up leading to issues such as disconnection from the spiritual and emotional aspects of life. However, the a growing belief that phenomenological views may have a more significant impact on our future as they priritise individuals and the environment. The growing population and the continuous demand for different resources, this force architects to be more aware of our space and environmental effects, which will contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.
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