A Phenomenological Understanding of Contemporary Exhibition Space: Focusing on Aspects of Multi-Sensory Experience

초록

Contemporary architectural practice has been shaped by a predominance of visual-centric approaches, often overlooking the vital contribution of other senses to spatial experience. Addressing this limitation, the present study explores how the integration of auditory, tactile, and olfactory elements can enrich architectural environments, fostering more holistic and immersive spatial en-gagement. Drawing on the phenomenological theories of Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Juhani Pallasmaa, this research examines the significance of multi-sensory experience in contemporary exhibition spaces. The methodology combines a critical literature review of phenomenological concepts with qualitative case studies of exemplary exhibition spaces designed by Steven Holl, Tadao Ando, Peter Zumthor, Kengo Kuma, and Ryue Nishizawa. Each case is analysed to reveal how design elements such as natural light, sound, materiality, and airflow, interact with vision to produce deeper and more meaningful sensory engagement. The findings indicate that multi-sensory design strategies, including the orchestration of light, tactile qualities of materials, ambient sound, and the integration of local and temporal elements, significantly enhance visitors’ spatial experience. Such approaches enable architecture to move beyond its traditional role as a visual artefact, generating environments that are both emotionally reso-nant and cognitively engaging. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity of transcending purely visual paradigms in architectural design. It affirms the transformative potential of multi-sensory integration to enrich spatial perception and elevate the depth and quality of human engagement with the built environment.

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