I guess this is somewhat expected given the prompt and the people interviewed, but I'm nonetheless surprised that no one mentioned literally holy structures. I've experienced strong feelings while inside of (or outside of) constructed secular spaces like the ones mentioned, but none come close to the depth of feeling evoked by my sunrise visit to Angkor Wat in 2013, which was like touching the other side in a way that I've only otherwise experienced through deep meditation or on psychedelics. (I'd include the Sistine Chapel in the same category but that had more to do with the painting than the architecture itself.)
I did get a few answers about holy structures, so perhaps that's my own editorial slant coming through. Here's one example:
Camille Okhio recounted another story about her experience visiting the Vatican as a teenager. "It was at this moment, specifically standing in front of Bernini's Baldacchino (built between 1624-33) that I realized art in some form would follow me my whole life," she writes. "Bernini's structure took me outside of time and space, I felt like I was spinning in place. I thought there must be so much potential for beauty in my life if one human being could conceive and create such a masterpiece 400 years ago."
Yes, exactly that! Right down to the 400 years ago... And I wasn't remotely interested in Buddhism, Hinduism, or spirituality at the time as a 21-year-old.
The first time I saw Unité d'habitation in Berlin during golden hour, it was so inspiring and I took a bunch of film pictures that I treasure to this day. But there's a difference between that and being so overwhelmed by the enormity of the experience that you can't even try to capture the moment, which was how I felt at Angkor.
Tip for anyone who decides to go: see all the other temples you want to see first, and plan to go to Angkor last. We got this advice from someone who went before us and it was absolutely the right call. Since it is the most recently constructed temple (and still in use), seeing all the others that came before it helps you understand the context from which it came in a truly magical way.
Love seeing the Salk Institute chosen among the picks - a personal fave as well. Sagrada Familia is my overall pick, though. However, I have yet to go to Ankor Wat... I suspect that might take the cake.
Thank you for sharing! I often wonder (as many in their 40's looking inward with a close eye do) if I'm in the right profession. Seeing so many buildings that have moved me on this list reminds me that, if nothing else, this industry comprises many other people who feel these spaces in their bones. It's nice to know they're out there <3
Kelsey! I have been lamenting the fact that there's no word in the English language that means, like, "the feeling a space/room/architecture gives you," but I did recently find out that the Germans have one: Raumgefühl (sense of space)
I guess this is somewhat expected given the prompt and the people interviewed, but I'm nonetheless surprised that no one mentioned literally holy structures. I've experienced strong feelings while inside of (or outside of) constructed secular spaces like the ones mentioned, but none come close to the depth of feeling evoked by my sunrise visit to Angkor Wat in 2013, which was like touching the other side in a way that I've only otherwise experienced through deep meditation or on psychedelics. (I'd include the Sistine Chapel in the same category but that had more to do with the painting than the architecture itself.)
This is so evocative—thank you for sharing!
I did get a few answers about holy structures, so perhaps that's my own editorial slant coming through. Here's one example:
Camille Okhio recounted another story about her experience visiting the Vatican as a teenager. "It was at this moment, specifically standing in front of Bernini's Baldacchino (built between 1624-33) that I realized art in some form would follow me my whole life," she writes. "Bernini's structure took me outside of time and space, I felt like I was spinning in place. I thought there must be so much potential for beauty in my life if one human being could conceive and create such a masterpiece 400 years ago."
SHIVERS!
Yes, exactly that! Right down to the 400 years ago... And I wasn't remotely interested in Buddhism, Hinduism, or spirituality at the time as a 21-year-old.
The first time I saw Unité d'habitation in Berlin during golden hour, it was so inspiring and I took a bunch of film pictures that I treasure to this day. But there's a difference between that and being so overwhelmed by the enormity of the experience that you can't even try to capture the moment, which was how I felt at Angkor.
Tip for anyone who decides to go: see all the other temples you want to see first, and plan to go to Angkor last. We got this advice from someone who went before us and it was absolutely the right call. Since it is the most recently constructed temple (and still in use), seeing all the others that came before it helps you understand the context from which it came in a truly magical way.
I noted that as well! I was thinking if I were asked this question...the first space that came to mind was Sainte Chapelle
Love seeing the Salk Institute chosen among the picks - a personal fave as well. Sagrada Familia is my overall pick, though. However, I have yet to go to Ankor Wat... I suspect that might take the cake.
*we found some pic we took of a bezombes tapestry at C I U P ! which we don't know how to share other than we put it on IG
Thank you for sharing! I often wonder (as many in their 40's looking inward with a close eye do) if I'm in the right profession. Seeing so many buildings that have moved me on this list reminds me that, if nothing else, this industry comprises many other people who feel these spaces in their bones. It's nice to know they're out there <3
Kelsey! I have been lamenting the fact that there's no word in the English language that means, like, "the feeling a space/room/architecture gives you," but I did recently find out that the Germans have one: Raumgefühl (sense of space)
GLORIOUS