Juhani Pallasmaa, a Finnish architect and theorist, is renowned for his influential thoughts on architecture and its deep connections to human sensory experience. He emphasizes the importance of the senses in shaping our understanding of space and place, arguing that architecture is a multi-sensory experience rather than just a visual one. His work highlights the need for buildings to engage all human senses, which enhances our emotional and psychological responses to our environment.
Pallasmaa critiques modern architecture’s focus on visual aesthetics, suggesting that this approach neglects the rich, tactile, and atmospheric qualities that contribute to our lived experiences. He believes that architecture should evoke memories, feelings, and sensations, thereby enriching our life experiences. His writings advocate for designs that cultivate a sense of belonging and create atmospheric qualities, fostering deeper connections between people and their environments.