Spatial Esthetics and Einfühlung (Empathy) Theodor Lipps's Aesthetik

• Published in: The Meaning of Modern Architecture pp. 53 - 60
• Main Author: Morgenthaler, Hans Rudolf
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: United Kingdom Routledge 2015; Taylor & Francis Group
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: Art styles: c 1960; History of architecture; Psychological theory & schools of thought; Theory of architecture; Theory of art; Julius Posener; Vienna School Of Art History; Wölin; Deutsche Bauzeitung; Viennese; Le Corbusier; Dom Ino; 18th Century Architect; Robert Vischer; Tugendhat House; Alois Riegl; Artistic Volition; Clear Reading; Lms; Dutch Group Portrait; Paul Westheim; Exterior Lead; Industrial Tool; Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye; Barcelona Pavilion; Casa Del Fascio; Villa Savoye; Van Der Rohe's Buildings
• ISBN: 9781138572348; 9781472453013; 1138572349; 1472453018
• DOI: 10.4324/9781315555669-4

Can people understand pure architectural form and space, i.e., forms and spaces that are primarily geometric? How are we to proceed if none of the familiar stylistic details, divisions, or patterns appear on the surfaces of buildings? In such a situation, understanding cannot be accomplished through a rational deciphering that connects an architectural symbol to an accepted meaning. Nobody misreads a Doric column. Without such clear reading, understanding relies on the viewer's mood, attitude, and ability to communicate with one's sensations, feelings, and emotions as a different dictionary of architectural meaning. We must be ready to face pure forms trusting our own being and its sensual and intuitive abilities. We must feel our way into these forms and shapes.