Life at No.22, Local Walks, Walks

Nature as an Architectural Experience

Suzanne

When an architectural design is mentioned, most of us automatically start thinking of cathedrals, usually on a grand scale or the visual eye-catcher of a modern museum. 

Then I thought, does Architecture have to be just about new, old, or grand buildings in faraway places?

I really don’t think so.

Mauao Base Track

Most weeks, I wander the twisting path up and around Mauao [Mount Maunganui], a mountain covered with massive mature Pōhutukawa trees; even with foliage, their thick trunks can be seen firmly rooted to Papatūānuku [the land]. Its dense branches overhang the path and coastal line. More noticeable was the towering filigree of branches that adorned those thicker ones and overhung the track like the spindly structure of many a famous Gothic cathedral.

The Pohutukawa flowering early – a sign of a hot, dry summer, so “they” say.

The waves lapped the shore, dulling the surrounding traffic noise and chatter of other walkers and exacerbating the feeling of being somewhere special. For a moment, a sense of peacefulness and quiet enveloped me.

With a sense of awe, I trudged amongst those trees and started thinking of them as not just trees but as an architectural wonderland and a fulfilling architectural design experience.

Descending with the sunrise

Architecture is not something we need to be obsessed with ‘thinking’ about; we just need to feel. When you next visit a well-known building or place and are asked to describe it to your friends, think about how you felt and the emotions that ran through you as you walked around or through the building, piazza, garden or forest.

Under the Pohutukawa trees

Excellent architecture is all around us, and it may not just be buildings.

Finding it can be a walk through nature.

Linking to Georgina and Nature writing for November – looking through a window

and the lovely Jo from stillrestlessjo.com

Unknown's avatar

Published by Suzanne

I'm a lover of creativity and movement, expressed through photography, words, travel and sports. . . . . . .

35 thoughts on “Nature as an Architectural Experience”

    1. I love walking underneath trees and we’re spoilt with rows of well established ones in our neighbourhood. Yes, we too have screeds of housing that has no imagination regarding their architecture.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. You are welcome and yes there is something magical about sunrises by the beach and walking on Mauao. I think you’re right regarding that nature is a motivator for many designers even clothing.

      Like

      Reply

  8. A beautiful walk and a thought-provoking point about nature and architecture. I’ve more often heard it presented the other way round, with people (myself included) describing the vaulting in a cathedral as tree-like 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Hi Suz I still read your posts, just to let you know and all the beautiful scenery. Enjoyed my catch up with Noeline, albeit a short visit she was pleased to see me.  I find it very difficult to understand her.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi Aunty Jan, thanks for reading my posts and I’m very pleased you enjoy reading them. Yes, Mum is hard to understand as her voice is so quiet. Catch up for a chat soon xx

      Like

      Reply
  15. Pingback: 258 – Design v2 – Beach Walk Reflections: Thoughts from thinking while walking
  17. Pingback: Jo’s Monday walk : more Aracena | Still Restlessjo

  18. I will be arriving 13th next month for a day. You just convinced me to do the walk uphill instead of at the base. Looking forward and thank you. Would it be better to do it in the morning than later in the day?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh, that’s wonderful that you’re here for a visit. My preference is to do the climb in the morning as it’s quite steep, and December will be warm. Going around Mauao is equally enjoyable as doing the climb with less strenuous exercise. Have fun, and let us know how you get on.

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections Cancel reply