tac·tile /ˈtaktl/ /ˈtӕktaɪl/ Adjective1. Of or connected with the sense of touch.2. Perceptible by touch or apparently so; tangible: “an almost tactile memory”.
Tactility is something that is an oftenly overlooked aspect in architecture but it may play a big role, giving more power to architectural designs, from time to time.
I have read an article called “Tactile Architecture: Does it Matter?” written by Christopher N. Henry on Archdaily. (Link: http://www.archdaily.com/186499/tactile-architecture-does-it-matter/) And it has given me a few interesting facts and knowledge about tactility and how it is influential in architecture.
The article opens up with demonstration of Harry Harlow that tactile stimulation can be more desirable than food. Harlow raised infant rhesus monkeys without mothers and gave them a choice between two artificial mothers, constructed of wood and wire mesh. The only difference between the two was that on had milk with it and the other one was covered with cloth. Surprisingly, monkeys chose to bond with the cloth mother even though it lacks nutrition. This gives a sense how tactile experience is an important factor that may affect people with architectural designs, even though it is hard to say that the monkeys and architecture are directly corresponding.
“Instead of an existentially grounded plastic and spatial experience, architecture has adopted the psychological strategy of advertising and instant persuasion; buildings have turned into image products detached from existential depth and sincerity.” -Juhani Pallasmaa in his book, The Eyes of the Skin
Pallasmaa is emphasising on how architects try to design buildings to look good but not feel good. Tactile properties can affect people’s behaviour, self-perception, enjoyment of and comfort in a building which are quite important and meaningful.
Since tactility is associated with the feeling and touch of the space, the materiality of the space is also affecting the tactility, vice versa. However, in most cases, architects tend to rely on the materials that are widely used, taking them as it is. (Steel, glass, concrete, wood) Therefore, this workshop may provide us to think about tactility with the emphasis of handwork,fabrication,textures,patterns and lighting.
“Modern architecture does not mean the use of immature new materials; the main thing is to refine materials in a more human direction.” -Alvar Aalto
Tactility adds another dimension to our buildings, by providing not just plastic stimulus, but can also provide interesting visual stimulus.
