I was puzzled by the "Pattern 134: Zen View",which illustrates that building huge windows that look onto the beautiful view incessantly may spoil the sight and architects should put the windows on the places where the scenery can only be glimpsed at a certain time. As a universal design principle, it is based on the concern that human brain usually adapts to repeated experiences and responds again when something new is presented. That is to say people get used to the beauty they see every day and no longer have passions for it, only when the chances to see the view are restrained can it stays alive forever. But I doubt whether this principle is really useful and appropriate for all of us.
I think this principle has little practical use. Human beings have desires that continually change and can never be fully satisfied. When I was a undergraduate student, I lived in a small dormitory equipped with simple appliances. At that period of time I missed my large bedroom so much, but when I came home I missed my warm and lovely dormitory. Does any architect have the magic to integrate my bedroom and dormitory into a dreamland that can change its style according to my variable needs? The answer is actually impossible. So pepole may think hiding beautiful views enhance greater today, then believe enjoying it ceaselessly values greater tomorrow.
I think the best solution is to be diverse, like putting huge windows on different places in one house, one on the transition places—along paths, on stairs, one in the room where people spend most of their time—bedroom,dining room. Using this method, "Buddist monks" can appreciate restrained views while most of us who are unable to resist the temptation to envolve ourselves in such beauty can stare at it for 24 hours a day if they like.
This principle can be applied to the teaching field. Educators should provide enough teaching and learning materials, multiple teaching equipment such as PPT, flash, movies to enrich the class so that students can choose the one suitable to their taste.
I was also puzzled by the "Zen View" at the start and also questioned why you would not want to emphasize the view. After reading further I because to understand his reasoning.
ReplyDeleteI like your example of your room and wishing to combine the two yet it is impossible. I sometimes think in the busy world we like in we often miss the 'view' because we are wishing for something beyond the present. I wonder if the 'Zen View' could have also been directing our thoughts to slowing down and finding a way to fully appreciate the view/ situation. I know there are days when I drive to work in a mindless state then all of a sudden my consciousness focuses on the unbelievable sunrise that is occurring right in front of me. I am glad that even though our brain adapts to repeated experiences (driving to work) it allows us to recognize and appreciate the beauty of even a slight change in our surroundings.