Moods and Architecture"WOW!"
That's how travellers react to looking up at the Empire State Building or the Pyramids at Giza. Like all great buildings they have the power to impress. Now that our first contact with most real estate is likely to be through an illustration or photograph, the question is, " Can pictures deliver the same impression of greatness, beauty, or give the viewer a, 'Wow!' moment?" “IT DEPENDS.” In answer to this question, we recognize there are two parts of such a moment. The first is the sense of numinousness. The second is yeilding imaginative attention. It is a daydream, the mind's attempt to answer the question, "How would I enjoy being in this space?" This second experience is more personal. Where modern architects and interior designers succeed in creating functional floor plans, balanced arrangements and inviting palettes, a photograph may fail to evoke either "WOW" response. Unfortunately, it's easy for a two dimentional image to flatten a building, both emotionally and physically. But it is hardly necessary or inevitable. First, the illustration must have lines of action which act on the viewer's subconscious. Our attention is evoked by the subtle emotion of the structure. Our mood reflects the mood of the building, like smiling back when someone else does the same. Second, standing at the base of a tower, it's natural to experience it's largeness in the act of looking up practically to the sky. Although viewed downward, photography can more than capture characteristics, but illustrate and portray them more vividly. Last, but probably most important is the transition from looking at a building to seeing oneself in it. Lines of action retain importance, but ultimately give way to hints of lifestyle and sparking further curiosity. The atristry of the interior design, which is given to how we move through space and arrangement of furniture, must have a voice. The texture of the scene, color, temperature, and emotion, become the reason for either lingering a while or politely moving on. The aim of MMMD Photography which illustrates real estate is to consistently inspire "Wow!" responses on both levels. This can only be achieved by melding the artistry of the architect, designer and photographer. |