PERCEPTION OF RAIN
Rain is perceived differently across the world. Many people avoid rain and prefers to stay inside. Others celebrate it as a form of new life, a matter of survival. The image of a city changes depending on how we perceive rain. While raining, the atmosphere of the city gets darker and the air becomes humid and cool. Drops of water blurs the edges of the buildings, intensifies the faded colors. Temporary ponds and puddles reflects the surrounding cityscape. Rain influences our perception of environment. Through the damp air, the smell of wet soil, the sound of rain drops and the feeling of rain on skin, a well known space can be experienced and perceived in a new way.
EXPERIENCING THE RAIN
My own experience of rain is an important part in this thesis. To better understand the qualities of rain I decided to take walks in the city during rainfall. The purpose of these rain walks are to explore how the city highlights different qualities of rain. My experience of rain was strongly linked to the context resulting in different rain scenarios. The collected material is presented in three rain scenarios; exposed space, urban space and enclosed space.
Exposed space
Exposed space is by the open water. An open space with few structures and strong winds that makes the rain feel harsh and sipping through your clothes. You feel very exposed to the rain and you hear, see and feel water everywhere.
Enclosed space
Enclosed space is when surrounded by trees and vegetation. The trees delay the falling rain and creates shelter. You can see the raindrops on the branches and the bushes all around. There are a lot of puddles on the grass and muddy ground.
Urban space
Urban space is when you are surrounded by buildings and other urban structures. The wind direction is disturbed making the rain feel less harsh. There are different materials getting wet, making the surroundings more vibrant. You hear rain hitting roofs, umbrellas and the windows.
STRATEGY
Exposure and enclosure – Creating a shelter that is exposed. A space that is enclosed during rainfall and exposed otherwise. This can be achieved by guiding the rain.
Guiding the rain – Manipulating and guiding the falling rain to define and create an enclosed space when it starts raining. Enhancing the architectural experience through rain which also leads to interactive design.
Interactive design – Designing a pavilion that reacts when raining. Enabling the visitors to interact with the structure to enhance the experience of rain.
Transformable structure – A structure that is responsive to the context and embodies the site. This gives stronger connection between nature and surrounding environment.