Exploring Emotional Architecture Through Fragments of Memory and Place

Space is often thought of as a physical structure, defined by walls, roofs, and materials. Yet, space can also be a feeling, a sensation that lingers in memory long after the physical form has changed or disappeared. This blog post explores how memory, place, and emotional architecture intertwine through the art of collage, where fragments of forgotten facades and torn edges evoke the passage of time and the resonance of places that never truly existed but feel deeply familiar.

The Sensation of Space Beyond Structure

Architecture is usually about design, function, and form. But what if architecture could be experienced as an emotion? The collages that inspire this reflection do not depict buildings as rigid structures. Instead, they capture the sensation of space through visual fragments—pencil lines sketching faded walls, photographic pieces drifting like memories, and torn paper edges that mimic erosion.

These elements create a layered experience, inviting viewers to feel the space rather than just see it. The sensation of space becomes a kind of emotional architecture, where memories and feelings shape the perception of place.

Gathering Fragments Like Driftwood

The collages draw inspiration from travels through Spain, France, and the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. Each piece is assembled like driftwood collected from different shores—weathered, raw, and full of stories. This method reflects how memories of places accumulate over time, often fragmented and incomplete but rich in emotional texture.

For example, a torn edge might recall the crumbling wall of an old Spanish village, while a pencil line could hint at the outline of a forgotten French facade. These fragments come together to form a new place, one that exists only in the mind but feels tangible.

Collage of emotional architecture with torn edges and pencil lines

Collage capturing the emotional sensation of space through fragmented memories and architectural elements.

How Memory Shapes Our Experience of Place

Memory does not preserve places as exact replicas. Instead, it filters and distorts details, emphasizing feelings and sensations. This process is reflected in the collage technique, where photographic fragments float across a paper skyline, and pencil lines trace only partial outlines.

This approach mirrors how we remember places: not as complete structures but as emotional impressions. A shadow here, a texture there, a hint of color—all combine to evoke a sense of belonging or nostalgia. The collages become visual poems that speak to this emotional architecture, where place is built from memory and feeling rather than bricks and mortar.

The Role of Time and Erosion in Emotional Architecture

Torn edges in the collages symbolize the erosion of time, suggesting that places change and decay but also gain character through their imperfections. Time wears down physical structures, but it also layers memories and emotions.

This idea connects to the volcanic shadows of the Canary Islands, where landscapes bear the marks of ancient eruptions and slow transformation. The collages capture this dynamic, showing how emotional architecture is shaped by both loss and endurance.

Practical Insights for Artists and Creators

Artists interested in exploring emotional architecture can learn from this collage approach:

• Collect fragments from diverse sources: Use photographs, sketches, and found materials that carry personal or cultural significance.

  
  

• Embrace imperfection: Torn edges and incomplete lines add depth and suggest the passage of time.

  
  

• Focus on sensation: Aim to evoke feelings of place rather than precise representations.

  
  

• Layer elements thoughtfully: Overlapping fragments can create a sense of memory drifting across space.

  
  

• Draw inspiration from travel: Experiences in different locations enrich the emotional palette.

  
  

Applying Emotional Architecture in Design and Storytelling

Beyond visual art, the concept of emotional architecture can influence design, writing, and other creative fields. For example:

• Interior design can incorporate textures and materials that evoke memories or cultural references, creating spaces that feel personal and lived-in.

  
  

• Writers can describe settings through sensory details and emotional associations rather than just physical descriptions.

  
  

• Urban planners might consider how public spaces resonate emotionally with communities, not just their functionality.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Feeling Space Through Memory

This exploration shows that architecture is not only about building but also about feeling. By assembling fragments of memory and place, artists create spaces that exist beyond the physical world—spaces that invite us to connect with our own memories and emotions.

The collages inspired by Spain, France, and the Canary Islands remind us that place is as much a sensation as a structure. They encourage us to see architecture not just with our eyes but with our hearts.