Abstract:
This research investigates the phenomenology of vision in response to the following
question: What is a way of looking through architecture that can cultivate a
positive connection with the landscape? Two modes of vision the glance and the
gaze are explored. This research argues that the glance allows one to see more of
the landscape than the gaze. The predominance and negative implications of the
gaze are highlighted and the position of the glance as an overlooked act of vision is
established.
This research proposes that the visual act of glancing, through strategically placed
and sized window frames, is capable of creating an image that can connect the
tourist with the landscape. The glance can then be used to promote landscape
regeneration and tourist wellbeing. These ideas are tested in the design of a tourist
retreat. The design of the tourist retreat provides the conditions necessary for seeing
in particular ways.
The visual performance of the tourist is carefully considered in the design. The
tourist is treated as the subject and the landscape as the object. This research proposes
the tourist’s relationship to landscape can be manipulated through a variety
of frames. A comparison between horizontal and vertical frames is made that demonstrates
the vertical frame can connect better with the landscape. The proportions
of the frames are altered to suit the programme of the tourist retreat. In doing so
the tourist retreat transforms the visual performance of the tourism, the tourist
and the landscape.
