Walls Have Feelings: Architecture and Emotion - A Journey Through the Soul of Spanish Buildings

This book, with its intriguing title “Walls Have Feelings: Architecture and Emotion,” delves deep into the often-overlooked realm of emotions embedded within Spain’s architectural landscape. More than just bricks and mortar, the author presents buildings as sentient beings, capable of evoking a spectrum of feelings from tranquility to awe.

The book is a masterclass in Spanish architectural history and analysis, penned by renowned architect and scholar Javier Sánchez-Velasco. Published in 2018 by Editorial Gustavo Gili, it quickly gained recognition for its unique approach and thought-provoking insights. The book’s bilingual format (Spanish and English) further enhances its accessibility to a wider audience, fostering a global appreciation for Spain’s architectural heritage.

Delving into the Soul of Structures

“Walls Have Feelings: Architecture and Emotion” departs from traditional architectural treatises that focus solely on technical aspects and formal analysis. Sánchez-Velasco, instead, invites readers on an introspective journey, encouraging them to experience buildings as repositories of human emotions.

He meticulously dissects iconic Spanish structures – from the grandeur of Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Família in Barcelona to the serene Moorish architecture of the Alhambra in Granada. Each chapter is a dedicated exploration of a specific building or architectural style, unveiling the hidden narratives and emotional resonance embedded within their design.

For example, Sánchez-Velasco analyzes the soaring arches and intricate details of the Seville Cathedral, arguing that they evoke a sense of divine awe and transcendence. Conversely, the austere lines and minimalist aesthetic of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry are interpreted as reflecting a modern sensibility characterized by ambiguity and intellectual stimulation.

Unpacking Architectural Emotions

The book introduces a novel framework for understanding architectural emotions, categorizing them into five primary experiences:

Sánchez-Velasco expertly weaves historical context, social influences, and personal anecdotes into his analysis. The result is a captivating narrative that transcends dry academic prose. Readers are encouraged to engage with the text on a personal level, reflecting on their own emotional responses to the architectural examples presented.

A Feast for the Senses

Beyond its intellectual rigor, “Walls Have Feelings: Architecture and Emotion” is a visual treat. The book boasts an abundance of high-quality photographs that showcase Spain’s architectural treasures in all their glory. From panoramic shots capturing the grandeur of ancient cathedrals to close-up details revealing intricate craftsmanship, the imagery complements the text beautifully, enhancing the reader’s understanding and appreciation.

Sánchez-Velasco’s prose is equally engaging, characterized by a blend of scholarly precision and lyrical expressiveness. He seamlessly integrates architectural jargon with accessible language, making the book enjoyable for both seasoned architects and curious laypersons alike.

A Lasting Impact

“Walls Have Feelings: Architecture and Emotion” has had a profound impact on the field of architectural studies. It has sparked conversations about the role of emotion in design and challenged traditional notions of objectivity in architecture.

Beyond academia, the book has also resonated with a wider audience, inspiring people to view buildings not merely as structures but as vessels of human experience. Sánchez-Velasco’s work reminds us that architecture has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to connect us to something larger than ourselves.