How Our Homes Reflect Our Inner Worlds

If supine on earth man is staring at the heavens, then the four walls around him define the boundary of his heaven. Consequently, the roof above these walls symbolises his relationship to the divine. The mere structure of walls and roof generate a dialogue with the spiritual, and the space within it becomes a manifestation of it. As a result, inhabitation itself is a reflection of one’s own relationship to the sublime. And the home is the symbol of man’s spiritual and moral values.  

Similar to the notion of ineffable meaning expressed in a poem, symbols metaphorize the unfathomable through physical forms. Physical objects, patterns, strategic colour, smells, sounds, a gentle breeze, strong rays of the sun gently kissing a restful face, the smell of fresh waffles on a Sunday morning, a cosy corner under the embrace of a warm blanket, a cup of tea and a book, can each invoke strong memories. The scene for each of these memories is directed by its architecture. Even though characters may play their role, it is the architecture that anchor our narratives. Such symbolism in our homes often operates unconsciously, weaving a tapestry of meaning that both defines and defies its occupant.

Architectural features such as, walls, doors and roofs though universal in form, are varied in function and interpretation. A wall is easily distinguishable from a column, so is a door from a window, and a roof from a platform. These universal elements are common to every culture, differing only in their subjective interpretations. Orchestrating the necessary thresholds, the resulting habitable space holds the potential for transcendence. Within the confines of the home lies a latent world, where expectations are exceeded, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The home, as both physical structure and emotional space, invites introspection. Whether consciously or unconsciously, our homes either reflect our inner selves or they impose their architectural conditions on our character.

Through introspection the profound connection between space and self is revealed. The home ceases to be a mere shelter. It becomes a repository of personal and collective memory, a vessel for aspirations, fears, and dreams. It transforms into a space of possibility, where the ordinary merges with the extraordinary, and the tangible reflects the intangible.

Bibliography

Bachelard, G., The Poetics of Space, trans. M. Jolas, Boston: Beacon Press, 1994.

Franqueira, S., ‘The Contemporary Scenography as an Introspective Architecture’, Persona, no. 4, pp. 76–81.

Merleau-Ponty, M., Phenomenology of Perception, trans. C. Smith, London: Routledge, 1962.

Norberg-Schulz, C., Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture, New York: Rizzoli, 1980.

Pallasmaa, J., The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses, London: Wiley, 1996.

Rasmussen, S. E., Experiencing Architecture, Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1959.

Verschaffel, B., ‘The Interior as Architectural Principle’, Palgrave Communications, vol. 3, 2017, doi:10.1057/palcomms.2017.38.

FAQs

How does the design of a home influence emotions and memories?

Design elements such as colours, patterns, smells, sounds, and light create sensory experiences that evoke strong emotions and memories. These elements serve as a backdrop to personal and collective narratives, anchoring moments and shaping experiences.

Why are homes considered a reflection of inner worlds?

Homes symbolize a person's spiritual and moral values, acting as a mirror to their inner selves. Whether consciously or unconsciously, the design and atmosphere of a home reflect the occupant’s character, aspirations, and emotions.

Can architecture influence personality or behaviour?

Yes, architecture can influence personality and behaviour. Consider a home as a repository of memories, aspirations, and dreams. Homes reflect their occupants’ inner selves, while simultaneously imposing architectural conditions that influence their character.

How can architectural features create a sense of transcendence?

By orchestrating thresholds and harmonizing universal elements, architecture creates spaces that hold the potential for transcendence. These spaces enable occupants to experience a merging of the tangible with the intangible, elevating daily life into something extraordinary.