J O S H   C U L L E R T O N 

The authentics of materiality is an intriguing concept when related to everyday technology of this ‘being in the moment'. When we look at the hammer example, this is applicable to ourselves in the architecture studio. When we are constructing a model we are acting harmoniously together as there is an engagement with what we know and what we are familiar with. Psychosocially we could be thinking about something else say the next lecture we have or our next deadline date, yet we are in the complete essence of the moment on designing that model. The moment of break down only surfaces when the model shows itself to us via a mistake thereby awareness is present and we become analytical, distancing ourselves, asking the question to what happened? Too what went wrong? This trail of thought and engagement with, is seen throughout the everyday as interacting with materials evokes the essence of the moment.1

 

We see in the Thermal Vals Spa by Peter Zumthor, he discusses the atmosphere and emotions which are to be evoked when he quotes Heidegger in relation to materials: “Material is stronger than an idea, it’s stronger than an image because it’s really there, and it’s there in its own right”2 “In its own right” highlights Zumthors appreciation of authenticity to materials in letting materials be in there essence. This essence is critical, as without it the user which enters will only be a in a state of functionalism yet the essence of materiality can be seen as the next physiological step in which we address emotion in creating atmosphere. Furthermore there are no clocks present in the Spa, suggesting time should be suspended, as we create our own experience, create our own space within allowing us to be in the moment for as long as we want whenever we want.