ABSTRACT
Research exploring the relation between humans and architecture has a long history in architectural theory and, more recently, design experimentation. An array of heterogeneous questions has evolved over time and the research journey described in this chapter started by addressing a selection thereof. As the trajectory of the journey unfolded, unanticipated discoveries were made which led to a new strand of questioning. Initially the research was concerned with how humans read and react to architecture, essentially asking questions regarding communication, meaning, and behaviour. As the research progressed, however, the focus started to shift, resulting in a primary interest in the user of architecture – the subject – rather than the architecture – the object – itself. The original question had evolved to analyse whether architecture can be examined via its reading, perceiving subject.
