In search of ‘Views’: Transient or Tranquil

The term ‘view’ has varying connotations with shifting contexts. In today’s day and age, it stirs up the obsession over the incessant checking of ‘views’ received on social media, for a post made on the most banal events and occurrences in one’s life. With the mind ridden with anxieties of social acceptance and overcome with the need for validation, these ‘views’ and ‘likes’ act as mini ego boosters that bring temporary joy and gratification. In a moment of epiphany, in a resort in Mahabaleshwar, hit the realization that the views we often brush aside, our heads buried in our devices, are the views that truly matter. These are the ones with the power to heal as opposed to hinder or even harm. The view from our room window was nothing short of a scene out of a fantasy movie. Reminiscent of the whomping willow from Harry Potter, stood a large Jamun tree (Malabar Plum), spreading its strong woody arms engulfed in lush green foliage, projecting a play of ethereal light and shadow. I found it difficult to look away, my eyes transfixed. The view was enchanting, strangely meditative and brought deep solace.

The view from our room in Tranquil Resort, Mahabaleshwar

I began questioning the reason as to why windows of so many other hotels that I have stayed at before, were incapable of producing an effect such as this one. The answer I found was simple enough. The nature of the opening mattered. Its placement, proportion and the way it framed the view was consequential to its effectiveness. The view that captivated me in that room, was a clean rectangular cutout large enough for the upper foliage of the tree to be framed perfectly for one seated at a small distance, on the bed . One had to move closer and stand up against the window to then be able to see the lawn below and the guests moving around. So as you wake up, you are welcomed by the enchanting view of the robust tree without the distraction of other elements. The nature of the space also determines the nature of the view. When one seeks peace, the fenestration can be bountiful and bring nature within the space as a silent healer. When one seeks direction and the space must allow for movement, openings become glimpses, allowing one to peek and move on. A liminal space that acts as a transition from two different spaces, requires a person to pause and move. The view in such cases can be balanced. A glimpse, yet large enough to allow one to reflect and recalibrate before entering into another space. As architects, we often overlook the power of the ‘view’. If we begin designing our spaces to complement the functions that the users seek through mindful framing of the views, we may even compel them to come out of their virtual screens that disconnect and invite them to engage with the views that offer connection and allow for contemplation.

#meaningsinarchitecture