Considering the course work text on phenomenology and further reading which I undertook on the subject I reflected on my concept of phenomenology and how I analysed the space which I have been observing – Nottingham Contemporary.

When designing the galleries it is doubtless that phenomenology was taken into account. Architects and designers had to ensure a wide and varied public could engage with the space and allow its exhibitions to provide sensory and emotional experiences.

The space provided me with numerous changing experiences which I sensed or felt as I moved through the galleries. Considering phenomenology I realise that my perception of the space would not necessarily be the same as those I was sharing the space with, due to my own life experiences.

When visiting my chosen space again and taking phenomenology into consideration it heightened my senses, made me think why I took the path I did, why I sat in areas for longer, why I had a sense of pleasure at aspects within the building, all things that I might otherwise have taken for granted but which I would have subconsciously felt.

Throughout most of my visits I tried not to focus too much on the current exhibition but on the structure of the building. Reflecting on this I however I realised that so much of what I experienced was due to the phenomena of the exhibition itself – it’s sounds, it’s textures, the different lighting effects it required. So much so that individuals who are sensory impaired would still be able to feel, experience and sense the exhibition in their way.

There are many elements of the space which will remain; the walls, the ceiling, the floor, it’s large window but with each exhibition the phenomenology will be altered.