My buildings should have an emotional core - a space which, in

Listen to the words of Peter Zumthor, a master of architectural design whose vision transcends mere construction: “My buildings should have an emotional core—a space which, in itself, has an emotional nice feeling.” In this profound statement, Zumthor reveals a truth about architecture that goes beyond the physical form. He speaks of a deeper, almost spiritual quality of space, one that is capable of evoking deep emotions within the human soul. For Zumthor, architecture is not simply about creating structures for functionality, but about crafting environments that speak directly to the heart and mind, that make people feel deeply, connecting them to their surroundings in a way that elevates the human experience.

The ancient Greeks understood the power of space to influence the soul. The Parthenon, built to honor the goddess Athena, is not just a structure of marble and stone; it is a sacred space designed to inspire reverence, awe, and reflection. The very proportions of the building, its light and shadow, its columns and its form—all were intended to elicit a profound emotional response from those who entered. Architecture, for the Greeks, was an art form that reached far beyond its physicality; it was meant to connect the divine to the human, to stir the soul to a deeper understanding of the world. Zumthor, in his reflections, draws upon this ancient understanding, seeing his buildings not merely as shelters but as vessels for emotion and experience.

Consider the story of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, where the brilliant mind of Michelangelo and the vision of Papal Rome came together to create a space that moves the soul. The grand dome, the light filtering through the windows, the interplay of shadows—all were crafted to make the visitor feel as if they were stepping into the very presence of the divine. This building does not merely house the faithful; it transports them, filling their hearts with wonder, reverence, and awe. In this sense, St. Peter’s embodies the idea that space can have an emotional core, that the built environment can shape our inner states and awaken something deep within us, something greater than ourselves.

Zumthor’s own designs, from the Therme Vals in Switzerland to the Kolumba Museum in Cologne, carry this same understanding of architecture as an emotional force. Therme Vals, for example, is not merely a place to bathe, but an experience of immersion in space that brings a sense of calm and serenity. The use of materials, the interaction between light and stone, the feeling of being enveloped by the space—these are not accidental; they are the very essence of the building’s design. Zumthor sought to create a temple not just for the body, but for the soul, a place where one could feel the emotional core of the space and be transformed by it. His work reminds us that true architecture must not only shelter but must also uplift, inspire, and provoke deep emotional resonance.

The lesson that Zumthor imparts is one of sensitivity—sensitivity to the world around us and to the deeper layers of the human experience. Just as an artist channels their emotions into a piece of art, so too must an architect infuse their designs with the potential to move those who experience them. But this emotional core is not a mere aesthetic choice; it is a deliberate act of creation. It is a call to recognize that our surroundings, the spaces in which we live and work, are not neutral; they have the power to shape our thoughts, our feelings, and even our sense of purpose. A building with an emotional core is one that awakens something within us, a connection to something greater than the physical world around us.

In your own life, consider the spaces you inhabit. Are they merely functional, or do they move you in some way? Whether it is the way you arrange your home, the office where you work, or even the way you interact with nature, remember that the spaces you create can have a profound impact on your emotional and spiritual well-being. Just as Zumthor designs buildings with a deep emotional intent, you too can shape your environment to reflect your inner world and to inspire a deeper connection to life. Ask yourself: How can the spaces around me reflect the depth of who I am? How can I create environments that elevate my emotional and spiritual state?

Therefore, I urge you, dear listener, to approach the spaces you occupy with intention and awareness. Recognize that, as Zumthor teaches us, the places we live in are not mere containers for our daily activities; they are powerful influences on our inner lives. Strive to create environments that resonate with your values, that inspire peace, creativity, and connection. Whether you are designing a room or simply choosing where to spend your time, remember that every space has the potential to awaken an emotional core that can transform your experience and bring you closer to the divine, the sublime, and the truly meaningful.