Poetics of Thresholds in Contemporary Practice |
PhD Yanzhi Yang

Redefining Architectural Transitions

This research redefines the concept of “thresholds” within contemporary architectural practice as intermediary spaces that “weave objects into context”, for which the interpretation transcends the traditional view of thresholds as mere physical separators, positioning them instead as poetic mediators that foster a harmonious dialogue between distinct architectural elements, thereby contributing to a unified and comfortable human environment. By synthesizing different aspects of the built environment, and unifying specific buidings into cultural tontext, thresholds enhance spatial depth, creating spaces that are both functionally effective and rich in poetic experiential quality. The principal research question investigates why, in a contemporary built environment characterized by frequent renovations and renewals, many architects, particularly those from China such as Neri&Hu, prioritize thresholds as a design intervention methodology. Despite practise, the concept of “threshold” lacks a robust theoretical foundation and a clear definition. Therefore, this research seeks to a significant defination of threshold as an effective design strategy and explore how it can become poetic, integrative element that enhance spatial quality and human experience. This research aims to explore the cultural, phenomenological dimensions of thresholds through a comparative analysis of Western, Chinese, and Japanese architectural practises and theories, identifying both historical and contemporary applications.

The concept of thresholds emerged in architectural discourse during the 1960s, largely influenced by the poetics of space (Bachelard, 1964). However, “threshold” has predominantly been treated as a merely intuitive design feature rather than rigorously defined concept. This gap presents an opportunity to investigate thresholds from a more valid and clear theoritical perspectives. Historically, Japanese architectural scholars in the 1960s significantly influenced global minimalist design, emphasizing the value of thresholds. Today, with increasing focus on cultural and embodied experiences within built environments, particularly in light of the post-pandemic emphasis on high-quality transitional spaces, the reconsideration of thresholds has gained renewed importance. In this case, some contemporary Chinese architectural practises further contribute to this discourse, offering new perspectives on the role of it in facilitating interaction and cohesion within spatial environments, from which this research tries to summarize into a methodical approach.

This research adopts a comparative case study methodology, analyzing architectural examples from Europe, China, and Japan. It examines various threshold configurations and material compositions, supported by dimensional data from each case, to assess the practical impact of its design on user experience. Furthermore, a phenomenological approach focusing on embodied cognition is also employed to explore how thresholds enhance introspection, sensory awareness, and human engagement with space.

By synthesizing insights from case studies and phenomenology, this research constructs a holistic framework that elevates thresholds from traditional architectural typologies to contemporary influential design elements that mediate interactions between users and their surroundings. This redefined understanding underscores the potential of thresholds to integrate functional and poetic dimensions, transforming them into key elements imbued with individual and cultural significance. Consequently, this research enriches the discourse on thresholds, offering valuable perspectives on their role in fostering meaningful human experiences and enhancing architectural practices.