This article originally appeared in the Rochester Business Journal.
I was sitting out on Gibbs Street recently, across from Java’s, and simply enjoying that experience. Knowing I was prepping to author this article, I reflected on why this was enjoyable. Was it the people on the street moving around; the views; the jazz music wafting from Ludwig’s Restaurant; the various building types and materials; the street trees; the height and scale of the buildings?
YES! It was all those elements. Quick! Break out my smartphone and AI companion, Co-pilot, and ask: “Describe the meaning of vibe.”
Waiting…. The answer comes: “as a noun, “vibe” refers to a distinctive feeling or quality that can be sensed.” Bingo for me. That’s absolutely what I was sensing – the vibe! Focus for article defined. Perfect.
As a practicing architect here in Rochester for nearly 50 years, and one who has worked hard in design to create special and unique spaces that positively impact people, this was almost an epiphany. I simply had not been using that word in my architectural vocabulary – until now! It’s true that great architecture can and should convey a vibe.
In this article, I challenge you, the reader, to reflect on places and spaces where you feel the vibe. To be clear, this can be a positive vibe or a negative vibe.
Let me clarify my use of the term architecture to provide some context. My definition is broad and encompasses the whole of the built environment: inside or outside of buildings, including the spaces in between and landscapes. I also want to make clear that when I use the term ‘architect,’ this will include the work of all designers, including interior designers, landscape architects, artists, etc.
Think about the architecture you have been in where you walk into a room or space, an outdoor park or pedestrian plaza and say to yourself “this space has a good vibe.”
Architects and designers have the unique privilege and ability to craft environments that can evoke the feelings you sense that give you a positive vibe. For instance, natural light and exterior views have been shown through research to promote positive responses. A visit to the Highland Diner is not only great food, but the abundance of daylight and views give me a positive vibe. A couple of other places come to mind: Jines and Magnolias on Park Ave offer relaxing exterior views as well and lots of natural light. Good vibes.
Anyone who has enjoyed our JazzFest in the atrium at Miller Center knows that the music is world class, but so are the views through the three-story glass exterior wall. This building and glass expanse, designed by local architect Bob Macon, transforms the space from just a big volume into a window view to the park, the sky, and the world by bringing the outside inside.
The Gibbs Street corridor gives me a positive vibe for all the reasons I mentioned earlier plus two important design characteristics – proportion and scale. Gibbs Street shows off both architectural techniques which add to the street’s vibe with a comfortable mix of cornice lines, and historic elements like columns and window rhythm that guide the viewer’s eye, create order, and evoke emotions. Architects use these techniques to establish a rhythm, a hierarchy, and a visual coherence. The St. Paul Corridor and the new Union Street corridor show off these techniques. In one case within the context of the older, pre-established buildings and the other with new modern elements. Both areas have their own unique vibe that draws me to those urban spaces to explore.
The spaces in between buildings are incredibly important in urban fabric. They are the “outdoor rooms,” large or small, where we walk, bike, hang out, or enjoy an event.
Landscape architects and designers focus on “Placemaking” to establish these spaces that knit a city together. Depending on scale and context, these spaces can make a city come alive. Pocket parks, alleys, and streets all fall into this category. I spend a lot of time walking by, or through, Parcel 5 and am always working to get the vibe there because it varies in so many ways. The space is not a park really – that was not the city’s intent. The area is open because it’s framed by nice architecture on four sides. When events are there, I’m into that vibe and find a place to sit and enjoy the action. When it’s empty, I struggle to find that one comfortable place to hang out. But that’s just me. You may prefer it open and empty. I see the space as a wonderful canvas ready for the next “painting” of a food truck rodeo, concert, or festival.
For me, the vibe is strongest in smaller areas like Christ Church Park on East Avenue or St. Joseph’s Church on Liberty Pole Way. These outdoor rooms offer me a full dose of good vibes. The architecture frames the space using rich material palettes and leaves sides open to enjoy the longer views.
Architects and designers also make good acoustics a priority. Bad acoustics can steal the vibe fast. I have been in many nice buildings or restaurants where the overall space and materials look good but are all extremely hard and reflective. That makes it hard to carry on a conversation without shouting. Good acoustics can make a place enticing and comfortable and build a great vibe. Designers splay walls to remove reverberation, add soft finishes to absorb sound, and use different materials to diffuse sound. All together make a space balanced.
Color and texture as elements in a space are essential in good architectural design. I’m sure you know that we each react differently to color and texture because it’s a subjective reaction based on personal preference. But these two are critical to the vibe of a space. I happen to like reclaimed interior masonry walls and heavy timber with wood floors, lofty ceilings, and great lighting. Add some feature walls with strong color, comfy places to sit, and some jazz or bluegrass, and I sense the vibe. Great food and wine and friends make it a memorable experience and a vibe I will not forget soon.
How about you? Where do you sense the vibe? Where are your favorite places to be that give you a positive vibe?