This paper will look at the Bruder Klaus museum by Peter Zumthor as an example of how Contemporary architecture can use theories of phenomenology in order to create an existential experience. This paper will focus on theories by Martin Heidegger as he has been referenced as inspiration to Peter Zumthor for his architectural works. Five moments will be investigated when describing the experiences had in connection to the building; The distant approach to the chapel, the close approach to the chapel, opening the door of the chapel, the first entry, and the main open roof space. The main outcome of the paper will be an understanding of the theories of phenomenology and whether they can be used in a coherent way to give an existential experience.
To fully understand the the building being investigated, i took a trip o Germany so that I could experience the building first hand so that i could understand the phenomenological tactics being used and then subsequently how the building makes you feel.
