An approach to the architecture of Richard Neutra from his empathy with the user in the project process

Abstract

The article presents an approach to the work of the architect Richard Neutra analyzing and valuing empathy with the user, as well as the actions carried out during the design process aimed at knowing and satisfying the user’s needs. Although it is common to consciously use empathy techniques in the field of design, it has been done in a more subconscious way in architecture. The exploration of the user has been implicitly integrated and, therefore, diluted in a broader initial investigation, linked to guaranteeing the functionality of the program. The work of Richard Neutra is presented as adequate to carry out this study, due to the constant focus that the architect places on seeking the wellbeing of people through the inhabited spaces that he designs. The research is structured in three different parts: attention to the physiological and psychological dimensions of the person; analysis of the relationship established between the person and nature through his architecture; and presentation of specific examples of techniques applied by the architect to better know the user, their family structure and their needs. The strong orientation towards the user in Neutra’s architecture is confirmed through the cases studied and with the support of specific feedback from some of his clients. He seeks to guarantee their physical and emotional wellbeing through the configuration of spaces, as well as the expansion of being through connection with nature. An architect ahead of his time, who builds a strong empathic bond with his users and applies a series of empathy techniques that will have a long subsequent development within what is now known as Design Thinking.