Phenomenology: Architecture as an emotional commencement: A visitors/caving center for Carlsbad Caverns National Parks

Phenomenology, as Heidegger described, is "the process of letting things manifest themselves." It is the study of essences: the essence of perception and the essence of consciousness. It is through essence that we are able to understand our built environment and also ourselves. In today's society, there is a deep compelling need to be emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually aware of the built environment. It is through sensitive design that architecture is able to evoke such awareness in its users. In 0rder for architecture to evoke emotional and psychological responses in its users, it must nurture and interpolate these emotions through dynamic form, materials, and textures.