Picking up the vibes of place: An introduction and a challenge | Architecturally Speaking

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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’s trees, the height and scale of the buildings?

YES! It was all those elements. Quick! I 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 fifty 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 to reflect on places and spaces where you feel the vibe. To be clear: this can be a positive or a negative vibe.

Let me clarify my use of the term architecture to provide some context: It is a broad definition and encompasses the whole of the built environment: inside or outside of buildings, including the spaces in between and the 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 for the 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 Avenue 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, with its glass expanse and designed by local architect Bob Macon, transforms 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 of those 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 emotion. Architects use these techniques to establish a rhythm, a hierarchy and a visual coherence. The St. Paul Corridor and the new Union Street corridor also show off these techniques. In one case, within the context of the older, pre-established buildings and in the other with newer, 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 held 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? Send your responses to AIA Rochester Executive Director Michelle Murnane, AIA via aiaroc.org and we will publish the list for others to enjoy.

AIA Rochester contributes a quarterly column entitled “Architecturally Speaking,” which features articles from its members. Throughout his 45-year career at SWBR, Principal Dave Beinetti, AIA, has served as a dedicated project manager, Principal, President for twenty years, and Chief Marketing Officer. His contribution to the New York architectural landscape goes far beyond his award-winning portfolio of education, housing, and workplace projects.