Affect and Effect

In the reading, Kolrevic and Klinger quote Peter Eisenmann's definition of affect and effect in architecture, saying that he makes a clear distinction between the two. He states, "...in architecture it (effect) is the relationship between some object and its function or meaning. In contrast, affect in architecture is simply the sensate response to a physical environment."

Using these definitions, I chose to analyze the effects and affects of a prominent building here in Austin.

UT Tower at Night (specifically when lit orange)

Effects:

As Eisenmann states, the effects are the relationship between the object and its purpose or function, and for this, the towers effects are that of communicating to the UT student body and city of Austin that a significant victory by one of the University's sports teams has been attained, or a campus-wide special event is occurring. This is done by creating a prominent structure in the Austin skyline, (taller than the Capitol, because its on a hill) and lighting it orange against the night sky. The effect, which is communication to the surroundings, is produced by and directly related to the architectural material of limestone and the technique of dramatic uplighting.

Affects:

Again, Eisenmann states that the affects in architecture relate to a person's response to a physical environment. Thus, affect requires some sort of human presence. The affect that the UT Tower produces when lit is a sense of pride, awe, and a sense of connection with the university, student body, and/or the athletic team. It makes being a Longhorn that much better. This affect is easily seen and heard when they display the Tower turning orange after a victory on the Godzillatron in the stadium. Everyone yells, the Hook 'em Horns sign goes up, and a sense of community is created.