7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.38027/ICCAUA2024EN0121

The Museum Journey: Phenomenological Exploration of User

Experience in the Bahrain National Museum
1 M.A. Avni Durga Hemanth, 2 Prof. Dr. Najla Bent M. Alnaser Allani
1 &2
Department of Architecture and Interior Design, College Of Engineering, University Of Bahrain, Bahrain
E-mail 1: [email protected], E-mail 2: [email protected]

Abstract
The design of museums has significantly evolved over the years, from simple exhibitions of artifacts to immersive and
interactive experiences. This paper explores the pivotal role of architectural phenomenology in shaping visitor’s
experience in museum design. We aim to achieve this goal by adopting a qualitative research approach of the Bahrain
National Museum. The museum is an excellent example of how architectural phenomenology can cater to creating a
space that has meaning beyond its physical dimensions. By analyzing the museum's design elements, we identify key
contributors to the emotional and intellectual engagement of visitors with the museum environment. The findings
reveal that incorporating phenomenology principles has significantly elevated the overall design quality of the museum
and provides visitors with a unique and immersive experience that highlights Bahrain's rich history and cultural
heritage. Ultimately, this knowledge can inform future museum designers and professionals, leading to more effective
and rewarding experiences for museum visitors.
Keywords: Architectural Phenomenology; User Experience; Human Perception; Museum Design; Cultural Heritage.

1. Introduction
The design of museums is a complex and multidimensional process that requires careful consideration of several
factors. One of the most significant factors architects and designers must consider while designing museums is the
visitor's experience. It has been found that the built environment of museums plays a crucial role in shaping visitor’s
experiences (Annechini et al., 2020; Forgan, 2005; Jones & MacLeod, 2017). The visitors create cognitive maps of their
experiences, including physical, emotional, and imaginative, as they navigate the spaces. However, despite the
importance of museums as cultural institutions that shape visitor’s perceptions and understandings of art, culture,
and history, there is a lack of research on how the architectural design of these institutions impacts visitor’s
experiences. Few studies have delved into the relationship between the physical design of museums and visitor's
perceptions, emotions, and behaviors as they move through the space. As such, there is a significant knowledge gap
in this area of research that needs to be addressed to improve our understanding of the role of architecture in shaping
visitor’s experiences in museums. Thus, this study investigates the significance of integrating phenomenological
theories and methods into museum design to improve visitor’s experiences. Phenomenology, emphasizes the
importance of subjective experience and perception in understanding and interpreting the world around us (T. F. Poon,
2018). By applying this methodology to the design of museums, architects and interior designers can place a greater
emphasis on creating meaningful and engaging spaces that resonate with visitors. With this in mind, the study will
explore the relationship between design elements of museums and visitor’s emotional and intellectual engagement
with the space. By using phenomenological methods of observation and analysis, the study aims to gain insight into
how visitors perceive and experience the Bahrain National Museum. This will involve identifying the key design
elements that contribute to visitor’s emotional and intellectual engagement, such as lighting, color, spatial
organization, materiality, scale, and sensory engagement. The study outcomes will provide practical insights into how
architects and interior designers can use phenomenological theories and methods to create museum spaces that
promote visitor’s engagement and enhance their experience. The results will be relevant for museum professionals,
architects, and designers involved in planning and designing museum exhibitions and spaces. Ultimately, the study
aims to contribute to the development of museum design practices that are more sensitive to visitor’s experiential
needs and preferences.

2. Role of Phenomenology in Museum Design

Phenomenology, as it applies to the field of architecture, offers a unique perspective on understanding the built
environment and its impact on human experience. Architectural historians and theorists such as Christian Norberg-
Schulz, Juhani Pallasmaa, Martin Heidegger, Maurice Merleau Ponty, and many others have contributed to developing
and popularizing the phenomenological approach in architecture. One of the most significant conceptions of
architectural phenomenology is that place is not just an objective, geometric entity but a complex and subjective
experience shaped by a range of sensory inputs (Saeid Soltani & Nazan Kirci, 2019). Lessing (as cited in Seamon, 2017)
explains that architectural and place atmospheres cannot be easily defined or fully understood because they are not
solely based on what can be seen. They involve various lived experiences such as sound, touch, emotions, and the
presence of people and objects. These approaches emphasize the importance of sensory perception and embodied
experiences in shaping our understanding and appreciation of the built environment. Therefore, the way that we

1002
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

move, perceive, and feel architecture is not solely determined by visual or empirical evidence, but also by a set of
effects, emotions, memories, and imaginaries that are grounded in our individual and collective experiences.
Museums are spaces of lived experiences (Forgan, 2005). In the context of museum design, the concept of
phenomenology is crucial in creating meaningful and engaging experiences for visitors. Visitor’s experiences in
museums are subjective and endlessly variable and are closely linked to their imaginations. Though vision plays a
crucial role in the stimulation of these perceptions it is essential to provide a comprehensive sensory experience for
the visitors to fully engage themselves with the space and avoid an ocular-centric design approach. Museums play an
important role in shaping a community's perceptions and understanding of their art, culture, and history.
Furthermore, the concept of “spirit of place” or “genius loci” adds another dimension to museum design. In 1969
Lawrence Durrell (as cited in Seamon, 2017), a British novelist quoted genius loci as “the invisible constant in a place.”
It is the intangible energy, history, stories, and traditions embedded in a place that gives it a unique and enduring
identity. This concept is essential in shaping the character of a museum space and connecting visitors to the history of
the place. Malpas (2020) proposes that our perception and comprehension of a place are shaped by the temporal
elements associated with it. Places are not solely perceived in their physical form but also imbued with memories,
histories, and narratives that give them a unique character and significance. Concurrently, our experience of time is
profoundly influenced by the places we inhabit or visit. Different places have different rhythms, time perceptions, and
atmospheres, all of which shape our experience and interpretation of the place. Time and place are mutually
constitutive, influencing and being influenced by one another. Malpas (2020) discusses the concept of spirit of time,
which refers to the temporal qualities and characteristics that are embedded in a particular era or period. The Spirit
of time and the spirit of place are deeply interconnected and influence our experience and understanding of a place
(Malpas, 2020). Spirit of place seeks to establish a sense of connection between visitors and the physical environment,
while the spirit of time refers to the experience of connecting visitors to the broader cultural and historical context of
the exhibits. Therefore, a successful museum design involves striking a balance between these concepts to create an
environment that simultaneously connects visitors to the past and present, providing a comprehensive sensory
experience and fostering a sense of connection to the broader cultural and historical context of the exhibits.

3. Material and Methods

The study will adopt a qualitative research method, providing the opportunity to gather in-depth information about
visitor’s experiences and perceptions of the museum design. Phenomenology seeks to understand the world from the
perspective of the user, and a qualitative approach enables the capture of the unique experiences and perceptions of
visitors as they engage with the museum’s design. The data collection will take two forms, a survey and a case study.
The survey will be designed using open-ended questions that encourage respondents to share their experiences and
perceptions of the museum design and layout. The survey will be distributed to a random sample of museum visitors
to ensure that the data collected is comprehensive and representative. Open-ended questions invite respondents to
narrate their encounters and impressions of the museum tour. The collected data will shed light on shared patterns
and themes in visitor experiences. The case study will provide a more in-depth exploration of the Bahrain National
Museum's architectural design and layout. The research will analyze the physical design and layout of the museum,
including lighting, materiality, spatial organization, and sensory engagement. This will involve extensive observation
of the museum, with detailed notes on visitor’s behavior and interactions with the space. Data collected from both
the survey and case study will be analyzed to identify how these respondents experience the museum and how the
design of the museum influences these experiences. Phenomenological insights are distilled through rigorous thematic
analysis, identifying common threads and patterns within the qualitative data. The evaluation of design elements is
guided by predefined criteria (spatial arrangement, material choices, size, scale, color, texture, odor, noise, and
temperature), ensuring objectivity and reproducibility. This qualitative data collection method allows focus on
individual experiences to gain comprehensive insights into how visitors perceive and interact with the spaces of the
museum. However, the study’s limited number of participants poses a potential drawback in terms of the
generalizability of the findings to a wider population of museum visitors. While the experiences and perceptions of
the eight participants provide valuable insights, they may not fully capture the diversity of perspectives and
experiences that exist among all visitors to the museum. The study tries to subdue this limitation by triangulation of
data. Combining the findings from the survey and the case study helps gather a more comprehensive and well-rounded
understanding of the bodily experience offered by the museum. The open-ended survey data captures a range of
visitor’s perspectives, allowing the identification of common themes and patterns in how individuals interact with the
museum space. On the other hand, the case study provides a more in-depth examination of the physical design
elements and layout of the museum, offering detailed insights into how these aspects influence visitor experiences.
This convergence of data helps enhance the comprehensiveness and validity of the research, offering a more robust
foundation for drawing meaningful conclusions about the museum design and its impact on visitor experiences.
Despite the limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the subjective experiences of visitors to the museum
and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on museum design and its impact on visitor engagement.

1003
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

4. Results
Table 1 summarises feedback from eight participants regarding their visit to the Bahrain National Museum. The survey
included several questions to help understand the experiences and perspectives of the participants related to the
museum. The first question was meant to gather information about visitor’s personal experiences while visiting the
museum. The responses suggested that the visitors had an overall positive experience. The use of words like
“astonishing,” “beautiful,” “surreal” and “captivating” implies that the museum’s design choices effectively engaged
and stimulated the participant's senses and emotions. The museum’s design choices were successful in creating a
memorable and impactful experience for its visitors. The second question aims to explore how the exterior built
environment of the museum contributes to the overall experience and understanding of visitor’s preferences when it
comes to museum design. The responses indicate that all the participants in the survey perceived the exterior design
and landscaping (softscape and hardscape) of the museum to have a positive impact on their overall experience. They
appreciated various features such as the waterbody, sculptures, architectural aesthetics, and the color tones used in
the design. This shows the museum's ability to integrate art, architecture, and nature into its design creating a positive
impact on visitor’s experience and contributing significantly to their overall impression of the museum. The third
question aims to understand visitor’s ease of navigation around the museum and their perception of the museum’s
layout and spatial organization. The response indicates that all the participants in the survey found the museum’s
layout to be easy to navigate. This suggests that the museum’s approach to spatial design was successful in creating a
user-friendly, accessible, and intuitive layout that allowed visitors to move around the museum and navigate the
exhibits with ease. Question 4 aims to understand specific design aspects or features that may have stood out to the
participants during their visit to the museum. The response shows that the participants mentioned several aspects
that they found impactful or significant, such as the detailing of artworks, archaeological details, natural light, and the
layout depicting the country's history.

Table 1. Survey Responses

QUESTIONS P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8
Briefly describe your experience Captivating Well-maintained and
Astonishing Beautiful Captivating experience Interesting Great experience Surreal
visiting the museum journey curated
The striking modern
architecture
seamlessly blended It provides a
Did the museum’s exterior Use of lighter
with traditional Incorporation a mixture of
design and landscaping Waterbody color tones that
Blend of modern elements. The water of various contemporary arts
contribute to the overall surrounding the amplified the
Sculptures and historical features surrounding the
features to and Arabic
experience? Mention any museum caught my richness and Sculptures
elements museum were create a calming heritage which
particular feature that caught eye visual feel of the
particularly gathering space makes it
your eye. place.
eye-catching, endearing
creating a serene
atmosphere.
Did you find the museum’s
layout and spatial organization yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
easy to navigate?
The layout
It is aesthetically depicted the
Water body in the
Was there any particular aspect Details of pleasing. history of the Depiction of
Use of natural light museum brings a
of the museum’s design that Detailing of archeological Sculptures of Combines country in the regular
and water bodies calm atmosphere
stood out to you as particularly artworks department stood the past traditional setting ascending order life of the
was impactful and a sense of
impactful or significant? out and arabic so that things past
tranquility
culture are much more
understandable
Inside: subtle
background music
Were there any specific sensory that added to the
The sound of arabic
experiences (sound, touch, Smell of nature immersive Voiceovers for
musicand the smell None that I can
smell) both inside and outside around the Nil experience Not much the recreation Nil
of attar gave a recall
the museum that stood out museum Outside: sound of of past life
nostalgic touch
to you? water features
contributed to a
pleasant atmosphere
Did you feel that the museum
did a good job of representing yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Bahraini culture and history?
The serene and
calm atmosphere
Standing before the The old Delmon
around the
Can you recall any specific I loved the The museum lets Dilmun burial mounds artifacts and
museum and
memory or experience that you archeological you experience exhibit, captivated display of Non I
Pearl experience display of the Nil
associate with your visits to the representation Bahrain culture by the ancient figurines that remember
entire dilmun
museum? the most the right way history it portray the
history related to
represented culture of Bahrain.
pearls and sprawling
street markets

Museums are often dedicated to providing visitors with a multi-sensory experience, immersing them in the exhibits
and surrounding environment, hence question 5 aims to understand the impact of sensory experiences on visitors.
The response shows that some of the sensory experiences that stood out to visitors included the smell of nature, Arab
music, the sound of water features, and voiceovers for the recreation of past life. While some participants did not
have notable sensory experiences, it is evident that the sensory experiences were diverse, immersive, and engaging
for those visitors who did have them. Question 6 aims to understand participants' perceptions of the museum's
representation of Bahraini culture and history. The museum's ability to capture the essence of a particular culture and
1004
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

history while providing visitors with knowledge and understanding is a crucial aspect of museum design. The response
shows that all participants responded positively, saying that the museum did a good job of representing Bahraini
culture and history. This suggests that the museum's approach to portraying important historical events and cultural
aspects of Bahrain has resonated well with visitors. Question 7 aims to understand whether the participants had any
specific memories or experiences associated with their visit to the museum. Question 7 is relevant to museum
designers as it helps them understand how visitors emotionally engage with exhibits, displays, and the overall
environment. Such an understanding can provide insights into creating exhibits and displays that are more impactful
and emotionally engaging to visitors. The response shows that participants recalled several experiences, including an
appreciation for archaeological representation, the Pearl experience, the Dilmun burial mounds exhibit, and the
serene atmosphere around the museum. Overall, it seems that the museum provided an engaging cultural experience
for the participants.

5. Discussions
Bahrain, a small island nation in the Arabian Gulf, boasts a diverse architectural landscape that reflects its rich history
and cultural heritage. It is a melting pot of traditional Islamic architecture and modern influences, creating a unique
and vibrant visual tapestry. One of the notable architectural projects in Bahrain is the Bahrain National Museum,
situated in Manama and designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen. This iconic structure stands as a testament to the
nation’s rich cultural heritage and serves as a repository of its history and legacy. The museum’s architecture features
modern design elements combined with traditional Islamic motifs, following a minimalist approach to create a
dialogue between the past and present. It is intended to be a space of reflection, education, and conservation of
Bahraini cultural heritage. The museum showcases the implementation of architectural phenomenological concepts
in its built environment, both externally and internally, providing visitors with a unique and immersive experience that
highlights the rich history and cultural heritage of Bahrain.

5.1. Outdoor Environment

The outdoor environment is a crucial component of museum design and contributes significantly to visitor’s overall
experience of the space. It is the first impression that visitors get when they arrive, and it sets the tone for what they
will expect to see inside. The museum’s outdoor spaces are designed to be aesthetically pleasing and subtly designed
to create an inviting atmosphere for visitors. It complements the museum’s overall theme creating a harmonious and
coherent experience. The museum’s exterior features are faced with travertine that reflects the color and texture of
the surrounding desert landscape (Figure1). As highlighted by one of the participants of the survey the muted color
tone amplifies the richness and visual perception of the place.

Figure 1. (a) Sculpture display in the entrance courtyard (b) Harmonious exterior environment (expedia.com)

The visitors are welcomed by a large open-air courtyard that extends from the main entrance of the building (Figure
2). The courtyard (or the arcade) is a reflection of traditional Bahraini architecture, and it creates a dynamic
relationship between the user and the surrounding environment. The courtyard functions as a place of transition and
contemplation before entering the interior spaces of the museum. Additionally, shaded access provided by the
aluminum screens in the museum’s arcade is a crucial design element that enhances the museum’s usability as a public
space(Figure 2). The screens recall the style of old local palace architecture on Muharraq Island (Holscher, 1990),
adding a touch of tradition to the contemporary design of the museum. These design approaches reflect Simon
Unwin’s definition of place creation. According to Unwin (1997), a place is required to respond to the context of the
site, including physical, cultural, and historical aspects, to create a meaningful and authentic environment. The design
approach using materials and forms that reflect the surrounding landscape and traditional Bahraini architecture,
demonstrates a response to the physical and cultural context of the site. The aluminum screens also create a dappled
light effect when the sun shines through them, further enhancing the visual experience of the arcade. This interplay
of light and shadow creates a dynamic visual element that adds to the overall richness of the museum’s design. The

1005
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

shaded access that the screens provide is also particularly beneficial in Bahrain’s hot and sunny climate, which can be
quite oppressive to those not accustomed to it. The screens serve to provide a cool and shaded area that visitors can
traverse in comfort.

Figure 2. (a) Arcade (Holscher, 1990) (b) Aluminium Screen shading the arcade (authors).

The creation of the artificial lagoon (Figure 3a) ensures a constant water level independent of tidal variations is another
example of how the design of the museum responds to local environmental conditions. The artificial lagoon and the
surrounding water elements also create a microclimate that has a cooling effect on the museum’s surrounding areas.
The water features serve as a natural coolant that lowers the temperature in a way that artificial air conditioning
systems cannot. This natural cooling effect makes the museum a comfortable place for visitors, even in the hot and
humid climate of Bahrain. This consideration of the local climate plays a significant role in providing visitors with a
comfortable and enjoyable experience which will lead to them having a more favorable perception of the space. The
small fountains on the museum square also add a multi-sensory experience to the spaces. Additionally, the reflection
of the building and its surroundings on the still water of the lagoon adds a dynamic visual element that complements
the geometric framework of the building. Along the museum’s south wing lies a mirror pool (Holscher, 1990), which
adds a cool and peaceful element to the complex(Figure3b). This pool is fed by water from several fountains on the
museum square, creating a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

Figure 3. (a) Artificial Lagoon (expedia.com) (b) Mirror Pool (Holscher, 1990) (c) Museum Square (authors).

The pool also attracts sea birds(Figure 3c), which add to the tranquil ambiance of the museum’s outdoor areas. This
natural attraction adds a unique dimension to the museum’s experience. All these design choices together provide a
unique contrast to the desert climate of Bahrain, creating a sense of harmony between the museum’s built
environment and the surrounding landscape. Overall, the combination of traditional and modern elements, combined
with the incorporation of local vegetation, water features, and other natural elements creates a unique sense of place
that is both familiar and new. It provides visitors with a harmonious and serene experience that is a complete contrast
to the bustling city outside. The incorporation of these elements ensures that the museum remains a unique and
memorable cultural destination that is both beautiful and functional.

5.2. Indoor Environment

The museum’s interior environment is characterized by a series of spaces that are thoughtfully designed to evoke a
range of emotions and experiences. The visual sense is undoubtedly the most dominant sensory experience in the
museum. Visitors rely on visual cues to interpret and make sense of the exhibits they encounter. The use of varying
scales throughout the spatial organization to evoke different experiences is praiseworthy. An example of this is seen
in the foyer ceiling that connects different exhibition halls. The ceiling is made up of several levels of barrel
vaults(Figure 4b) that hang free off the walls. The use of monumental scale as well as the incorporation of historical

1006
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

design elements creates a sense of grandeur and awe. Meanwhile, the exhibition hall ceilings are designed to align
with the human scale, creating an intimate and relatable space for visitors to engage in meaningful dialogue with the
exhibits. Another element that is used strategically throughout the museum is light. As quoted by architect Steven
Holl (2006, as cited in, T. F. Poon, 2018), the use of light plays a fundamental role in creating an experience of space.
In the absence of light, space becomes obscure and loses meaning. Light and its characteristics, such as color, direction,
and intensity, can create a certain mood or emotion, and it can also help reveal the spatial qualities of a building or
structure. For example, the use of natural light (Figure 4a) in the foyer highlights the material and pattern used. This
helps the visitors absorb the textures of the space even without touching them.

Figure 4. (a) Natural light falling on travertine (Holscher, 1990) (b) Barrel vault ceiling (authors)

Whereas artificial lighting within the exhibition halls is used to guide the visitors through the space and accentuate
particular features. One example of this is the use of dimmer lights in the Hall of Graves (Figure 5) with strategically
placed spotlights. The dimmer light creates an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation, fitting for the subject
matter of the exhibit. The use of dimmer light in this particular exhibit also creates an emotional connection with
visitors, helping them understand the significance and gravity of the subject matter. The spotlights draw focus on the
main exhibit and create a sense of drama and importance. By doing this, the exhibit is given space to breathe and truly
capture the attention of the visitors without being washed out by the other setups in the room. Another feature of
the Hall of Graves that stands out is the use of varying levels in the arrangement of the exhibits(Figure 5). This varying
level mimics the undulating landscape of the sites. This approach based on the body and bodily movement in space
(Saeid Soltani & Nazan Kirci, 2019) helps create a memorable and lasting impression on visitors.

Figure 5. Hall of Graves (authors)

The museum uses various other techniques to immerse visitors in the culture and heritage of Bahrain. One of the most
effective of these techniques is the use of life-sized setups (Figure 6) that depict the culture, traditions, and lifestyle
of the Bahraini community in the past. These setups are carefully crafted to transport visitors back in time and create
a realistic representation of what life was like for Bahraini people in the past. The museum achieves this effect by using
detailed craftsmanship to create the setups, making them look and feel authentic. The use of mannequins and detailed
clothing and accessories further enhances the setups, making them seem more realistic and engaging for visitors. In
addition to the visual aspect of these setups, the museum also includes the sense of sound, such as the soundtracks
of the historical period of the exhibit help to transport the visitors back in time. By creating an environment that
transports visitors back in time, the museum design is able to create a sense of connection to the culture and heritage
of Bahrain and capture the spirit or essence of what makes this place unique. The Museum successfully encapsulates
the “spirit of time”(Malpas, 2020) by capturing the cultural, social, and historical context of the country. Another
feature that helps in engaging visitors of different age groups is the use of interactive technologies. The museum uses
digital screens with interactive games which can be engaging and fun for children, while also providing valuable

1007
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

educational opportunities. By making learning fun and interactive, the museum is able to appeal to a wide range of
visitors and make the museum experience more accessible and enjoyable.

Figure 6. Depiction of life during Dilmun era (authors)

6. Conclusions
In conclusion, the Bahrain National Museum is an excellent example of how architectural phenomenology can cater
to creating a space that has meaning beyond its physical dimensions. The museum’s design choices reflect the
intentionality of the architects and the lifeworld of the people of Bahrain. The museum is thoughtfully designed to
evoke a range of emotions and experiences. By carefully controlling the environment and guiding visitors through a
sequence of interconnected spaces both open and closed, the museum is able to create a meaningful and sensory-
rich experience for its visitors. It is important to note that the study was conducted with limited participants (eight)
which may limit the generalizability of the survey findings. The study's results offer useful knowledge on utilizing
phenomenological theories and approach to construct museum spaces that stimulate visitor’s perceptions and enrich
their encounters. These findings are important for museum experts, architects, and designers involved in the process
of preparing and shaping museum displays and areas. By examining different phenomenological approaches to
designing museums and connecting them to an existing museum, it becomes easier to comprehend the significance
and implications of integrating these elements. This analysis offers a better understanding of how incorporating
phenomenological concepts into museum design can enhance visitors' experiences and engagement. The ultimate
goal of the research is to cultivate museum design practices that are more attentive to the experiential demands and
inclinations of visitors.

Acknowledgments
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit
sectors.

Conflict of Interests
The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest.

References
Achour-Younsi, S., Chabchoub, A., Jouini, N. E. H., & Kharrat, F. (2022). A Proposal to Mitigate Energy Consumption
through the Sustainable Design Process in Tunis. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 6(2), 193–205.
https://doi.org/10.25034/IJCUA.2022.V6N2-6
Afolabi, S. A., & Adedire, M. F. (2023). Adaptive Strategies Used in Urban Houses to Overheating: A Systematic
Review . Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 7(2), 106–126. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2023.v7n2-
7
Amen, M. A., & Kuzovic, D. (2018). The effect of the binary space and social interaction in creating an actual context
of understanding the traditional urban space. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 2(2), 71–77.
https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2018.3672

1008
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com
7th International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism (ICCAUA-2024) 23-24 May 2024

Amen, M. A., & Nia, H. A. (2021). The Effect of Cognitive Semiotics on The Interpretation of Urban Space
Configuration. https://doi.org/doi:10.38027/iccaua2021227n9
Annechini, C., Menardo, E., Hall, R., & Pasini, M. (2020). Aesthetic Attributes of Museum Environmental
Experience: A Pilot Study With Children as Visitors. Frontiers in Psychology, 11.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.508300
Babazadeh-Asbagh, N. (2021). Adaptive Reuse of the House of Mirza Mehdi Farrashbashi in Tabriz, Iran.
International Conference on Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism, 4(1), 506-520. Alanya,
Antalya, Türkiye. https://doi.org/10.38027/ICCAUA2021300N15
Biswas, Md. H. A., Dey, P. R., Islam, Md. S., & Mandal, S. (2021). Mathematical Model Applied to Green Building
Concept for Sustainable Cities Under Climate Change. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 6(1), 36–50.
https://doi.org/10.25034/IJCUA.2022.V6N1-4
Dizdaroglu, D. (2021). Developing Design Criteria for Sustainable Urban Parks. Journal of Contemporary Urban
Affairs, 6(1), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.25034/IJCUA.2022.V6N1-7
Forgan, S. (2005). Building the Museum. Isis, 96(4), 572–585. https://doi.org/10.1086/498594
Ho, A. (2024). DEVELOPING STRATEGIES FOR JUNIOR DESIGNERS TO MANAGE THEIR DESIGN AND EMOTIONS.
New Design Ideas, 8(1), 5–32. https://doi.org/10.62476/ndi.8105
Holscher, K. (1990). The National Museum of Bahrain. Mimar 35: Architecture in Development, 25–29.
Jawabreh, O., & Al Fahmawee, E. A. D. (2024). Architecture, authenticity and the construction of memorable
tourists experiences. New Design Ideas, 8(1), 33–49. https://doi.org/10.62476/ndi.8133
Jones, P., & MacLeod, S. (2017). Museum Architecture Matters. Museum and Society, 14(1), 207–219.
https://doi.org/10.29311/mas.v14i1.635
Keskin, G., & Hasirci, D. (2024). INNOVATIVE PARTICIPATORY DESIGN METHOD USING SOCIAL MEDIA AND ONLINE
PLATFORMS. New Design Ideas, 8(1), 50–80. https://doi.org/10.62476/ndi.8150
Malpas, J. (2020). Spirit of Time/Spirit of Place. Journal of Continental Philosophy, 1(2), 277–283.
https://doi.org/10.5840/jcp202121214
Saeid Soltani, & Nazan Kirci. (2019). Phenomenology and Space in Architecture. International Journal of
Architectural Engineering Technology, 6, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-9821.2019.06.1
Seamon, D. (2017). Architecture, Place, and Phenomenology: Lifeworlds, Atmospheres, and Environmental
Wholes. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282157109
Song, H., & Selim, G. (2022). Smart Heritage for Urban Sustainability: A Review of Current Definitions and Future
Developments. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 6(2), 175–192.
https://doi.org/10.25034/IJCUA.2022.V6N2-5
T. F. Poon, S. (2018). Examining the Phenomenology of Human Experience in Design Process and Characteristics
of Architectural Approaches. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 146, 012079.
https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/146/1/012079
Unwin, S. (1997). Analyzing Architecture. Routledge. http://fast-file.blogspot.com
YIN, R., LEUNG, M.- yung, & LI, Y. (2023). A Preliminary Study of the Relationship Between Built Environment of
Open Space and Cognitive Health of Older People. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 7(2), 144–155.
https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2023.v7n2-9

1009
ICCAUA2024 Conference Full Paper Proceedings Book
www.iccaua.com