A phenomenological inquiry into the concept of encounter in architecture: The case of Samsun Atatürk Cultural Center

Encounter is not only a physical contact in architecture, but also a process that encompasses the emotional, semantic and physical effects that occur in the individual's experiences with the structure. The main purpose of the study is to analyze the effects of individual-building encounters on the individual. This analysis aims to make sense of the relationship that individuals establish with buildings depending on the frequency and process of encounters with a phenomenological approach. In the first stage of the study, a literature review was conducted in different disciplines in order to understand the concept of "encounter" in depth. In the field study, the experiences of individuals who encounter the building at different frequencies before, during and after the encounter with the building were examined with a phenomenological approach, and the physical, emotional and semantic effects that occur on individuals within the scope of these processes were detailed with the findings obtained. The study reveals the effects of the encounter by evaluating the encounter experiences through an iconic building such as AKM, which carries symbolic and emotional meanings for city residents. As a result of the study, it can be concluded that the encounter is generally impressive, remarkable and memorable for individuals.