Now you won't let go: What aesthetic images teach us about architecture

Since the invention of short form content, a simple, yet effective format of videos has emerged across platforms. This format consists of a question, such as: "Which bedroom are you napping in the hardest?" accompanied with a soothing, atmospheric theme, usually a remix of "Let Go" by Ark Patrol. The question is then followed by a series of aesthetic images of different spaces, typically borrowed from Pinterest or made using AI. 

Although, there is a lot to say about the nature of our consumption habits and escapism in the age of technology, in this particular instance, we are more interested in the spaces presented in these videos: How they captivate us and more importantly, what they teach us about architecture. 

So, it is snowing outside. Which bedroom are you sleeping in the hardest?

The choice of a snowstorm in the background is not accidental. Neither is the bedroom, or the fireplace or even Tom and Jerry playing in the TV. Here we see a very deliberate attempt to create a space with the core concept being comfort.

To begin with, there is a reason why the sharp contrast between the cold, snowy, roaring outside and warm, safe enclosure captivates us so much. The reason is what I would call architectural beauty. The primary purpose of enclosed architecture is to protect living beings from the hostile environment. So, when it happens to rain, snow or hail outside, we directly experience the fundamental function of enclosure. This idea will become very evident once you spend a windy night in a building with a wooden roof. Here you will hear creaking and groaning, as entire structure engages in a war with its environment to provide protection for its inhabitants.  

The concept of comfortability is further reinforced with the usage of bedrooms. Association with sleep, warmth and intimacy naturally draws the connotation with comfort. Probably the second most represented space in videos of this format are bathrooms, which are also identified with those same qualities: warmth, relaxation and privacy. So, it just makes sense that sometimes the softness of bedsheets is exaggerated to the point, where they start to look like rippling ponds.

Another common attribute of these kinds of videos is the fireplace, which is what one would expect; As fireplace is one of the most widespread architectural entities, inherent to virtually all cultures. It is the closest thing to a universal symbol of comfort. It also reiterates the ideas of warmth, shelter and interpersonal relations.

Finally, a unique and in a way comical addition is a clip of Tom and Jerry playing on TV. While it is definitely a playful touch, one that a lot of viewers found worthy of a chuckle, it may add just another layer of sentimental value to the atmosphere. Tom and Jerry is a cartoon multiple generations grew up with, however as our consumption patterns change, cable is expected to become a thing of the past. We consume exceedingly larger amount of media from smart phones and computers. For a lot of young adults today cable TV and Saturday morning programs, such as Tom and Jerry is already a distant memory, in close future we may even consider them vintage. Ultimately, in the context of aesthetic spaces, Tom and Jerry serves as a romantic escape into childhood and becomes an icon of bittersweet nostalgia of those carefree times.

Now, you can finally let go.