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9REPRESENTATIONAND SYMBOLISMINTRODUCTIONThis chapter explores how exposed structure enriches architecturewhen structural forms and details contribute meaning by virtue of theirrepresentational and symbolic qualities. Structural representation isunderstood as structure typifying a physical object, like a tree or a crane,while symbolic structure recalls an idea, a quality or a condition. Likebeauty, representation and symbolism lie in the eye of the beholder.Both representational and symbolic structure encompass differentdegrees of explicitness. While some examples of representation arealmost universally recognized, others are not. The situation is evenmore pronounced in the case of symbolism. When discerning symbolicmeaning in architecture, as in any object, one brings his or her wholelife to bear upon it. One’s imagination, upbringing, education, life experiences,sense of well-being and professional expertise all influence howmeaning in architecture in general, and in exposed structure in particular,is perceived. It is little wonder then that many symbolic readings arecompletely unimagined by designers.Architect Sverre Fehn illustrates the deeply personal nature of humanresponse to structural representation and symbolism. He sensitivelyimagines an individual’s response to an exposed structural member, acolumn:In the church the fisherman enters his pew. From his seat he recognizes thatthe column has the same dimensions as his mast. Through this recognitionhe feels secure. He sits by his column, a form also acknowledged by the gentletouch of his fingers. On the open sea, the tree was a symbol he trusted,as it brought him safely home. The same representation assists him now inturning his thoughts towards prayer. Within his spirit the sea is calm. In hissearch for the stars, the column offers him a personal dialogue. 1This passage exemplifies structure, in this case a column, playing bothrepresentational and symbolic roles. Although both roles may be being