The famous Modulor, developed by Le Corbusier in the mid-20th century, was an anthropometric scale of proportions based on the height of an English man with his arm raised. Corbusier used this system to determine the dimensions of everything in his buildings, from room heights to the placement of shelves, aiming for universal ergonomic harmony.

The writings of architectural theorists like Juhani Pallasmaa (author of The Eyes of the Skin) and the built works of architect Peter Zumthor heavily emphasize phenomenology. Zumthor's Therme Vals in Switzerland is a masterclass in this approach: moving through the baths involves stark changes in temperature, the echoing sounds of water, the smell of damp stone, and the rough texture of the quartzite walls, creating a profound, fully embodied experience.