This week I've been working on updating my abstract. Here it is so far:
My thesis is a study of one site, 34 East 4th street and it’s potential translations on the spectrum of spaces. I plan to use pre-existing tools/frameworks to translate the site into different locations on the spectrum. Using the concept of space on a spectrum, pre-existing tools (organization/juxtapositions, scale, light, color/materiality, and entropy) of orientation and the proposed activity of eating to reconstruct concepts of interiority and exteriority.
What is a spectrum of space?
When space is thought of, it is mostly binary, black and white, inside and outside, but it is more complex than that. Space is a continuum of typologies with interior on one end of the spectrum and exterior on the other end of the spectrum. For example, an office meeting room is on one end of the spectrum, and an open field is on the other side of the spectrum. These two different space typologies evoke different emotions, thoughts, and feelings about where one is and what lies ahead. The spectrum is somewhat subjective.
Spaces, like colors are on a spectrum. Spectrum of spaces are a continuum of different space typologies with different visual and non-visual identifiers and characteristics. Each of these spaces on the spectrum evoke different senses, emotions and levels of awareness. The spectrum is subject to the same laws of nature, just as color.
How do we know where we are on the spectrum?
We know where we within the spectrum based on the conscious and/or unconscious use of the laws of nature which we used to orient ourselves. Orientation works through a series of pre-existing frameworks.
Orientation, is defined as the conscious or unconscious understanding of one’s location in relation to space and time. We know where we are based on systems of science and laws of perception. I think the dictionary analogy breaks down how this works in a digestible way. We are able to approach the information of words through the dictionary because it is systematically organized (page numbers, bolding, alphabetized, systems of science) and it has certain sensibilities (touch, smell, colors, systems of phenomenon) that are associated with the dictionary. These two systems create identifiers that give us information about where we are and how to make meaning of it.
Identifiers are cues that affirm orientation (time and place). For example, I am at work in this conference room. There are learned different visual identifiers that help define and affirm where we are on the spectrum.
So now what, how does this relate to design?
Knowing how the spectrum of spaces and orientation work allows the designer to change where the space is on the spectrum. The physical location doesn't change, but the experience and perception of where the space is on the spectrum does change. For example, one blue can look different depending on where it is, space can appear different depending on its context. There are many different tools that can be used to change the typology of space, but for the scope of my thesis I will only focus on a few.
What tools will you use?
I will use the pre-existing tools of science and perception. More specifically, organization/juxtapositions, scale, light, color/materials, entropy and the activity of eating to reframe concepts of interiority and exteriority.