Space as Information

Introduction:

• This final lecture in the series synthesizes ideas explored throughout the course, focusing on the concept of space as information.

• It explores how technological, mathematical, and cultural changes shape our understanding of space and examines how information technology revolutionizes architectural thinking.

The Evolution of Space in Architectural Thought:

1. Bruno Zevi's Contribution:

   • Zevi emphasized space as the central focus of architectural discourse.

   • Prior to his work, architecture was often viewed through the lens of decoration, surfaces, or the Vitruvian triangle.

   • Zevi argued that space is the driving force behind architectural design, a perspective that transformed how architects think and create.

2. Historical Shifts in the Concept of Space:

   • Renaissance Perspective: Space was contextualized through perspective, creating an organized, visual construct.

   • Rationalist Abstraction: In the modern era, space became an abstract, mathematical entity.

   • Dynamic Membrane: Space is now viewed as a flexible, evolving construct influenced by new urgencies, technologies, and perspectives.

Phases in Spatial Thinking:

1. Space as an Organ:

   • From the 1920s to the 1950s, architects viewed space as analogous to organs, with forms designed to fulfill specific functions.

   • Example: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim Museum, where the ramp structure reflects the building’s function of circulation.

2. Space as a System:

   • With the advent of systems thinking, architecture shifted to viewing space as interconnected networks of relationships.

   • Example: The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry exemplifies systematic spatial design, integrating urban, functional, and material factors through information systems.

3. Space as Information:

   • Space is now conceptualized as a construct within the informational sphere, influenced by physiological, contextual, and cognitive dimensions.

   • Example: Interactive and mutable spaces that respond dynamically to users and environmental factors.

Key Characteristics of Space as Information:

1. Physiological:

   • Space is perceived through the human body and sensory systems, influencing how it is designed and experienced.

2. Contextual:

   • Space adapts to its environment and societal norms, creating meaning through its context.

3. Cognitive:

   • Cultural and intellectual frameworks shape our understanding of space, making it a reflection of human thought and creativity.

Examples of Space as Information:

1. Markos Novak’s Installation (Greek Pavilion, Venice Biennale):

   • Demonstrates the concept of space as invisible yet interactive, using sensors and algorithms to capture and manipulate user movements.

   • This creates a space defined by information rather than physical boundaries.

2. Nitro Group's Experimental Projects:

   • Projects using sensors, Arduino technology, and sound modeling illustrate the interactive and mutable nature of space.

   • Example: A conceptual “new primitive hut” integrates user movement into its design and functionality.

Key Takeaways:

1. Space as a Construct of Information:

   • Just as color is a perception derived from electromagnetic radiation, space is a perception derived from contextual, physiological, and cognitive factors.

2. Integration of Technology:

   • Information systems, interactivity, and digital tools allow architects to create spaces that are dynamic, responsive, and adaptable.

3. The Role of Imagination:

   • Imagination and theoretical frameworks precede technological advancements, enabling architects to harness technology meaningfully.

Conclusion:

• The lecture underscores that space, like information, is not a fixed entity but a construct shaped by human perception and technological innovation.

• Architects are challenged to push the boundaries of design by embracing space as information, integrating interactivity, and imagining new possibilities for the future of architecture.