This blog is used as an aid to the investigation in Architecture and Freedom?
It is a self guide in producing a thesis for this specific research.

Sunday, 24 October 2010

012 Spatial Syntax Part 03 - Configuration

Syntax Analysis - used to clarify the depth of all spaces in a pattern from a particular point. 

The word configuration is applied to the analysis. Its a concept addressed to the whole complex. If we define spatial relations as existing when there is any type of link between two spaces, then configuration exists when relation between two spaces are changed according to how we relate one or other or both to at least another space. 
Configuration is a set of interdependent relations in which each is determined by its relation to all the others. 


First figure, explains a simple j graph that is composed of "ring" network combination. It is clear here that the relation is formally "symmetrical" in the sense that a is to cell b as b is to a. This symmetry is clearly an objective property of the relation of a and b and does not depend on how we choose to see the relation. 
This is seen as a configurational statement. 

Considering the second figure, linear combination, where only a is directly permeable to c. This means to get to b, we must pass through a to get to b from c, the relation becomes asymmetrical. 
This is seen as a configurational difference. 
Where a, separates b and c making a the difference. This gives a, an importance to its field.


Lets try to detect the presence of cultural and social ideas in the spatial forms of buildings. These here are the ground floor plans of three French houses, with their j graphs drawn initially from the outside and to the right  is three further j graphs justified from three different internal spaces. 
Looking at the j graphs drawn, we can see that in spite of their geometrical differences of each house, there is one strong similarity in the configuration. 
The Salle Commune lies on all non trivial rings (a trivial ring is one which links the same part of spaces twice)links directly to an exterior space- that is - it is a depth one in the complex - and acts as a link between the living spaces and various spaces associated with domestic work carried out by women. 
The configuration of this space is seen as the leas depth throughout the analysis, than any other space. The general form of this measure is called integration. The less depth from the complex as a whole, the more integrating the space is. Therefore, every space in these three complexes can be assigned an 'integration value'. 

We can know ask how the different functions in the house are 'spatialized'. By observing these diagrams, we find that it is very common that different functions are spatialized in different ways. and that this can often be exposed clearly through its 'integration analysis'. 
In the three French houses, for example, we find that there is a certain order of integration among the spaces where different functions are carried out. If all the functions of the three houses are set out in order of the integration values of the spaces in which they occur, beginning with the most integrated space, we can read this as the salle commune being the most integrated that the corridor, which is more integrated that the exterior, and so on. 
To the extent that there are commonalities in the sequence of inequalities, then we can say that there us a common pattern to the way in which different functions are spatialized in the house. Common patterns called 'inequality genotypes'. T this is because they refer to deep structures underlying spatial configuration and their relation to living patterns. 

The relation of visibility, which passes through space:
This is done by drawing up the center points of each wall within a room and thus covering half of the space in the room. The idea of this diamond shape is that the space use is normally concentrated within the diamond shape, the corners commonly being reserved for objects. 
The reason in doing this is that it becomes another basis for quantitative and statistical analysis. The diagram shows that the salla commune has a far more powerful visual field than the salle itself. This type of method allows us to retrieve from house plans configurational properties that relate to the social and culturally functioning of the house. through this spatial configuration are embedded in the material and spatial 'objectivity' of building. Good way to express its concept and its architectural response. 

"We think of 'buildings' as whole entities through the unconscious intermediary of configuration, in that when we think of a particular kind of building, we are conscious not only of an imagine of an object, but at the same time of the complex of spatial relations that such a building entails"

No comments:

Post a Comment