A reconsideration of the concept of architectural space in the virtual realm


Thesis Type: Postgraduate

Institution Of The Thesis: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, Faculty of Architecture, Department of Architecture, Turkey

Approval Date: 2007

Student: GÖKHAN KINAYOĞLU

Supervisor: ZEYNEP MENNAN

Abstract:

The discovery of new geometries in the 19th century and the departure from an absolute to a relative understanding of space-time, together with the invention of higher dimensions have caused a shift towards the idealization of space. This new type of ideal space was called hyperspace. The counter-intuitive quality of hyperspace has opened up new formal possibilities and representation techniques in art and architecture. In a similar manner, with the introduction of computers, the virtual and immaterial quality of cyberspace has offered new design techniques and forms to architecture. Algorithmic design tools and the use of surface as the primary architectural element in cyberspace have caused a shift in the conception of space together with the way it is perceived. Taking its departure point from physical space, this thesis investigates the upper and lower dimensions of space in order to understand and analyze the current conception of architectural space in the virtual realm. Three types of spatial qualities are investigated in detail: the ideal characteristic of hyperspace, the visual medium of cyberspace and the algorithmic formation of hypospace.