Psarra, Sophia;
(2022)
Architecture and Language: Morphosyntactic-Morphosemantic Relations and (Con)figuration.
In: Van Nes, Akkelies and De Koning, Remco, (eds.)
Proceedings: 13th International Space Syntax Symposium 2022.
Department of Civil Engineering, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences: Bergen, Norway.
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Abstract
Spatial configuration, a key concept in space syntax, is founded on an analogy of architecture with language, arguing that the cultural patterns of inhabitation are similar to linguistic rules we use in speaking and writing (Hillier, 1996). Yet, in spite of this analogy, space syntax seeks ‘descriptive autonomy’ with minimum linguistic intervention, deeming language an insufficient tool in analysis and design. As a result, the powers of language to organize our spatial experience stay outside the purview of space syntax, as does design, while the morphological synergies between architecture and language remain unexplored. This paper addresses the relationship of architecture and language through three main lines of inquiry. a. the significance of language in social life and design; b. an analysis of the hermeneutic system proposed by Hillier and Hanson in The Social Logic of Space (1984), forming the structure of interpretive concepts used in space syntax research; c. the ontological distinction between object and substance (Gibson, 1971), explaining where categories of analysis derive from in order to expand space syntax from an analytic theory to a theory of design; d. an analysis of examples using the analogy of architecture with figurative language as a tool. Building on Hjelmslev’s (1943) theory of language, the paper argues that like all systems organizing content, the ‘non-discursive technique’ (Hillier, ibid.) rests on both morphosyntactic and morphosemantic relations. Buildings and cities constitute not only the socio-spatial, but also the conceptual, discursive and semantic fabric of society.
| Type: | Proceedings paper |
|---|---|
| Title: | Architecture and Language: Morphosyntactic-Morphosemantic Relations and (Con)figuration |
| Event: | 13th International Space Syntax Symposium |
| Location: | Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway |
| Dates: | 20 Jun 2022 - 24 Jun 2022 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-82-93677-67-3 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| Publisher version: | https://www.hvl.no/en/research/conference/13sss/ |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Configuration, Architecture, Language, Syntax, Semantics, Morphosyntactic, Morphosemantic |
| UCL classification: | UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of the Built Environment > The Bartlett School of Architecture UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10151256 |
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