SpacecapS

“An existing space may outlive its original purpose and the raison d'etre which determines its forms, functions, and structures; it may thus in a sense become vacant, and susceptible of being diverted, reappropriated and put to a use quite different from its initial one.” Henry Lefebvre


I stumbled across this article via twitter on inhabitat : design will save the world. It shows guerrilla architecture that uses space shaped by mega buildings in dense urban settings. The concept, presented by architect Stephane Malka is titled “Pocket of Active Resistance.” She is motivated to create a new social scenario answering the problem of housing by leaching individual modular units to unused urban space. Using the Arch de la Defense is particularly ironic as she uses the “Great Arch of Fraternity” to unite the marginalized.

I could go one for pages about the production of space, places and guerilla ideas exposing societal norms within the built environment, but I will spare you. This image and article pushed me farther in thought to design and how we deal with space and more specifically negative space. The structure of the Arch de la Defense produces a vast covered but empty memorial space. But how is this space really used? How is it valued by the community or homeowner? These questions can and should be asked of designers and architects as to the functionalism and beauty of negative space.

Mother nature is very specific in her created spaces and the ever changing negative space.

I believe a good designer has a very specific purpose behind every nook and cranny. The void cut in this stone becomes the space in which humans inhabit.