Material & Immaterial Space
Material & Immaterial Space
The concept of space has massively changed since the evolution of mankind. Spaces that were defined by material, culture, context and climate have now been redefined by other factors such as technology and new invincible forces.
Based on Jonathan Hill’s Immaterial Architecture, the book that traces the changing science of space and the forces that define it, i.e.-material aspect (presence of matter) and the immaterial aspect (absence of matter), this paper also examines the confluence and definition of space driven by both material and immaterial qualities. These elements are particularly important to study in context with the ever-changing landscape of 21st century architecture.
Immaterial conditions like government policy and reform have radically changed the material aspect of architecture. This is more evident in emerging economies like China and India. With the growth of their economies the spectrum of architecture has changed against what it was in the early and mid 19th century. This economic boom is evident in the architecture that occupies the land. As markets open up to foreign investment and the local economies grow, skyscrapers and buildings made of steel and glass mark the horizon. As against the socialist architecture of the communist era, this new building typology symbolizes other immaterial facets of the country such as progress, economic growth and power. Down Under, In Australia itself the mining boom has been a catalyst in creating a new architecture. Early sandstone buildings which were linked to the history of quarrying are now being replaced with steel buildings, steel (material) being a direct manifestation of the mining boom (immaterial).
Other immaterial conditions like technology have also changed the perception of space. With rapid strides in technology a space that could be private (by using doors, windows and walls) is no longer private. This instance is best illustrated by The “PRISM”
The concept of space has massively changed since the evolution of mankind. Spaces that were defined by material, culture, context and climate have now been redefined by other factors such as technology and new invincible forces.
Based on Jonathan Hill’s Immaterial Architecture, the book that traces the changing science of space and the forces that define it, i.e.-material aspect (presence of matter) and the immaterial aspect (absence of matter), this paper also examines the confluence and definition of space driven by both material and immaterial qualities. These elements are particularly important to study in context with the ever-changing landscape of 21st century architecture.
Immaterial conditions like government policy and reform have radically changed the material aspect of architecture. This is more evident in emerging economies like China and India. With the growth of their economies the spectrum of architecture has changed against what it was in the early and mid 19th century. This economic boom is evident in the architecture that occupies the land. As markets open up to foreign investment and the local economies grow, skyscrapers and buildings made of steel and glass mark the horizon. As against the socialist architecture of the communist era, this new building typology symbolizes other immaterial facets of the country such as progress, economic growth and power. Down Under, In Australia itself the mining boom has been a catalyst in creating a new architecture. Early sandstone buildings which were linked to the history of quarrying are now being replaced with steel buildings, steel (material) being a direct manifestation of the mining boom (immaterial).
Other immaterial conditions like technology have also changed the perception of space. With rapid strides in technology a space that could be private (by using doors, windows and walls) is no longer private. This instance is best illustrated by The “PRISM”