Space is the now; now is the time!

Abstract

Architecture is the matter through which we domesticate the boundless spatial extent and embrace ourselves from the indefinite temporal progress of existence. Through architecture, not only do we mark our spatial boundaries, but we also indicate our temporal becoming and existence. However, historically, the temporality of space has only been studied through the lens of history and the temporality of the present moment and now-time is typically ignored in architectural studies. This thesis is an attempt to evoke the importance of temporality of space in architectural design process and is an effort to bridge the gap between spatial features and their neglected temporal aspects. The criteria for architectural design should not only be limited to spatial features; but also, should echo the temporality of spatial features in perceptual scales such as minutes and hours. Throughout this research, I initiate an interdisciplinary investigation of different models of temporality and temporal perception. I also run a series of pilot studies in which the perception of time is assessed in relation to non-geometric and geometric spatial features. I demonstrate the effects of lighting as a fundamental non-geometric spatial feature and shape as a basic geometric spatial feature on the temporality of space. The initial results suggest that brightness of light as a non-geometric spatial feature and shape of a room as a fundamental spatial feature alter the perception of time within a space and affect the duration judgment.