A proposal for contemporary architecture and the conception of space in the context of mainstream and oppositional architecture

Throughout history, the concept of space has been the subject of debate in numerous disciplines— philosophy being the first and foremost. In fact, it would not be erroneous to state that inflection points in this field coincide with critical breaking points in the history of thought. Thus, defining this concept by today's concepts is vital to a thorough understanding of present-day design approaches. However, today's slippery ground leads to a much greater diversification of the discourses relating to space, and this paves the way for the emergence of profoundly different approaches. In order to delineate similarities and contrasts in such a turbulent environment, undertaking a grouping of concepts, and articulating inter-conceptual dynamics appears to be an appropriate method for this study. It may thus be possible to uncover as yet unknown aspects of the concept, and to elucidate its potential. This in turn, will contribute to a better understanding of the concept. Today, the terminology used to describe the concept of space is extremely diverse and multifaceted. Each language has developed a cohort of words that describe space based on preconceptions embodied within it. In this context, it is possible to speak of countless conceptions of space that follow the developments in the realm of thought, beginning with traditional rhetoric and culminating in the present state of affairs. Using this as a springing board, this study discusses space under two separate, and diametrically opposed headings: 'Acceptance: Mainstream Architecture' and 'Objection: Oppositional Architecture'. Here, the purpose is to elucidate certain uncertainties and to help define others by comparing different approaches. In the second section, data derived from the abovementioned comparison is evaluated. Finally, in the conclusions section, a new framework is proposed which will enable a common framework within which the opposing views can coexist and have 'breathing room'. This study has attempted to develop new methods for understanding the observations made during the research process. Each approach has been delineated using detailed matrices. These matrices, in fact, constitute important cornerstones of the method, and have helped create a dynamic framework underpinning the whole study. By constructing matrices and using these as data for subsequent sections, this study has gained continuity whereby data is transferred from the beginning of the text to the end, being refined in the process. Additionally, these matrices have allowed for more concrete comparisons to be made between the abovementioned approaches. It is also worth noting that this study, which aims to derive comparative readings of the concept of space, is also a proposal for understanding space within the framework of today's philosophical background. No doubt, this framework will dissolve and shift in the future, as the concept of space is transformed in its ever-shifting nature.