11313 Exploring Space 1: from Simple Beginnings to Baudrillard

Starting from the simple beginnings offered in a number of 'standard' architectural texts, and moving through a selection of different and more challenging readings, this subject explores the subject of space in relation to architecture, examining the variety of meanings and implications that attend the term 'space', investigating how space is constructed, both intellectually and physically, and explicating the effects of space over a range of situations.

A number of different – and often contradictory – perspectives on architectural space are examined; a number of non-architectural investigations of space are considered; and a number of specific issues pertaining to space – including the spatial organisation of society and the idea of 'social space', the commodification of space, post-modern constructs of space, and questions of spatial 'reality' – are explored. The subject concludes with a brief analysis of Baudrillard's ideas on simulacra, and with some 'last words' on space and architecture.

In parallel with the above, and with space as its vehicle, the subject also explores relations between architecture and its theoretical bases, and aims at the continued development in students of skills in reasoning, argument and critical thinking, and the exploration of the ways in which these skills may be applied to the analysis of architecture and design.