Inhabiting the Unseen. A Pose in the Process of Defining Space

What defines a space? Is it its walls? Its warmth? Its smell? It’s textures? Must it be seen to exist?

This paper interrogates the concept of space beyond its traditional architectural and physical confines, proposing an expanded discourse that incorporates the intangible, ephemeral, and imaginary. By challenging the conventional view of space as defined by tangible elements like walls and boundaries, it delves into the philosophical, geographical, and architectural dimensions of inhabiting ‚unseen’ spaces, those that encompass the metaphysical, imaginative, and intangible aspects that go beyond physical perception and material reality. Guided by the central research question, which explores whether technology can further expand our perception of space and potentially bridge the gap between the standardized, tangible world and the intangible, imaginative realms, this paper draws on the works of Juhani Pallasmaa, Gaston Bachelard, and Denis Cosgrove, while incorporating insights from critical sci-fi literature by Ursula K. Le Guin, as well as the symbolic and imaginary studies of Gilbert Durand. It argues for a conceptualization of space that embraces sensory experiences, emotions, and memories, thereby broadening our understanding of what it truly means to inhabit a space.

The discussion traverses from historical geodesic explorations and the adoption of international standards to the modern implications of digital and virtual spaces, illustrating the evolution of human perception and representation of space. Through examples that range between the Equatorial line, Bran Castle and cyberspace, the paper highlights how spaces are constructed and experienced beyond their physicality, shaped by cultural narratives, technological engagement, and personal perception.

Offering a reevaluation of space that acknowledges both its physical and emotional dimensions, this exploration suggests that the true essence of space lies in the interplay between the tangible and intangible. It posits that a comprehensive understanding of space must include the unseen and imaginary, reflecting on how these aspects are integral to human experience and interaction with the environment. Through this lens, the paper contributes to the discourse on architecture and geography by advocating for a nuanced appreciation of space that encompasses the full spectrum of human sensory and emotional engagement.