Symbolizing Space: Non-Discursive Composing of the Invisible
In Symbolizing Space: Non-Discursive Composing
of the Invisible, Joddy Murray suggests that non-discursive composition
consists of three different ‘invisible’ elements. It is only when we include
the elements discussed in those three sections, that all the tools available to
the composer become complete. In the first section, Non-Discursive Symbology, the author presents space as being a non-discursive
symbol system, and as such, it constructs meaning. It says ‘architecture’ is
the act of composing with space. When composing with space, “architecture creates
the semblance of the World,” or in other words, space is the world we exist in
at any given moment.
The second section, Writing Spaces, is another type of non-discursive
composition, but this time centers on space created by non-discursive text. It describes
this type of a space as being the most ambiguous and the most ineffable. In a
way, it is similar to space described in the first section, ‘space as symbol
carries meaning.’ The difference here is that written text is a structure within
space, and this text structure also implies a structure in time. Our living and
working spaces, along with cultural hierarchies, social status, and class
identities we become in these spaces, constantly change, even as the space
changes. The space in this world can be seen and felt, as our bodies ‘read the environment’
and we adapt ourselves to the space.
The last section of the chapter
suggests that physical architecture is a type of non-discursive composition
itself. Writing Architecture says ‘architecture is text, cities and towns
are collections of these texts and they produce and distribute non-discursive
meaning.’ The cities become text in our viewing of the varied architectures, as
we perceive the creations achieved through the space. We notice light and
shadow. We perceive form, volume and mass. The text of the architecture speaks
to enjoyment of the form, or silently pushes us away. It says that architecture
is text composed for an audience, reinforcing and/or reflecting cultural attitudes
and values. Architectural space, as composed text, has meaning, and when it is
composed well, it can move us emotionally. -Bradley Civick
Space
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| Relaxing Space |
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The new work of composing includes space. The non-discursive
symbol system communicates meaning, thus space has meaning as well. The
architecture of space can represent who we are within that space or what the
space means to us. We exist in different environments of space in different
ways. When we are at home, we exist in that space differently than we do at
work. Cultural hierarchies, social status and class identity help shape us to
what the ‘fits’ the space.
Sometimes space can exist within other spaces,
and take on a more direct meaning. There are spaces we go when we are angry, to
go to be alone, and to relax. Sometimes these spaces are ephemeral, but many
times the symbolic feeling of such a space keeps it alive. During my first
semester as a transfer student at Texas State University, it seemed every free
space on campus was taken by fellow students. I spent part of that first semester
searching for a space I could call my own. I discovered a area of lounge chairs
in the hallway of the conference center. This quiet area became the space I
went to relax between classes. The space became a symbol of relaxation to me,
and as such, the space had meaning.
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