Narrative oriented spaces

Narrative oriented spaces

   defining narratives by space composition

  The composition of different spaces in shopping malls are defined by different elements such as depths, levels, shapes and position. These elements of space composition are the basis of designing spaces which contain a series of different narratives in itself.

   Firstly, the use of depth such as foreground and background convey that a space has a different space within itself. These spaces can contain a different narrative within each and  each view framed is different than the others. The use of foreground and background creates layers of depth from the standpoint of the viewer and suggests the changes of narratives in each space.

    Moreover, the addition of layers, both horizontally and vertically contribute to not only the level of intricacy and detailing of a space but also to the separation and combination of narratives. For example, a portion of the  ground floor of the Dubai mall is a representation of a narrative of a traditional Arab souk. In contrast, the above floor (vertical layering) contains a modern women’s fashion shop environment, a completely different narrative just by the separation of vertical spaces. Furthermore, a space can also be separated horizontally by the use of walls and columns which will create multiple layers of spaces. This division creates spaces such as courtyards, closed rooms, atriums etc. which each space could have a distinct narrative to each other.

     A composition of a space is not complete without the use of shapes which define spaces. Shapes are used in all architectural styles and elements. In this case, it is used to convey depth and spaces within a space. The term shape also refers to openings and apertures which has been carved out to resemble a certain shape which define space/ spaces. For example, an opening in a wall is carved out in a shape of an Islamic arch to resemble a narrative of a mosque. The arch shaped opening acts as a portal to another space which may contain the same narrative or may change narrative dramatically. In whichever ways, the shape of the arch introduce visitors to a narrative and leads them through a series of controlled spaces.

  With looking at the elements that makes up a narrative space, the last element to consider is to position or placement of theme shapes,levels and depth. The positioning of these elements are important to a space as it will direct the view to that specific point. What is the difference it makes when an arch/column etc is placed to the right of a space or in the middle of a space? An object which is placed in the middle of a  space suggest that it is highly important and must be seen as a focus point. The narrative of the whole space then, depends largely on that object in the middle.

   In contrast, if the same object is placed to the right edge of the space then the narrative of the space would not be dependent on the object but on other elements instead, therefore, alternating or decreasing the influence of a narrative of the space.

   The exploration of  different ways of defining spaces and its narratives concludes that narrative/ themed spaces are made up of different architectural elements that in each of it alone, has no narrative, but when combine together, can make up one or more varying narratives in a space.