Synopsis
Colomina argues that architecture is not just an envelopment of space; an enclosure of space where people get solace from the elements of nature and other forms of physical threat. Colomina further argues that the impression of the interior of an architectural space is not just what is left by the users of the space; the imprint of their daily activities. Instead, he argues that the interior of an architectural contains hidden mechanisms that may not be overt to the untrained eye.
These hidden mechanisms help describe the construction of the interior space of the building (Colomina 233). Based on this understanding, Colomina explores the construction of a building to determine where the hidden mechanisms that characterize the interior construction of the building could be located and the cues that predict the hidden mechanisms. Colomina achieves this feat by performing an analysis of various spaces (Colomina 233).
One of the cues that predict the essence of the hidden mechanisms that Colomina addresses is the construction and placement of the window in the architectural space. Colomina finds that the windows in Adolf Loos are made of ground glass or some other opaque material. The arrangement of the furniture in the architectural space is also done in a way to impede access to the window (Colomina 234).
For instance, the placement of the sofa in the room is adjacent to the window so that the people are seated with their backs facing the window. As Colomina understands from Adolf Loos, the sole function of the window is to provide light into the house and an opening into the outside of the house. Colomina finds that the concept is applied even in the design of windows that open into other places within the interior of the house. This is a vindication of the argument that the windows are meant to bring in light rather than openings into another space (Colomina 234).
Colomina also explores the sensation and feeling that the configuration of the interior space brings. In addition to the comfort and spectacle, Colomina finds that the arrangement of furniture and the construction of the interior space bring about comfort and security. For instance, the exploration of the Moller house showed a set up that was characterized by a sitting area set on a raised platform and a sofa that is set against a window (Colomina 234).
The person sitting on the sofa is against the light getting in from the window. This not only creates sense of comfort but also of security. This is because the light obscures the person sitting on the sofa from the sight of any intruder accessing the space through the entrance. The position of the sofa also offers a vantage point from which the individual sitting on the sofa can see any intruder (Colomina 238).
Colomina also addresses the feelings of control and intimacy that are created through the design of the interior space. The smallness of the raised area where the sitting area is situated mimics a theatre box. Despite the small space is bearable because its position allows one an unrestricted view of the other spaces. This allows someone sitting there a vantage point from where one can see all that is happening in the other spaces.
Colomina finds that this creates a spatial-psychological effect from which shades of power and regimes of control can be read. The comfort in the raised seating area is predicted by the sensation created by the vantage point; a sensation that relates to both control and intimacy (Colomina 238). Finally, Colomina explores the feeling of privacy created through the design of the interior spaces.
Analysis of Personal Space
The architectural development of a house can serve different purposes and meet different needs. The construction of a house is not just to meet the physical needs for security and shelter. One might need to construct a house that is commensurate to one’s position in the social circles. Since the exteriors of the house are visible to the world, the architectural design can be configured to reflect the elements of one’s social status. However, the interiors of the house can be configured to reflect one’s individuality. The interiors can be configured to reflect one’s desire for the inner spaces, one’s personality, and soul.
This is evidenced from the space in which my family lives. The house is constructed on the edge of a lake. While one side of the house overlooks the lake, the other side faces a number of other houses on the same estate. This was a controlled development area where a minimum standard was required. However, the architectural design that was chosen for the construction of the house was reminiscent of the social position of my father. As a real estate mogul, it was important that his house exudes extravagance, artistry, and the magnificence of a leader in the real estate industry. However, the interiors of the house are modeled against the family values and environment for which my mother is a strong believer.
There are elements in the interior design of the house that are in congruence with the arguments in Colomina’s article. For instance, the windows overlooking the lake is shaded with drapes that are drawn during the day to not only let in light but also give the family a spectacular view of the lake. The arrangement of the furniture in the sitting room in which the window that overlooks the lake is situated is done in such a way that the occupants have an obstructed view of the window, and by extension, the lake. This is contrary to the arrangement of the bought furniture in Colomina (234).
The rationale in the arrangement of the room in a way that accentuates the view of the lake is due to the location of the house. The arrangement of the interior of the house is done in a manner that exploits the beauty of the natural landform to which the house is adjacent. The view of the lake from the houses brings about a feeling of serenity and comfort. The breeze blowing in from the lake on the warm afternoon brings in a cooling and soothing sensation to the hot and dry interiors spaces of the house. The window overlooking the lake is also the largest in the house. It is opened during the day when the weather is favorable. This creates the sensation that the exteriors of the house and extend into the building for a section of the day.
The public and private spaces in the house reflect the diversity of gender in the family. From the sitting area, one has a view of the corridors leading to the various rooms in the house. However, the fact that the sitting area is more lit than the corridors obscures the people leaving their rooms from the direct view of the people in the sitting rooms. The rooms are fitted with all the amenities necessary so that the occupants do not have a need to share the common facilities that are available for visitors and guests. The windows in the bedrooms, most of which overlook the side of the house adjacent to the neighboring houses are fitted with ground and pigmented glass.
On this instance, the sentiments by Colomina (234) that windows serve the purpose of letting light into the house are reflected. The rationale for the choice in the design of the windows is to offer more privacy by only allowing light from outside and keeping away any neighbors in houses on the same level from looking into the houses through the windows. The desire for natural light is met by the presence of skylight roofing, especially for the rooms which are on the first floor of the house. This design helps illuminate the rooms while keeping away the prying eyes of the neighbors.
Colomina (238) also explored the notion of the interior of the house as a theatre box from which one has a vantage point on all the happenings of the house. This achieved from the upper deck that leads from study and into my parent’s bedroom. Even though the sitting room mimics the same characteristics, they are more accentuated in the deck that opens my parent’s bedroom into the exterior of the house. The positioning of the deck is in such a way that it offers view into the sitting area in the house when the drapes are pulled up. In addition to the panoramic view of the lake, my parents can still monitor what is happening in the house from the comfort of the deck.
The space in which my family lives reflects the social status of our family on the exterior. The space that the building envelopes reflects the core values and family environment that has characterized our culture since I was a small child. This is achieved through the interior design of the space. The arrangement of the furniture, the furnishing and the placement of the various features in the house allow the coexistence of various genders and the expression of individuality without compromising on social status.
Works Cited
Colomina, Beatriz. Intimacy and spectacle: The interiors of Adolf Loos. Architecture Association Files, 20(1990): 233-281.
