What would Giedion do?

Abstract

Siegfried Giedions Space, Time, and Architecture gives useful insights into the background and cultural context of modern architecture and urban planning through the authors establishment of a new space-time concept. Though its significance lies in the introduction of a new concept of time, in light of the advancements in virtual space and time in this digital age, debate continues as to whether the so-called fourth dimension is applicable today.

By extracting and analyzing core themes from Space, Time, and Architecture, this research aims to envisage how the book can be revised appropriate to inform the development of digital design and technology in architecture today. Through the analysis of the key themes of his book, this study shows that despite the apparent criticism regarding Giedions space-time conception, some of the themes can still inform a new understanding of the space-time concept that is relevant today.

Through a literature review of the varying critiques of Giedions Space, Time and Architecture and development of digital technologies to architectural practice and the new understanding of space-time concept, the thesis identifies the appropriate persistence of a number of overarching themes informing architectural practice. With the themes Thinking and Feeling, Spirit of the Age, Constituent Fact comprising Giedions underlying synthesis in creating a new tradition, this study seeks to integrate them into contemporary discussions to identify a shift in space-time consideration in the digital age.

In substantiating its claim the study conducts case studies on projects that have been specifically designed to extend and amplify the concept of transformation in movement which acts as a fundamental element speculating the established conceptions of space-time. The works illustrate the theoretical claim and provide a model for further practical exploitation. In so doing the thesis proposes a minor synopsis of 21stCenturySpace,TimeandArchitecture that is a reflection of Giedions theory on space conception and its potential to be integrated with the opportunities offered by the exploration of the digital medium.