Eastern Mediterranean University Department of Architecture

Inhabitation or to live in a dwelling is a universal shared experience, whether it is a luxurious space, a tiny shelter or a palace. Modern education systems equip us from an early age with a knowledge of drawing, geometry, cartography and cosmology On the other hand, we need to adopt a fresh way of thinking and suspend our ordinary judgment if we are to adopt a phenomenological approach to describe the spatial experience involved in all vernacular architecture (according to Husserl)

SPACETIME MOVEMENT SPACE like TIME is experienced through the senses and by MOVEMENT Some definitions of space: medium of perception Space is a prior medium of perception, indeterminate and absolutely homogeneous (Immanuel Kant) societies territories Space is different to the same degree as societies and the territories they occupy on the surface of the earth (Durkhim). logicians mathematicians Space is a product of the way human beings have interpreted their experience in the course of their development and one which logicians and mathematicians have made explicit (Piaget). sensessenses SPACESPACEMOVEMENTMOVEMENT

The point of issue in this article: The architecture and structures erected in a given place need to be considered not only from the technological standpoint of the designer and architect, but also from that of the users and builders, operating according to the standards and ideas of their own culture. Aspects of the spatial approach to vernacular arch. 1- Phenomenological and ethnographical (by considering the whole members of the social system and their experiences from daily life 2- Phenomenological and ethnographical (by considering the experts of the social system 3- Anthropological and architectural interpretation by relating observable structures to the experience of builders, users, experts and theorists.

Types of spatial approaches to vernacular architecture 1- To start from observation of buildings and trace back to the experience of the builders and users. (Morphological Approach)  Physical  to conceptual 2-To start from the living experience of built space and from that to understand how the buildings were constructed. (Ethnographical Approach)  Conceptual  to physical

1- (Morphological Approach): This approach is normally adopted by archaeologists, pre- historians and geographers; specially the ones who are concerned with morphology. Ex 1: Brunskill’s studies (1971), are a typical example; Structural Material Roofing material Study of volumes Layout and sections Building Type (& how far it would seem to be adapted to its purpose or function PhysicalPhysical ConceptualConceptual

Ex 2: Another example is seen in Ethnographical Atlas of Murdock; As it is understood from this book, The same features can have different significance from one culture to another or even from one time period to another within the same culture.

2- Ethnographical Approach: This approach is adopted by ethnologists and historians, who operate electively with language, action and images. A- The historians reconstitute the spatial area from texts B-The ethnographies does so by observation

A- Historians Ex: Study of temple space in ancient Rome (by Dumezli) Ritual texts written by priests  Orientation, partitioning, altar place, …. Are studied B- Ethnologists Ex: Study of a Mongol Yurt Observation  altar, mail & female quadrant, hearth and entrance area

4- CENTRALITY: A built space may be mono-centric or poly-centric. The single center may be located other than at the geometric center. Ex; It is seen in some buildings such as; Mongol Yurts Greek Temple English mediaeval manor house 5- There are some other dimensions like axiality and symmetry, but they are not considered as universal ones. Note: The dimensional expressions are true for elevations as well as plans (high & low, upper & deeper, …)

Some other approaches to vernacular architecture, which can be taken into account in future studies; Interior and exterior distinction Definite and indefinite Vacant and filled Shade-seeking & light- seeking Awareness of line and color studies Some possible conceptual frameworks of studies: Building details Interpreting building practices The use of dwelling and built space