Project: Places+Spaces

An exploration of architecture and the built environment

As any good architect or planner knows, places and spaces, whilst interconnected, are different. Spaces are locations imbued with meaning - a transparent organisation, a successful business, a powerful government. Spaces, on the other hand, are said to lack meaning in themselves and are connective. In Polish, the word “communication” is used for spaces and I think it’s a great term.

I’m not sure where exactly railway stations or promenade fit in, being a bit of both, but then again my knowledge of architectural theory is mostly based on Matthew Frederick’s 101 Things I Learned at Architecture School.

What I do know is that the built environment around us - from the modern architecture of a global centre of finance to a civic building to a place of worship or even our homes - is both shaped by us and shapes us. Architecture conveys countless messages about power dynamics, social mores, political characteristics, etc. And often times, buildings are just good fun to look at.