Spatial Connotations

The word ‘space’ is used in the limited circle of architects and it does not have clear connotations in many regional languages. In most Indian languages it is the ‘place’ and the ‘place making’ that are important while describing what architects call space. However, there is a philosophically defined conceptual Indian understanding of the word ‘space’. Poet Rajendra Shukla has given me the word ‘Dikkal’ (direction and time) as an adequate definitional word for space. Dr. Shilin Shukla on the other hand fully agrees with terminological problems of the word for translation in our languages. A discourse on this fundamental word is overdue. The word ‘space’ is even less used within non-architectural professions. In simple terms spatiality of a given space is defined by certain qualities and attributes given to the space. Form is another such term that connotes differently in different fields and contexts. The images in this panel are utter semiotic expressions of the words space and form where“inside; empty, space; outside; solid, form”. The symptoms of the images perfectly describe the experience for the words space and form. The images are also important due to the temporal continuity built into the architectural expression where the aspect of space was related to the search of an ideal mental conception of a meditative object.
Spatial Connotations

Spatial Connotations

Clockwise : 1 A curvaceous cave space defined by large circular remains of stone supporting the weight above at Khambalida Caves near Rajkot. 2 Karla Caves where the curvaceous space is defined by columns and a stupa within, Maharashtra. 3 Durga Temple, Aihole interpreted as a positive form of the Karla caves, Karnataka. 4 The perambulatory of the Durga temple, Aihole where the columns similar to Karla cave can be seen as form defining elements on the external surface, Karnataka. Bottom: 5 A mukha mandap of a wooden temple of Kerala where one can see the outside as form and... 6 …inside as space.

Rajkot, Gujarat

Rajkot, Gujarat

A Charan house interior near Rajkot, made from branches of a certain tree and burlap covering. Below: Exterior of the Charan house.