This article addresses comparisons between different spatial wordings, drilling into terms and concepts to a depth that the writer is almost redefining the simplest words. It triggers me to question myself about my understanding of these words which describes spatial qualities, inspiring me to link related architectural concepts together.
The writer’s concept about boundaries is where I found it particularly interesting. To thinking simple, a boundary could be just a line, using to identify different spaces and to mark a difference between them. While boundaries in maps, plans, sections and drawings seem to be something objective, the writer suggested that when concerning places and territories, “the judge’s narration reconciles these versions”. Then I realized that the architect is “judging” space, just as the writer pointed out that “elsewhere” or “beyond” is organized and determined by the architect. The distributive power in the description made a story take place, a subjective story written from the author’s perspective. This also helps me to understand the difference between space and place: a place exists, the place can be messy with lots of details and functions; but then an architect draws a line in-between the place, identifying the programs from his point of view, giving the place a value and letting it realize what it is; then transforming it into a space where movements there can be classified; finally constructing a clear, systematic story with identified spaces.
This brings me to the reason of the important role of architects, to draw boundaries, by being the “judge” of space, inserting a story into a place, and this must also be why drawings done by architects are so valuable.
Joseph Wong Jing Hymn
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Appreciate the interpretation of judicial discourse by de Certeau on marking boundaries and attempt in extending it to the role of architects. I would be mindful with the interpretation as it renders the judge/architect as overly authoritative at present. It is important to note what follows your quote on judge’s narration – “The narration is “established” on the basis of “primary” stories” (de Certeau 1984, 122) by different “witness”/ parties. “These “operations of marking out boundaries,” consisting in narrative contracts and compilations of stories, are composed of fragments drawn from earlier stories and fitted together in makeshift fashion (bricolés).” (de Certeau 1984, 122) Therefore, I would argue that architects ARE “judges” of space but it is only rightful for them to present a compilation or synthesis of “spatial stories” in their work.