Simultaneity of interior \ exterior

Paper title:

Simultaneity of interior \ exterior: spatial ambiguity and representation complexities. A conceptual exploration through Alberto Campo Baeza's architecture

Abstract

The paper renders an inquiry into the simultaneity of interior \ exterior as it is manifested in paintings, architectural representations, and the experience of space. In the paper I explore the issues and themes related to the simultaneous condition of interior \ exterior. I research the question through examination of historical precedents and a contemporary case-study that embodies both spatial conditions and representational propositions.

Interior and exterior exist in simultaneity and in relation to each other. Both can be understood as dependent on the other in order to exist, and be experienced. But their representation as simultaneous condition is not readily available or obvious. The opposing spatial conditions of interior \ exterior portray ambiguous propositions when represented simultaneously. This difficulty is not only geometrical and technological but also conceptual and theoretical. Existing representation attempts suggest spatial ambiguity which has been a focal point of large and varied body of work. An exemplary selection of paintings, architectural representations, and architectural spaces are analyzed, portraying the complexity of interior and exterior as a simultaneous condition.

The paper identifies these issues within the contemporary architectural works of Spanish architect Alberto Campo Baeza. A critical evaluation of the spaces designed by Baeza examines his interpretation to confronting the simultaneous condition of interior \ exterior. The research focuses both on their spatial suggestions and the representation techniques used for their conceptualization. This evaluation is done in relation to issues explored in the first part of the paper and exposes the vitality and originality of Baeza's work. The summation of the spatial ambiguities and representation complexities explored lead to some questions as to the relevance and possibilities of continuous research into simultaneous condition of interior \ exterior.

A story by Borges

The Two Kings and the Two Labyrinths

It is said by men worthy of belief (though Allah's knowledge is greater) that in the first days there was a king of the isles of Babylonia who called together his architects and his priests and bade them build him a labyrinth so confused and so subtle that the most prudent men would not venture to enter it, and those who did would lose their way. Most unseemly was the edifice that resulted, for it is the prerogative of God, not man, to strike confusion and inspire wonder. In time there came to the court a king of Arabs, and the king of Babylonia (to muck the simplicity of his guest) bade him enter the labyrinth, where the king of Arabs wandered, humiliated and confused, until the coming of the evening, when he implored God's aid and found the door. His lips offered no complaint, though he said to the king of Babylonia that in his land he had another labyrinth, and Allah willing, he would see that someday the king of Babylonia made its acquaintance. Then he returned to Arabia with his captains and his wardens and he wreaked such havoc upon kingdoms of Babylonia, and with such great blessing by fortune, that he brought low his castles, crushed his people, and took the king of Babylonia himself captive. He tied him atop a swift-footed camel and led him into the desert. Three days they rode, and then he said to him, "O king of time and substance and cipher of the century! In Babylonia didst thou attempt to make me lose my way in a labyrinth of brass with many stairways, doors, and walls; now the Powerful One has seen fit to allow me to show thee mine, which has no stairways to climb, nor walls to impede thy passage."

Then he untied the bonds of the king of Babylonia and abandoned him in the middle of the desert, where he died of hunger and thirst. Glory to him who does not die.

From Collected Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges, translated by Andrew Hurley, Penguin Books, 1998, p. 263-264.