New Trend Spaces in Contemporary Architecture
Authors: Arslan Ayça 
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on the production methods of contemporary style spaces, which are fundamentally different from traditional spaces, especially by exhibiting; flexibility, dynamism, and diversity themes in the formation of contemporary spatial relations as a conceptual tool. Space is naturally a unit with defined boundaries and we stand in the middle of this unit, thus, spaces have more or less boundaries, and when these boundaries become more transparent, permeable, and dynamic instead of rigid and fixed the spatial values of spaces increase and turn into flexible spaces. In this framework, spatial design is an organization that is; flexible and dynamic with various scenarios and necessities, it’s the art of space-making with both 2-d (two-dimensional) and 3-d (three-dimensional) tools and methods. Spatial design is creative and innovative, hence contemporary. By adapting spatial design; instead of traditional fixed walls, it is possible to obtain scenario-based, flexible, multi-functional spaces within an artistic value like stage-designs. In the article, first of all, the concept of spatial design has been introduced, based on a number of basic topics; the first is, the new space relations used in today’s interiors instead of the traditional corridor and cell space relation with ‘depth/density/integration’ space relations.  Secondly, contemporary style new space identifiers have been introduced, instead of traditional reinforced concrete walls. Contemporary style new spatial identifiers that are presented in the paper are; I/L/U type vertical panels, point-like dividers, level differences, furniture and convexity, material & texture difference (all 3 faces walls/floors/ceilings), color change, 3d space modules (spatial furniture), and finally ceilings & lighting.

By this study, it’s mainly aimed to put forth the changing design principles of contemporary interiors that have developed recent years differently from the past. At this point, study brings out the research question -1 : What are the changing design parameters of today’s interiors? In addition, research question-2: What are new space definers instead of walls? As indicated by the hypothesis of the study, it is aimed to make a comparative analysis of interiors between periods, to reveal the differences and explain new methods for contemporary interiors. To demonstrate the changing design principles of interiors’ today; spatial design will be introduced with, new spatial relations, new space types, new space identifiers that creates todays; dynamic, flexible and multifunctional interiors. At this point, research question-3 appears as; ‘What is ‘expandability-flexibility- convexity’ and how each used with spatial design? Third question is very clearly shed a light to the hypothesis of the study and defines new spatial relations as; depth, density and integration. By using spatial tools, enclosed spaces that are syntax via corridor system leaves it’s place to spatial design, which creates sub-spaces with in a one big space without existing walls. At spatial design, there is no existing 4 walls, instead, sub-spaces are formed very quickly to the changing scenarios and necessary modifications easily so it’s flexible. On the other hand, spatial design, can adapt to time, with 7/24 logic, thus, some spaces can expand, get bigger time to time in order to react changing functions than shrink to it’s normal sizes after the activity. Thus, expandability tool supports flexibility by the way space adaptation. Lastly, integration tool, can be used to create modular spaces, through necessities, 1 module , 2 modules or 3 modules..etc. spaces can integrate easily by the help of light dividers and integrated spaces and activities can take place.

As indicated above, hypothesis of the study is based on spatial design and it has 3 main research questions to define/answer the main problem. In the study, it’s aimed to demonstrate solutions for these 3 problems; 1)What are the changing design parameters of today’s interiors?, 2) What are new space definers?, 3) ‘what are ‘expandability-flexibility- convexity’ tools ?

The methodology consists of two main parts, the first of which includes a comprehensive literature review on; space, spatiality, spatial relations and contemporary space identifiers and the definitions of;expandability, flexibility, convexity. Secondly, area analyzes have been made on the contemporary interior designs, that are determined as the hypothesis of the study. Analyzes and findings are presented within the framework of ‘contemporary period spatiality’ versus ‘traditional spatial organization’ as a comparative design investigation. As a result, the aim of this study is; the introduction and presentation of spatial design as a method of contemporary space production techniques.