no ! configuration is at least the relation between two objects as
affected by a third, and at most the relation between n objects as
affected by n others. The point of Alan's diagram is that the
relation between two primary elements, b and c, remain the same, but
'with respect to a third' they are different - in this case going
from symmetrical (a is to be as b is to a, as in the concept of
'neightbour') to asymmetrical - so a fundamental change 'with respect
to the third'.
The key configurational concept is generalised from this: 'universal
distance', meaning the distance from each point, element or node to
all others, and defining distance in different ways: topologically,
geometrically, metrically and so on.
This is set out most clearly in 'Space is the Machine' pp 96 et seq. - Bill
>-----Original Message-----
>From: "Alan Penn" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>, <[log in to unmask]>
>Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 19:23:27 +0100
>Subject: RE: Spatial Configuration
>
>Sheran,
>
>We tend to do it with pictures.
>
>The picture to imagine is:
>
>c
>|
>b b - c
>| \ /
>a a
>
>Thus the relations of a to c differ depending on whether they are only via b
>or also direct.
>
>The key thing is to consider the relation between any two spaces as that
>depends on their relations to (at least) a third space, and at most all
>other spaces in some system.
>
>Configurations of space are systems where local relations are modified by
>the rest of the system. When we speak of configuration it really means
>taking account of whole or larger parts of the pattern...
>
>This is probably as clear as mud, we use more pictures to make the point...
>
>Alan Penn
>Professor of Architectural and Urban Computing
>The Bartlett School of Graduate Studies
>University College London
>Gower Street
>London WC1E 6BT
>+44 (0)20 7679 5919
>[log in to unmask]
>www.vr.ucl.ac.uk
>www.spacesyntax.org
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
>> Behalf Of Sheran Forbes
>> Sent: 25 October 2004 12:15
>> To: [log in to unmask]
>> Subject: Spatial Configuration
>>
>> Hi there,
>>
>> Can anyone explain to non-professionals! what spatail configuration is? I
>> have plenty of material on this subject but most of it is far too heavy
>> going for me.
>>
>> Lets say 'Space Syntax' were giving an exhibition on what they do to non-
>> professionals, how would one introduce 'Spatial Configuration' and 'Space
>> Syntax'
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Sheran
>
>Thanks for that, so can we say that 'spatial' is the study of space
>and 'configuration' is the relation between two objects and the
>effects they have on each other?
>
>Sheran
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