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Dead Spaces in Architecture

Dead spaces in Architecture can prove to be quite detrimental to the design especially to the occupants of the building. These spaces can become uninviting and can lead to an area prone to crime.

Dead spaces can be divided into 3 categories such as: Urban cracks, interstitial spaces and non-place spaces. They can be avoided early in the design process (reducing costs) or redesigned afterwards.



1. Urban Cracks :

These spaces can be described as voids in an urban environment that were planned to be used but remain neglected. Urban cracks exist in every city where they are caused by planned development or demolished structures as a result of economic changes. These voids in cities can also act as buffers between public and private space.


2. Interstitial Spaces :

These kind of places can be described as ‘in-between’ spaces. To better understand this term, you can relate them to biology, such as the space and fluid that surrounds cells of a tissue. Interstitial spaces are gaps between floors and rooms where they can accommodate plumbing and electrical systems. In terms of exterior, they are spaces that separate buildings with natural landscaping.


3. Non-Place Spaces :

These spaces can be clearly defined as uninhabitable space that is usually used as part of the destination to get to a particular point. Places such as airports, circulation points and shopping malls fall under non-place spaces. If there is not enough movement, these spaces can become alienated and deserted.


We hope this article has been both informative and entertaining!


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