Semiotics of architecture for a global world: distributive cognitive paradigm

Abstract

[Abstract] AOne of the best semioticians of space and architecture L. Tchertov wrote this utterance: «The interiorization of the actions in space and the exteriorization of the inner spatial images are two faces of the same semiotic structures of architecture». Taking into account this argument closely tied to the Russian dialogical tradition of M. Bakhtin and to views of L. Vygotsky our contribution will try to develop an architectural semiotic analysis based upon the distributive paradigm developed by E. Hutchins, D. Kirsch and S. Gallagher. Architecture conceived and «built» by small groups of children is shown as a first example of this chronotopic sociophysical reciprocity between physical construction between objects and social interaction between subjects. In this way, children intend to survive and to keep a dynamic equilibrium between the inner body forces and the environmental sociophysical constraints, that is, between personal freedom and social interactional rules. Then, these fundamental architectural semiotic processes and structures are applied to some examples of contemporary places in different countries related to huge populations and enormous complex social forces. Architects are under strong pressure in order to build these places without concern of environmental, cultural or social impacts of these buildings and cities. A semiotic of architectural sustainability should be able to help them to decide the right size, form and quality, because the distributive cognitive paradigm points out just to the limits in size, form and quality of the reciprocity between social interaction and specific environmental sociophysical circumstances. If the heterochronic quality of the human being’s cultural development can in this way be clarified, we should be able, as children are, to build the best places for the best social interactions we can imagine, believe in, and take care of.