KINESTHETIC FOUNDATIONS OF SPATIAL CONCEPTS AND CONFIGURATIONS

This paper focuses on the kinesthetics of human bodies, whether engaged in generic everyday movement or in ritual formations. It attempts to articulate how such kinesthetics constitute a layer of experience which, while ephemeral and barely-conscious, is deeply informative of the conception and configuration of building space. To link the ephemeral grain of kinesthetics to spatial configuration, the argument refers to Rudolph Laban’s Effort-Shape theory of movement (Dell 1977). Laban distinguishes between movements that the body directs at itself, and movements directed towards other objects and bodies. The latter, termed spatial-movements, construct nearly-imperceptible forms of social interaction, as demonstrated by systematic analyses of dance forms in various cultures (Bull 1967). The fleeting, ‘fine-grain ’ of encounter suggested by moving and gesturing bodies, underlies conceptions of space. This is particularly emphasized in mass gatherings within building enclosures, which amplify issues of generic movement and stasis, and attendant kinesthetics. The paper examines two different building types: Muslim mosques and Soviet assemblies. Whil