J O S H   C U L L E R T O N 

The concept of the hermeneutic circle is an engaging response to the architectural design process. One cannot live without the other, as design requires freedom through interpretative concepts yet requiring the understanding and knowledge of that given profession. To design is a continuum and Coyne explores this notion intensively with his own papers trying to preserve this idea in theological language using example after example getting immersed in these thinkings.1 Coyne fails to relate to reality, as boundaries are present with all interpretations being eventually grounded in understanding as the hermeneutic circle breaks, caused by the linear program.2 The RIBA linear plan for example appears to a be a rigid listing of rigours stages of design, yet between each stage freedom of drafting can be explored, were proposals develop.

 

From this analysis the intervention at Dale Primary School, hermeneutics are implied within the design typology. This void space which has been transformed into a yellow meadow where movement may look obscured; nonetheless this is exactly the point of this spatial experiment. Via the restrictions embedded we see the space is explored and played with in a different manor, allowing the human body to interpret a once grey playground into a volume of possibility.3

 

Although this project is very effective in understanding human behaviours architects cannot fully antipiate human movement as the creative interpretation is down to the individual. This corresponds to simpliest of objects within a room, such as a table; there are endless possiblites in how a person may choose use the object, however our cutural background tells us to use it in an appropiate manner as society and our upbringing tells us to do so. Coyne relates this to the design process as a set of ‘social actions and interactions’ in terms of the human situation, if spaces were designed differently, such as if a table was angled slightly to sit on more comfortably.4 This challenges the question can architectural composition use the hermeneutical process to try and re-define space or similairly as a secondary functon?