Inscriptions: Narrating the Spatial Dynamics of the Immaterial Interior

Abstract

This paper explores inscription as a projection of the spatial dynamics of a setting, beyond a historical or cultural symbol in a context, and highlights that inscription—a written or carved message on a surface—is an element that immaterially demonstrates a more in-depth narrative of an interior. This paper focuses on exploring inscriptions embedded in various production settings in Jakarta and Central Java, collecting individual and observational accounts on the production of such inscriptions and their meanings. The study suggests that inscriptions demonstrate various roles, from providing information, mediating different spaces and performing as tools to assist activities. Inscriptions may traverse the trajectories of different spaces and exist in different layers of time, creating an interior connection across space and time. These layers and trajectories project the dynamics of material and bodily processes, assembling the immaterial interior.

Between naturalistic and theatrical: Contrast narratives as context-based space explorations

“…Restoring and adapting an existing structure creates sequel stories to the existing context, preserving the legacy (Di Mascio, 2021). Narrating spatial dynamics of the space mediates the relation between different spaces and addresses how the space performs to assist activities (Wahid et al, 2021).…”

Telling stories, performing operations as a design method

“…Other discussions of stories search for a deeper order of architecture and its meaning (Pérez-Gómez, 2002). Furthermore, stories' relevance also lies in the articulation of spatial dynamics, where without them the space ascends as an isolated void (Marinic, 2018;Wahid et al, 2021). Operations within such different objectives of stories then vary.…”

“…The stories' operations may exist as a structured, programmatic form of sequence; or simply unfold as a field with multiple meanings (Psarra, 2009), or instead rise as a paradoxical or transgressive manifesto (Mosley & Sara, 2013). Whereas in the articulation of spatial dynamics, operations shape the trajectories and temporalities of processes happening in space (Wahid et al, 2021).…”

“…Some references highlight the actual use of text as the medium of stories exchange, arguing for text as a possible form of architecture . Within such a strategy, the text exists in various forms, from a compact manifesto, or fragments of texts in different forms, be it engraved lines of sentences or lists of phrases (Rattenbury, 2002;Wahid et al, 2021). Some discussion attempts to exercise the stories in different media, such as through games and other playful performances (Campbell, 2002).…”