The term space is typically defined as a noun in
two main ways. Firstly as a continuous area that is unoccupied and secondly as
the dimensions with which all things exist[1]. The term space is also a verb. To be ‘spaced
out’ refers to someone ceasing to be aware of his or her own surroundings[1].
The term space first appears in French as a
variant of the term espace. It was used
to describe a period or duration of time. In the thirteenth century, the term
began to be used to describe the distance between two points. The classical
Latin term, spatium, refers to an
expanse of ground or the space
occupied by something. In 1662, the concept of the infinite expanse of the
universe was referred to as space
for the first time. The word space
shares the same Indo-European base as the term speed [1].
To describe something as board as
the concept of space is a challenge
within itself. In one of its many uses, it represents a literally infinite
expanse. However, on earth, it is something created that requires the existence
of boundaries in order to exist. The enterprise of architecture produces space as a thing which can be bought
and sold.
At the larger end of the
spectrum, outer space is the space in which we understand all of the
planets to exist within. It is the space
beyond the atmosphere of the earth, as space
is a limited entity on earth. To our knowledge, it has no limits. Our
understanding of space as it exists
beyond earth is not concrete. It is impossible to gain a whole and conclusive
understanding of such a concept.
The concept of space as it exists on earth is also
challenging to define, but for different reasons. On earth we know space must be defined in some way, but
what it is that defines space is not
as simple to determine. Space is
commonly defined as either negative or positive. A positive space is filled and a negative space is
the surrounding empty space that is
created as a result of the positive space. Spaces can also be implied. For example, when a group of people socialize
is a circle, the circle implies a social space.
Space is often defined in in relation to time. The Oxford English
Dictionary defines space-time as “the
concepts of time and three-dimensional space
regarded as fused in four-dimensional continuum”[1]. Being that time
is the fourth dimension, the two cannot exist without each other.
[1] “space,
n.1”. OED Online. September 2012. Oxford University Press.
http://www.oed.com/view/Entry?185414?rskey=p6p4c8&result=1
(accessed November 18, 12).
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