125Between three isolated objects, we perceive the > gestalt of a
triangle. The space between architectural elements, then, does
not remain empty, but is instead perceived as a figure. To-
gether with the neighbouring house, a house forms a common
‘perceptual image’ to which the intermediate space belongs,
together with its perceptual form. We involuntarily assume a
relationship between structural parts. This consists not just in
a dynamic relationship between various > sizes, but also in the
various levels of > density of the intervening space. Depending
upon the spacing involved, the pressure between them may be
heightened or diminished; they are attracted to or repelled by
one another. Forms that are capable of agglomeration can link
up with one another, dynamic forms require room to manoeu-
vre. The cylinder has repelling, forward-propulsive impact, its
force radiates concentrically outward; depending upon their >
form character, other architectural volumes likewise exercise
an influence on their surroundings. Buildings ‘occupy’ space,
demarcate and defend it. An interior space too is defined by
the relationships between walls, corners and centre, by the
position of openings and movement trajectories, is thus ar-
ticulated by gradients in a > field of forces. The space around
a building, between architectural volumes, and within walls,
then, is not homogeneous, but is dominated by the energies of
a force field.
An individual who remains and moves within this force
field is exposed to its impact. The space-shaping figure of a
wall with the floor area in front already makes itself conspicu-
ous as a palpable zone of influence marked out by a > space
shadow, and the same is true of the > angle of a corner. With-
in the > confrontation between two building facades, we are
submerged into a field of tension that is dominated by these
structures as though by two antagonistic fronts. Through
their sizes or designs, other buildings demand a respectful dis-
tance. From an axial layout, one receives instructions for ap-
proach; some buildings invite dialogue. In the absence of any
kind of structural scaffolding, for example on the surface of a