Reinterpretation of S. Giedion’s Conception of Time in Modern Architecture– Based on his book, Space, Time and Architecture

Abstract

abstractS. Giedion‘s Space, Time and Architecture is a remarkable accomplishment in that it provides a theoretical basis of modern architecture. The book plays a very important role in helping us understand modern architecture, even though it was written in 1941. In this book, Giedion presents a definition of modern architecture as the realization of a new space concept, ‘space-time.’ This is remarkable in that it tries to explain a change in the traditional notion of space; even more, it actually contains the notion of time in architecture. Giedion founded the new space concept; space-time in modern science, art and architecture on the basis of ‘Zeitgeist.’ He tried to explain the concept, space-time in modern architecture, in two respects; simultaneity and movement. However, considering the fact that the characteristics of time and the method of expression in art and architecture are different, simultaneity and movement cannot be regarded as the same notion in art and architecture. Thus, his new space concept, space-time, should be reconsidered as an expression of a new concept of space derived from the concept of a dimensional evolution, not as an actual adaptation of time. Finally, further critical and analytical approaches to time in architecture should be followed for more concrete development of this critical concept in architecture.