Circularity of Place? An investigation of spatial gestures as ecological principles

The need to synergize environmental-, social- and economic dimensions of sustainable development conclusively entails describing the circular potential of architecture as a correspondence between the material resources applied in and the resulting spatial capacity of construction. In this matter, the current development and implementation of technical tools and strategies documenting resource loops in construction manifest significant progress. However, the potential contribution derived from the circular capacity of architectural space itself towards narrowing, slowing, and closing these loops through its gestures is less documented. Addressing this imbalance, the paper investigates a circular conception of place by linking interior studies and tectonic theory in the analysis of two complementary cases; Adolf Loos’ Villa Moller and a thesis project entitled Space Metamorphosis. In conclusion, the paper discusses whether and how the two cases exemplify a spectrum of flexible and specific ‘gestures’ presenting a spatial translation of the fundamental circular ‘principles’ narrowing, slowing, and closing.