Architectonic influences of multimedia and their spatial significance

The prevalence of multimedia technology has influenced modern society in many ways. Technological and economic feasibility have enabled the application of multimedia to physical spaces, where media such as audio, visual and interactive content take on spatial significance.(McCollough 2005, pp. 154-165) This has spurred multidisciplinary ventures in architecture that explore the architectonic potential of multimedia. Particularly relevant, are the progressive spatial applications of multimedia evident in multimedia installation artworks and interactive spaces. Through a case study analysis of 25 works of multimedia installation art and interactive spaces, this paper seeks to understand the manner that multimedia influences an architectural space and determine the significance of such influences in an architectural context. Each work was examined using a systems theory (Heylighen 1992) approach, referencing the form of media implemented and its effect on the correlating space. ‘Transformation’, ‘interaction’ and ‘temporality’ were proposed as three relevant forms of multimedia influence. The proposed influences were assessed with respect to tectonics, topos and typos (Frampton 1995, p.2) to establish a matrix of effects indicating the spatial significance of the proposed influences relevant to an architectural context and sets up a theoretical basis to validate the viability of multimedia for architectural design.