Developed space: Theo van Doesburg and the Chambre de Fleurs

Difford, R.J. 2007. Developed space: Theo van Doesburg and the Chambre de Fleurs. Journal of Architecture. 12 (1), pp. 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602360701218169

TitleDeveloped space: Theo van Doesburg and the Chambre de Fleurs
AuthorsDifford, R.J.
Abstract

Designed in 1925 by Theo van Doesburg, the Chambre de Fleurs is a small rectilinear interior, just 1.2 metres wide by 1.5 metres deep. But whilst modest in terms of its physical dimensions, the experience is of a volume that spills out pictorially in all directions, the diagonal patterns which line its walls extending out, away from the surface towards an imagined auxiliary space. This article looks at the way in which van Doesburg adapted the conventions of architectural drawing to exploit the potential of both geometry and painting. Using the Chambre de Fleurs as an example and considering its qualities in relation to van Doesburg's interest in geometrical figures, an attempt is made to explain how the properties of these drawings can become a productive part of spatial experience in architecture.

JournalJournal of Architecture
Journal citation12 (1), pp. 79-98
ISSN1360-2365
YearFeb 2007
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/13602360701218169
Publication dates
PublishedFeb 2007

Related outputs

Visual Perspective
Difford, R.J. Forthcoming. Visual Perspective.

Infinite Horizons : Le Corbusier, the Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau dioramas and the science of visual distance
Difford, R.J. 2017. Infinite Horizons : Le Corbusier, the Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau dioramas and the science of visual distance. Journal of Architecture. 22 (5), pp. 825-853. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602365.2017.1351762

MARS Habitation Project at FAB FEST’17
Difford, R.J. and Dall'Igna, M. 2017. MARS Habitation Project at FAB FEST’17. University of Westminster 06 - 09 Jul 2017

Drawing as Research
Difford, R.J. 2016. Drawing as Research. Robin Evans Memorial Series: About Bob Evans. University of Westminster 03 - 03 Mar 2016

Conversions of Relief: on the perception of depth in drawings
Difford, R.J. 2014. Conversions of Relief: on the perception of depth in drawings. Journal of Architecture. 19 (4), pp. 483-510. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602365.2014.947306

In defence of pictorial space: stereoscopic photography and architecture in the nineteenth century
Difford, R.J. 2012. In defence of pictorial space: stereoscopic photography and architecture in the nineteenth century. in: Camera constructs: photography, architecture and the modern city Farnham Ashgate. pp. 295-312

Infinite horizons: Le Corbusier, the Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau dioramas and the science of visual distance
Difford, R.J. 2009. Infinite horizons: Le Corbusier, the Pavillon de l’Esprit Nouveau dioramas and the science of visual distance. Journal of Architecture. 14 (3), pp. 295-323. https://doi.org/10.1080/13602360903027970

Stereopsis and still-life
Difford, R.J. 2008. Stereopsis and still-life. Medical Sciences History. 24, pp. 8-25.

Proun: an exercise in the illusion of four-dimensional space
Difford, R.J. 2006. Proun: an exercise in the illusion of four-dimensional space. in: Madge, J. and Peckham, A. (ed.) Narrating architecture: a retrospective anthology London, UK Routledge. pp. 73-104

Proun: an exercise in the illusion of four-dimensional space
Difford, R.J. 1997. Proun: an exercise in the illusion of four-dimensional space. Journal of Architecture. 2 (2), pp. 113-144. https://doi.org/10.1080/136023697374487

Permalink - https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/item/91v83/developed-space-theo-van-doesburg-and-the-chambre-de-fleurs


Share this

Usage statistics

188 total views
0 total downloads
These values cover views and downloads from WestminsterResearch and are for the period from September 2nd 2018, when this repository was created.