Equipotential Space

Definition

The term Equipotential Space was coined by Renato Serverino in 1970 in his book Equipotential Space: Freedom in Architecture. He defined Equipotential Space as "...the determining characteristics of Equipotential space are continuity, flexibility, and articulation. Instead of being planned for a few specific purposes, Equipotential space can be modulated at will for any purpose".

Technically, this kind of space is an architectural possibility. It is very difficult to create a space whose form and function differs based on those who use it. Many architectural theorists during the late 1960's and early 1970's conceptualized these types of 'future spaces'. Some architects even attempted to create modular futuristic spaces. Some of these spaces began to resemble spaceships, or pods, others were composed of interlocking places suited for either one number it occupants or many.

Serverino posited that "equipotential space offers the possibility of real freedom", wrote Serverino, "This is not freedom just to be different, but freedom to participate as fully as possible, given social, economic and technical reality".. While these theories and manifestos did not play out in the physical world of architecture and construction, they were harbingers of a new era of that invisible space between machines. The digital architecture of online community and networked spaces have shown us a full realization of Severino's Equipotential Space. These sites provide us with, as Serverino wrote, the "freedom to shape responsive solutions to immediate needs; and when these needs change, to have a new solution".

The Internet is a vast interconnected architecture are only accessible by technological hybrids; those connected or engaged with machines and browser software. Highways, for instance, are an architecture on which only those with vehicle shells can cross in Berman's All That is Solid Melts into Air, Marshall Berman wrote of a highway built by city developer Robert Moses in early modernist New York city. The highway led to a beach that was only accessible by vehicle. One could not take a bus, bike, or walk to the hidden beach, but had to physically modernize in order to access the space. In the same way, there are some spaces that can only be visited by a human plus a browser. The browser acts as a virtual shell to protect the visitor from viruses and indecipherable code.