Interstitial Space

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Definition

Interstitial space is a term used to describe the space between human-usable common space. Every dormitory, hospital, hotel and subway has space that is "space between space", or space that exists but is inaccessible and unused by humans. It is the space between space in modern buildings used for HVAC systems, electricity, networks and the essential cardiovascular systems of a modern architectural creation. They are a liminal space that is unseen by most, but omnipresent and functional. Just as the body has organs that help it to function, buildings have their own system that is hidden to the eye but essential in function. Only when a building is built, or it is in need of maintenance, are these interstitial spaces opened and operated on. In the same way, a human body is only opened when restoration or maintenance is needed.

Another kind of interstitial space relates to the architectural concept of equipotential space. That is, space that can be re-arranged according to need. Buildings that are built with more interstitial space than necessary can use that space to expand, rearrange or constrain rooms based on capacity and need. "By providing this space, laboratory and hospital rooms may be easily rearranged throughout their lifecycles and therefore reduce lifecycle cost" [1]. (get original definition) Citation Needed

References

  1. [Interstitial Space (Architecture) on Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstitial_space_(architecture)]