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cannot be identified with the function of utilization in this narrow sense (primary
functions) although it is no less useful as a result.
While for Jencks the sign takes on meaning through the context (or chain, opposition,
syntagma, contiguity, relation,…) or through metaphor (association, connotation,
correlation,…) it may thus be claimed that also the sunspace ‘locus’ may be understood
as a lexical unit (word, sign) or, as Gillo Dorfles would say, architectural syntagma
(Dorfles 1974:49), in so far as it belongs to an architecture, that is, to a sign situation, it
can take on meaning as a function of the other “signs” (syntagmas) of the context or by
metaphor (Jencks 1974) (connotation – association). It is endeavoured to establish
whether to argue on the basis of an organizational logic of the dwelling space defined as
a system of signs - architecture as specific semiotics – (Eco 1994) starting from what are
considered relations of interdependence between the denotative component and the
connotative component of signs and syntagmas. In order to successfully investigate this
process of signification it is necessary to appreciate the way in which architectural
language is configured vis-à-vis environmental sensitivity and the need to comply with
energy efficiency standards. Numerous points remain to be clarified: in what way are the
elements and systems of energy saving included and participate in the process of
architectural creation and composition? What are the limits preventing these
technological systems from being considered architectural elements and not just an
apparatus external to the architectural object? Is it possible to identify an approach or a
methodology in which the energy storage or production components are acknowledged
to have an aesthetic-compositional potential deriving from a skillful deployment of the
latter in the design process? Can an exploration of the aesthetic-compositional potential
of these systems lead to the identification of methods and criteria that can allow the gap
between the latter and the architectural object to be bridged?
It would thus appear to be of fundamental importance not only to define how the
technological components of energy saving can be included in the construction of the
building but also the shape of the architectural body and “…it will be precisely the
smooth blending of the building with solar technology and the aesthetic nature of the
architecture that will ultimately determine whether these technologies are accepted with
enthusiasm and used on a large scale” (Hegger 2008: 109).
“Denotation” and “connotation” of the
sunspace ‘locus’
In examining the morphological/distributive implications of the dwelling as a function of
the inclusion of a bioclimatic sunspace system it is above all necessary to reappraise the
identity of the sunspace. Indeed it is necessary to modify the conception of this element
as being a simple heat storage and transfer system. The sunspace must actually be
viewed as an area of the dwelling in which the functions performed may be added to the
internal functions or instead incorporate those performed in the adjoining areas. In
essence, the “sunspace” technical volume must be acknowledged as having the value of
locus
in the dwelling space.
Compared with a classification of the internal dwelling spaces into principal functional
units (lounge/dining room, bedroom, study,..) and service functional units (kitchen,
bathroom, accessories, …), the bioclimatic sunspace is a “sunspace locus” denotated as
a hybrid unit. Whether it is included among the principal units or the secondary units will
depend on the functions its performs vis-à-vis the user’s needs and with reference to a
given period of the day.
While the sunspace is an area capable of changing its function according to the user’s
needs, it is capable of changing also the adjacent spaces, overriding the role of the latter
or creating a fresh role which is superimposed on or spread over several areas of the
dwelling. The sunspace is transformed, takes on board other areas of the dwelling or
completes them, is identified as a transition area between two or three other spaces and
at the same time contaminates them, generating another space that is different from the
