Spacesuch

Spacesuch is a term used in speculative fiction, design discourse, and some theoretical discussions to describe a qualitative approach to spatial representation in both physical and virtual environments. It refers to spaces defined more by relationships, affordances, and experiential qualities than by fixed geometric coordinates alone.

A spacesuch space prioritizes relational properties such as connectivity, permeability, orientation, and mood. Rather than mapping every point with x, y, and z coordinates, a spacesuch model encodes spatial meaning through descriptors like near/far, accessible/inaccessible, or energetic tone. This enables dynamic or adaptive geometry, where the arrangement of space can change in response to user presence, narrative context, or design goals while preserving a coherent sense of place.

Origins: the term is a neologism that emphasizes qualitative specification. It has no single standard definition and occupies niche use in hypothetical or design-oriented discussions rather than formal theory. It gained sporadic exposure in online forums and speculative literature during the 2010s and 2020s.

Applications: in video game design and virtual reality, spacesuch concepts support flexible level design and player-driven geometry. In architectural theory, spacesuch frameworks are discussed as a way to model adaptable interiors and responsive environments. In narrative contexts, spacesuch helps convey atmosphere and thematic resonance through spatial description.

Criticism: spacesuch is often criticized for being ill-defined and overlapping with ideas from space syntax, non-Euclidean geometry, and experiential design. Proponents argue it foregrounds qualitative dimensions of space, while skeptics call for clearer definitions and measurable criteria.

See also: architecture and space, space syntax, non-Euclidean geometry, virtual reality, spatial cognition.