1. Introduction of phrase.
In the final example of the preposition game, let’s zoom back in to something relatively small–an architectural detail. In this way, we will have looked at the various scales most architects use on their projects. For the detail, we will look at a door and how it connects to the wall–the jamb and its hinges. The phrase we will use is:
The hinge is fastened to the door.
The preposition type for to is preposition of movement. To describes the participle fastened and expresses the direction of the action. We gain minimal information about the hinge and its connection, because we understand a hinge as an articulated joint for a door–rarely do we discuss hinges in other ways. Certainly, hinges can be used for other purposes, but this example explores the hinge and the door.
2. Examination of preposition use.
To describes the general direction of the action. Its use expresses the imminent connection of two or more elements, and this connection creates a new understanding of the disparate parts coming together to create a new assembly, a new essence to the conjoined objects. This connection and new meaning is common in design and is one of the most rewarding parts of architecture–building is the joining of elements to create a new purpose or meaning.
3. Analyze preposition use.
We know that hinge becomes part of the door assembly by using the preposition to. But, the way it joins the door is not clear. Does the hinge connect to the face of the door? Does it attach at the corners of the door or inside the door to create a hidden connection? The choice of preposition can help define this interface. We want to know the location of the connection, and we want to understand how the door is changed or affected by the hinge and its integration. Let’s look at the door and hinge exploring prepositions of manner and place.
For prepositions of manner, we will try: less, out of, and with.
For prepositions of place, we will use: above, around, and through.
4. Develop existing or create new preposition use.
As before, we replace the original preposition with the alternates given above.
The hinge is fastened to the door changes to:
The hinge is fastened less the door.
The hinge is fastened out of the door.
The hinge is fastened with the door.
The hinge is fastened above the door.
The hinge is fastened around the door.
The hinge is fastened through the door.
The next sentences use prepositions of manner.
The hinge is fastened less the door.
This is an awkward phrase, but it does have meaning. In this, we find that the hinge is important and the door is minor. In fact, the hinge may not have as much importance because of the hinge. What does this mean? The hinge could be the door, and the normative door is cast aside for the structure of the hinge acting as the door.
The hinge is fastened out of the door.
This preposition choice can have a couple meanings, but we will assume that the hinge is constructed from the door itself. Is the door composed of flexible, durable materials that can allow the door to rotate and open, when developed? Can the hinge be cut in the door?
The hinge is fastened with the door.
In this sentence, the hinge is described as fully integrated with the door. Although the two objects may be distinct, the detailing and connections make the hinge and the door fully incorporated, making a seamless connection and a solid whole. What are the materials of the door and the hinge? They do not need to be the same, but how do we make such integration?
These sentences use prepositions of place.
The hinge is fastened above the door.
This preposition clearly defines the relationship of the hinge and the door. The door appears to float free with the hinge above the door, disconnected. The hinge is to be forgotten and will be minimal to evade scrutiny, whereas the door absorbs the attention and detail.
The hinge is fastened around the door.
Around ensures the hinge will not be forgotten. In fact, the hinge takes center stage and controls the door. Detailing for the hinge pulls the eye from the door, which is likely simple and not of note. However, the door must have substance, solid and capable of work.
The hinge is fastened through the door.
This phrase shows the hinge as integrated with the door, but the interconnection of the two requires the door to be altered to allow the mechanical attachment of the hinge to the door. This could be beautiful with fine detailing. The hinge may be nearly invisible with its form partially within the door.
5. Evaluate the preposition use.
There are several good options from the six preposition substitutions, but the chosen sentence is:
The hinge is fastened out of the door.
There are many questions with this example, and these questions can create very interesting details and material choices. In fact, the phrase could push the very definition of a door, if taken a certain way. This sentence can lead to several good designs.
6. Draw the resultant idea and diagram, as possible.
The hinge is fastened out of the door.