Prepositions of source show from where something or someone came. This preposition type describes the main object by its origin. The nature of the object is tethered to the other, although it or the viewer may not understand or define it through this relationship. However, when the elements are framed by the preposition of source in the sentence or phrase, the relationship is clear. This preposition type serves as a modifier, and it is immutable. Unlike previous examples, this relationship is real, not figurative, so the genealogy is clear, and the relationship is absolute.
To use the preposition of source in design, we use the type to define origin, and the essence or signature of the progenitor is intrinsic in the following entity. We can underline this source to ensure the nature of both is carried forward, and it is not possible for the relationship to be false. Otherwise, we can once again play a game of substitution. We can use the preposition of source in place of any other type, as long as the object is not strictly defined. For example, one can say the windows are along the wall. By changing the type to preposition of source, we can get the windows are from the wall. This provides an understanding that the geometry of the wall allows for windows that perhaps fold out to allow both light and protection from the weather. In this case, the designer must ask what the wall is made of to have windows spring forth. Maybe, the wall is made of glass and sectioned or mullioned: these sections might fold like paper to provide apertures. Or, the wall might be clapboard, though it is partitioned and the window is simply one of the partitioned sections that is seemingly excised or cut and folded to provide the opening. In both options, the wall provides the window, but the window helps divide the wall. Is it possible for this to be the case in other examples of prepositions of source. If we receive energy from the sun, then the energy is of the sun, but the sun is full of energy. Although it is not reflexive, there is a balanced understanding that one is the same or nearly the same as the other. This example allows the understanding of the sun as energy, and energy as that which comes from the sun.
Prepositions of source used in this work include:
By
From
Of
The final preposition type is the preposition of possession. The preposition of possession marks something is owned by someone or something. This ownership defines the item, but it can also define the owner. The furniture of the woman is understood to be the woman’s, but the woman is also now understood to be someone who has furniture. That can be important, especially to someone who might not have or would like to give furniture. Furthermore, the furniture is not some random grouping, it is the furniture of the woman, placed as the woman prefers. In this way, both are defined and connected.
How can we use the preposition of possession in design. To know that something controls or owns something else describes both that object and the relationship of the two, where one controls the other. There is a major and a minor, and the relationship cannot be flipped, except as a figurative play. The walls of the building are the building’s walls, however these walls define the building, as well. The structure would not be the same without the presence of these walls. Of course, the walls in the structure belong only to that structure, but can we look at the design and makeup of the structure as a series of walls? How is this different than a grouping of spaces or the limits of the foundation and site? Can the designer pull out the wallness of the building. What makes a building wally, and what does this give the user? Is there something superior in this nature to that of a normative building? What do walls give us that other elements don’t? In another example the steps of a stair are the stair’s steps, but the stair is not a stair without steps and so one allows the other. But, there is a hierarchy: the stairs own or control the steps. Steps without stairs are flooring. Stairs without steps are still stairs, though they are not easy to ascend. Can something be made of this hierarchy? This and substitution allow the designer to explore new relationships in architecture.
Prepositions of possession included in this work include:
Of
To
With