Spatial intelligence is one of man's most underrated human capabilities. The result of millions of years of evolution, it enables us to navigate our way through our daily lives. It is less consciously applied than linguistic, mathematical, kinetic, natural, musical or personal intelligence. Despite architecture's dependence on spatial knowledge and experience, the discipline remains bereft of a theoretical underpinning. Understanding and knowledge of space is only pursued through precedent and challenged with experience, but the role of every individual's history in space, the unfolding and developing of their spatial intelligence is largely unaccounted for. This book argues for a greater continuum between our spatial intelligence and the built environment, and thus a greater connection between architecture and everyday life.
About the Author
Leon van Schaik is Professor of Architecture (Innovation Chair) at RMIT, Melbourne, Australia. From his base in Melbourne, he has promoted local and international architectural culture through practice-based research. In 2006 he was awarded an Order of Australia, Officer (AO) in the General Division, for service to architecture as an academic, practitioner and educator, and to the community through involvement with a wide range of boards and organisations related to architecture, culture and the arts. He is the author of Mastering Architecture: Becoming a Creative Innovator in Practice (John Wiley & Sons, 2005), and Design City Melbourne, (John Wiley & Sons, 2006).
