Spatial Narrative: Definition, How it Works, and Examples

You may have heard the term spatial narrative, but do you know what it means? Spatial narrative is the storytelling potential of architecture, namely how the spaces that are built can convey messages and stories to observers.

Spatial narrative can also be applied in virtual media, such as games, films, or applications that utilize Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), or Mixed Reality (MR) technology. In this article, we will discuss further the meaning, how it works, and examples of spatial narrative.

Understanding Spatial Narrative

Spatial narrative is a way of telling stories using space as a medium, structure, and meaning. Space here can be physical space, such as buildings, cities, or parks, or digital space, such as cyberspace, metaverses, or holograms. Spatial narrative describes how the experience of moving through these spaces and interpreting the messages contained in the architecture can influence the observer's feelings and emotions.

Spatial narrative can be divided into two types, namelyexplicit spatial narrative andspatial narrative implisit. Explicit spatial narrative is a spatial narrative that has a clear and structured narrative, such as in films, games or books. Implicit spatial narrative is a spatial narrative that has a more vague and open narrative, such as in art, architecture or the environment. Implicit spatial narrative relies more on the observer's interpretation and imagination to build the story.

How Spatial Narrative Works

Spatial narrative works by using several elements, such asroom, time, character, plot, andhim. These elements interact with each other and contribute to forming a spatial narrative. The following is a brief explanation of each of these elements:

• Room: Space is the main medium of spatial narrative, which can be physical or digital space. Spaces can have shapes, colors, textures, sounds, light and ornaments that can convey messages and stories. Space can also have functions, symbols and context that can provide meaning and value to spatial narratives.
• Time: Time is an element that determines the sequence and duration of a spatial narrative. Time can be linear, i.e. following a chronological path, or non-linear, i.e. following a random path or depending on the observer's choices. Time can also be static, that is, it does not change, or dynamic, that is, it changes with the movement or interaction of the observer.
• Character: Characters are elements that give identity and personality to spatial narratives. Characters can be humans, animals, objects, or abstractions that can act as protagonists, antagonists, or supporters in a spatial narrative. Characters can also be observers themselves, who can interact and participate in spatial narrative.
• Plot: Plot is an element that provides structure and flow to a spatial narrative. Plot can be a series of events, conflicts, and resolutions that make up a story. The plot can also be a theme, message, or goal that the spatial narrative wants to convey. Plots can be explicit, i.e. clear and directed, or implicit, i.e. vague and dependent on the observer's interpretation.
• He: Theme is an element that gives meaning and value to a spatial narrative. A theme can be an idea, idea or concept that the spatial narrative wants to express. Theme can also be an emotion, feeling, or atmosphere that the spatial narrative wants to evoke. Themes can be universal, that is, they can be understood by everyone, or specific, that is, they can only be understood by certain people.

Contoh Spatial Narrative

Spatial narrative can be found in various media, both physical and digital. The following are some examples of popular and interesting spatial narratives:

ZanZarah 

ZanZarah is a game that combines explicit and implicit spatial narrative. This game tells the story of a girl who is trapped in a fantasy world full of fairies and magical creatures. This game uses digital space that has beautiful and charming shapes, colors and sounds, and has different functions, symbols and contexts.

The game also uses non-linear and dynamic timing, which depends on the player's choices and actions. This game has diverse and interesting characters, both protagonists, antagonists and supporters. This game has an explicit plot, that is, it follows a determined storyline, and an implicit one, that is, it contains themes that can be interpreted by the player. This game has a universal theme, namely about adventure, friendship and love, as well as a specific theme, namely about the world of fairies and magic.

Trajan’s Column 

Trajan's Column is a monument that uses explicit spatial narrative. This monument was built to honor the Roman emperor Trajan and his achievements in the war against the Dacians. This monument uses a physical space that has a tall cylindrical shape, with reliefs depicting events in the war. This monument also uses linear and static time, which follows the chronological order of the war.

This monument has clear characters, namely Trajan as the protagonist, Dacians as the antagonist, and Roman soldiers as supporters. This monument has an explicit plot, which tells the story of the war between the Romans and the Dacians. This monument has a specific theme, namely about Roman glory and power.

The infinite canvas 

The infinite canvas is a project that uses implicit spatial narrative. This project is an art installation that allows visitors to participate in creating unlimited digital works of art. This project uses a digital space that has varied shapes, colors, and sounds and can be changed by visitors.

The project also uses non-linear and dynamic time, which relies on visitor interaction and collaboration. This project does not have a fixed character, but visitors can become different characters in this project. This project does not have a fixed plot, but visitors can create different plots in this project. This project has a universal theme, namely creativity, expression, and freedom.

That's a brief explanation of spatial narrative, its meaning, how it works, and examples. Hopefully, this article is useful and adds to your insight into spatial narrative.

Read Also:

The Future of Spatial Computing, Rendering (RNDR), and XR

Get to know Spatial Web and its Use in the Business World

Web3 & Metaverse, Future Technology Trends

DISCLAIMER: This article is informational in nature and is not an offer or invitation to sell or buy any crypto assets. Trading crypto assets is a high-risk activity. Crypto asset prices are volatile, where prices can change significantly from time to time and Bittime is not responsible for changes in fluctuations in crypto asset exchange rates.