Analysing Architectural Determinism -the Physical Environment as a Mnemonic Device

Space is the outcome of a necessity. However architectural space has a social value, cultural connotations, political implications and a theoretical message. One of its abstract layers is its ability of becoming a mnemonic device. Physical settings remind people of what is expected of them through certain cues imbedded into them. It might be a certain type of behaviour or response, or, it can be a reminder of who we are, what we like and to which social group we belong. Thus, the aim of this paper is to deconstruct and reconstruct this concept based on a comparative analysis of two specialised environments: psychiatric wards and office spaces.

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