THREE REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES IN REPRESENTATION: THEORETICAL SUMMARIES, PRACTICAL TOOLS, AND VISUAL EXAMPLES VIA KANYON SHOPPING MALL

Abstract

Although many scholars have discursively explored the evolution of representation in fine art throughout the ages, the revolutionary changes of the term are not well summarized nor illustrated in architecture. This paper, after exploring the radical changes of representation, reflects the revolutions of representation concerning the place of representation in the perception process of art, as well as the method of acquiring the representation both in discourse and practice. Then, a building tangibly illustrates the place of representation in architecture. The study shows representation has experienced three revolutionary interpretations, concentrating on mimesis, experience, and imagination. Each stage penetrates the practice of art via imitation, resemblance, and denotation respectively. Finally, the paper by illustrating the existence of the three modes of representation in Kanyon Shopping Mall, not only provides a better understanding of representation but also shows how applying representation in architecture can enable the users/observers to interact with the building forms and provides opportunity to elevate the perception of a building to a higher aesthetic level of experience.