Representation: Èkphrasis within Drama

Since the topic claims to regard èkphrasis as oriented to predictions, the envisioning of imaginative and utopian scenarios in relation to science, arts, and other disciplines may be considered. In this work, we confine ourselves to architectural design, regarded in its wide extension, namely, in relation to the envisioning of future transformations inherent to interiors, buildings, settlements, land- scapes, and geographical contexts, with a special focus on space. From this perspective, in accordance with the call, on the one hand we will refer to the ancient Greek word èidos and to its broad meaning, today translatable with the word idea, which mainly deals with imaging and intuition; on the other hand, since ideas need to be developed, we also call into question the thought, which in our cultural tradition may be classified in two primary branches, that of logical thinking and that of visual thinking, each one able to offer specific descriptions and narratives. These two components are normally integrated in the holistic approach characterizing the architectu- ral design processes, appropriately supported by representation tools, forms, and strategies, whose semantic extension shows as enormously empowered in the digital era. Indeed, the many informative components traditionally integrated in the mind of an architect, are nowadays related and interacting within informed models and even digital clones, aiming at providing scenario simulations. Thus, since representation still deals with the body and the spirit of things in space and time, its Greek origin related to the theatrical performances can be finally evoked, where èkphrasis was the relevant introductory part, close to drama itself.