Of spaces in between : an exploration of the socio-cultural meanings and implications of threshold spaces in domestic architecture

Abstract

The antiporta, as a domestic threshold between public and private, is explored through memory-telling stories with the aim to investigate the socio-cultural meaning that this ‘in between’ object and space holds in domestic architecture, with cultural and historic specificities. Hence, the past, present and future social and cultural meanings of the antiporta are explored as a way to understand the contemporary needs of domestic life from an architectural perspective. With the help of key participants, it was possible to unfold the multifaceted role the antiporta holds in Maltese culture. In order to do so, the following dissertation presents a series of biographies based on themes that were brought out from photos taken by participants, participant observation, semi-structured interviews and informal conversations. In understanding the meanings given by key participants, it was possible to learn how social functions and behaviours occur at a domestic entrance. Hence, the multifaceted meaning of the antiporta may be telling in opening up the needs of current Maltese society and design solutions can be based on this type of domestic architecture and space.