The visitor’s gaze. In-depth spatial analysis of early modern houses in Kalmar, c 1650–1800

Spatial analysis of buildings and residential houses often focus on aspects of living and the requirements and perspectives of the residents. In this study, we will instead consider the function of elite buildings from the perspective of visitors, and how this was influenced by the spatial configuration of the architecture. The analysis is based on buildings belonging to the elite during the period of 1650–1800 in Kalmar in south eastern Sweden. The conceptual pairs, open/closed and frontstage/backstage are particularly significant in combination with analysis of the morphology of houses and access analysis. An important conclusion is that elite houses during this period varied considerably. Three recurrent spatial configurations have been identified: asymmetrical, hybrid and symmetrical. From the time of when the new town plan of Kalmar was established in the mid-seventeenth century and 150 years onwards, several different but concurrent spatial patterns have been active. Over the course of time, open and outward facing floor plans came to be predominant. The study offers a method of analysing historical buildings from a visitor’s perspective which deepens the understanding of the social aspects of rooms in Early modern buildings.