Urbani izziv Volume 14, No. 2, December 2003
                : 101–104
             
                 (Thematic articles)
                    doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2003-14-02-005
             
 
             
             
              
             Author
                Tadeja ZUPANČIČ STROJAN
                     University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture, Ljubljana, Slovenia 
                     tadeja.zupancic@fa.uni-lj.si
                Matevž JUVANČIČ
                     Arhiteka, d. o. o., Ljubljana, Slovenia 
                     matevz.juvancic@kiss.uni-lj.si
              
             Title
             The visual language of spatial representation – a barrier, or a crossroad?: Enhancing the efficiency of communicating spatial ideas to expert and lay publics
              
                 Abstract
                 The article deals with techniques of representation of architectural and urbanistic ideas about space and its changes. It delves into the communication process between co-creators of space and points out the issue of different understanding of visual representation techniques that stem from different levels in capabilities of visual expression and understanding of visual messages. The issue of ignorance of specifics of professional language is emphasised as a consequence of its habitualness. The presented research checks and analyses the effect of abstract/concrete visual representation and their effectiveness in communicating messages to expert and lay publics. Following the discussion about results, numerous new issues arise, concerning possibilities for narrowing the gap between various publics and finding common ground. Amongst different solutions about improving communication between actors in the creation of space, the article emphasises the potential of permanent education. However the quest is not for improvements in general understanding of visual language, but consequentially to devise ways, modes and their positive consequences on the cultural environment and spatial culture.
                  
                 Key Words
                 representation, general public, expert public, visual language, visual communication