Critique On Binarism In Respect To The Attic And Cellar Representing The Rational And Irrational Entity Of The Home

Bachelard’s claims of binarism in respect to the attic and cellar representing the rational and irrational entity of the home is incorrect if one was to look at the functionality of the spaces, in todays world we find more uses for the basement and it is fast becoming a key feature of city living. Yet outside the city, for the many, basements are still kept separate from the main living areas of the home. Both attics and basements alike are used as storage units to hold the objects of sentiment that we would rather keep separate from our everyday lives. Similarly, they offer a hiding place; a space where we can keep our insecurities and sins locked away. One would argue that both the attic and basement represent the irrational and subconscious. The rational entity of the home is the floors in-between, the spaces we choose to live in, which become extensions of our selves very much reflecting our conscious minds. It is the idea of abnormality and the uncanny that creates this dark presence that unnerves and frightens us. There’s a reason these spaces are chosen to house the dark memories of the past. Is it purely down to the unseen nature of these spaces or their powers to protect? Both spaces are able to protect the contents within from getting out. Through out history and outside of the home height has acted as a vantage point in battles and natural disasters, it allows us to observe and learn of a threat before it happens. Alternatively, subterranean spaces are able to protect us from modern disasters such bombs and chemical attacks. Horror strives to lead us into a false sense of security before supplying us with the big scare.

The question of rationality within a vertical world is dependent on the environment. If you are inside, a basement and attic space appear to most to be irrational for comfortable living. When you consider the outside environment, a vertical world holds a great deal of importance in regards to comfortable living and safety. There is a reason people strive for a home with a view, whether that be in a penthouse apartment or a house on a hill. A view that is aesthetically pleasing adds value to the home. As humans it is in our nature to observe, it is a part of survival. Of course some environments call for the opposite. If you are living in a hotter climate a penthouse is less than ideal. In this case the cool subterranean dwellings are most appealing. There is an image of wealth that comes with obtaining height, yet with limited land available in our cities the rich have begun to expand below, while the social housing rises above. The near future could contradict our ideas of morality concerning the vertical world. The phenomenology and rationality of the basement and attic relies entirely on the individual. How we perceive the space is down to prior experience. If one has grown up utilizing the space, they have no need to fear it. It is the fear of the unknown that creates these negative perceptions of these spaces. Outside of the home this sense of vertical polarity is less malleable. The cultural and environmental landscape influence use too much for our perception of ‘up’ and ‘down’ not to be seen as good and bad, bliss and nightmare, rational and irrational.