01 · Research foundation
From architectural theory to a COS™ instrument
CASM™ systematizes the spatial principles developed by Alexandre Mimoglou through his architectural
and urban-planning research in Paris. The theory interprets the constructive and poetic logic of
traditional Mediterranean settlements and adapts it to contemporary architectural circumstances.
Within EURAN COS™, CASM™ gives this existing theory a clear place among the instruments available
for the design and transformation of inhabited environments. Its focus is
the organization and experience of space
— including relationships between buildings, paths, squares, thresholds, light, social life and the surrounding environment.
Architectural principle:
Mediterranean and Cycladic architecture provides spatial intelligence, rather than an architectural
style to be reproduced indiscriminately. Every application must respond to its own place, programme,
people and technical conditions.
02 · The original theory
Six principles of spatial composition
The six principles below are summarized from Alexandre Mimoglou's published
Town Planning Theory
. The full research statement remains available on the original architecture and town-planning page, in English and French.
01
Signification
Give architectural and urban compositions multiple layers of meaning through rich spatial organization.
02
Dynamism
Introduce movement and spatial vitality through broken lines, curves and non-static geometries.
03
Expression
Organize shared places to support social participation, with the square as a central community space.
04
Energy
Replace monolithic spatial arrangements with articulated volumes and varied perspectives that create unity through plurality.
05
Fusion
Connect interior and exterior experience, architecture and nature, through thresholds, passages and changing spatial sequences.
06
Sensualism & Brilliancy
Compose the sensory impact of volumes, surfaces, whiteness, accents of colour and abundant light.
03 · Deployment logic
An instrument selected according to the project
COS™ selects instruments for their relevance. CASM™ can be employed as a standalone spatial method;
it can also work alongside ADSM™ — Art-Driven Spatial Method — when artwork-derived spatial
structures and architectural settlement principles can enrich the same project.
Independent application
CASM™ · Architecture informs space
Spatial relationships are developed from the six principles: paths, clusters, gathering places, transitions, perspective, light and human-scale encounter.
Combined application
ADSM™ + CASM™ · Art and architecture
ADSM™ can generate spatial ideas from the morphological language of artworks; CASM™ can then inform
their architectural organization and lived experience. Either method remains independently
available.
01
Read the context
Understand the site, occupants, social uses, constraints and spatial challenges.
02
Select principles
Choose the CASM principles relevant to the design objective.
03
Develop compositions
Explore spatial clusters, routes, squares, thresholds, form and light.
04
Test and refine
Assess usability, cultural fit, feasibility and experience with the relevant stakeholders.
04 · Field of application
Land and sea — distinct settings, coherent principles
Maritime environments
Mediterranean Village at Sea · Project 226
Exploration of cruise vessels as inhabited neighbourhoods, with opportunities for more legible
residential groupings, identifiable community places, spatial variation and human-scale circulation.
Subject to applicable technical, operational and safety requirements.
Explore EURAN Project 226 →
·
Floating Neighbourhoods / COS™ →
Terrestrial environments
Urban and architectural settings
Potential application to neighbourhoods, civic or cultural environments where public space, shared
identity, social interaction and coherent spatial sequences warrant architectural exploration. Form
and programme are determined by local conditions.
Explore EURAN ADP · Horizon Europe →
