The cluster is subdivided into five research areas. Four of them concentrate on the time from the prehistoric to late antiquity: Area A is concerned with spatial environment and conceptual design, Area B focuses on the mechanisms of control and on the social meanings that are assigned to spaces, while Area C is inquiring into the perception and representation of spaces and spatiality in ancient languages, texts, images, and actions; Area D finally analyzes the role that space and spatiality play in ancient theories and sciences.

Central Area E and Cross Sectional Groups

Beside these four areas, there is the central Area E, which studies the processing of ancient ideas of space, spatial orders and spatial cognition in later cultures down to the present day. This investigation includes a focus on questions of how ancient conceptions of space can apply to current discussions and challenges. The central instrument for accomplishing this goal was the generation of several cross sectional groups, which not only promote a dialogue between the various research groups, but also, most importantly, assess the implications and possible applications of the cluster’s research on ancient spaces. The topics of these cross sectional groups range from questions of the history of science and the culture theory, to the spread of space-related knowledge through ancient cultures, up to the presentation of ancient spaces in museums.