Between discourse about space and discourse of space: possibilities for the linguistic and semiotic analysis of 19th century texts on the construction and reconstruction of the Institute for the insane in Stenjevec

Sažetak: This paper introduces a semiotic and discourse analysis of the main documents on the foundation, organization, and future space plannings of the Institute for the Insane in Stenjevec near Zagreb. Using the perspective of the semiotics of space and discourse-analytical models, the paper examines the means of legitimizing the discourse on space organization of the Institute. Three basic principles of legitimization are identified and analysed: esthetic, economic, and utilitarian. Also, the main topoi are identified, and their argumentation in different contexts is examined. Special attention is paid to the texts in which different experts of the time discuss future spatial organization of the Institute, and weigh advantages and disadvantages of the two basic models for the madhouses of 19th century Europe: the villa system and the monolithic model. Results show that the discourse on spatial reconstructions and future planning was economic, opportune, financially motivated, and function- and purpose-driven. These features are further analysed in light of the historical context, especially the social values of the time and 19th century ideas on the treatment of the insane.