Space has always been the spiritual dimension of architecture. It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us.
By: Arthur Erickson
Imagine walking into a grand cathedral, the vastness above you pulling your gaze upward, the silence echoing around you, and the light filtering through stained glass windows casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the stone floor. There’s a feeling that washes over you, one that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just the physical beauty of the architecture that moves you; it’s the space itself, the emptiness that is full of possibility and wonder. This is the spiritual dimension of architecture that the renowned architect Arthur Erickson spoke about. It’s the idea that what a structure encloses, the space it creates, has the power to stir our souls and inspire our minds.
But this concept isn’t limited to grandiose buildings or sacred places. It’s present in every corner of our lives, from the cozy nook in a café where we enjoy our morning coffee to the open fields where we feel the embrace of the horizon. Space, in its many forms, shapes our emotions, productivity, and sense of well-being. It’s a silent force that can motivate us, comfort us, and even challenge us to grow.
Think about the spaces where you feel most productive. Perhaps it’s a tidy desk with everything in its place, or a workshop with tools hung just within reach. The way we organize and inhabit our spaces can have a profound impact on our motivation. A cluttered room can lead to a cluttered mind, while a well-arranged space can set the stage for clarity and purpose. By understanding the power of space, we can create environments that not only meet our physical needs but also inspire and propel us toward our goals.
For instance, schools that are designed with ample natural light, open spaces for collaboration, and quiet corners for reflection can encourage learning and creativity in students. Similarly, workplaces that offer a variety of spaces—from communal tables to private pods—can cater to different work styles and foster productivity.
Our homes, workplaces, and even the cities we live in are like canvases for our daily routines. The layout of a kitchen, the design of an office, the organization of a city’s streets—each of these can either hinder or enhance our productivity. When we start to see space as a resource, much like time or energy, we begin to appreciate the importance of designing and utilizing it wisely.
For example, a kitchen designed with the ‘work triangle’ in mind—where the refrigerator, stove, and sink are placed in a triangular layout—can save countless steps and make cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Similarly, an office with a variety of meeting spaces can accommodate different types of interactions, from impromptu brainstorming sessions to formal presentations.
So, how can we harness the power of space to improve our lives? It starts with being mindful of the environments we inhabit and how they make us feel. Are they cluttered or clean? Do they encourage movement or invite stillness? Do they inspire us or do they leave us feeling flat?
Here are some practical tips for using space to your advantage:
By being intentional about the spaces we create and inhabit, we can enhance our productivity, well-being, and even our happiness.
Space has the ability to surprise us, to offer us moments of unexpected joy and insight. It’s in the way a room brightens with the morning sun, or how a sudden view can take our breath away. These moments remind us that space is not just a physical dimension but a canvas for our experiences.
There’s wisdom in understanding that the spaces we occupy shape our thoughts and actions. Architects and designers have long known this, but it’s a truth that we can all apply in our lives. By being mindful of the spaces we create, we can foster environments that not only serve our practical needs but also nourish our spirits.
Space, in its emptiness, holds everything we need to live a motivated and productive life. It’s a serious matter, as it affects our daily interactions, our work, and our mental health. Yet, it’s also a source of happiness, a dimension where we can play, dream, and be inspired. When we understand and respect the power of space, we unlock a world of possibilities. We learn that it’s not just the walls, floors, and ceilings that define our experiences, but the void they enclose—the space that becomes the backdrop to our lives.
Space is important in architecture because it’s the spiritual dimension that affects how we feel and interact within a structure. It’s not just the physical appearance of a building that impacts us, but the space it contains and how it’s organized.
Space can affect our productivity by influencing our mood, focus, and efficiency. A well-designed space that is organized and free from clutter can help us work better and feel more motivated.
To make a space more inspiring, you can declutter, personalize with items that motivate you, optimize the layout for your activities, and create areas for reflection and relaxation.
Yes, the design of a city can greatly affect its inhabitants’ well-being. The layout of streets, availability of public spaces, and accessibility can influence how people feel, interact, and live within the city.
Having different types of spaces in a workplace is important because it can cater to various work styles and needs, from collaborative efforts to individual focused work, enhancing overall productivity and satisfaction.
Space contributes to a student’s learning experience by providing environments that are conducive to both concentration and collaboration. Natural light, comfortable seating, and flexible work areas can all enhance the learning process.
The ‘work triangle’ in a kitchen is a design principle that places the refrigerator, stove, and sink in a triangular layout to minimize unnecessary movement and make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Yes, personal mementos can make a significant difference in how a space feels by adding a personal touch that reflects individual identity and makes the space more comforting and inspiring.
We should be intentional about the spaces we inhabit because they have a profound impact on our daily experiences, emotions, and behaviors. Mindfully designed spaces can improve our quality of life.
Space can offer moments of unexpected joy through its ability to surprise us with natural light, views, and design elements that create pleasant and memorable experiences.
