What do we mean when we refer to ‘space’? Space is everywhere and everything, the buildings we inhabit, the paths we walk, the built and natural environment around us are all varying shapes and forms of this concept we call ‘SPACE’. As 3D designers we can view space as a muse, an experimental stage, a temporary shell, and in its essence space is the material of our art. Space can be viewed as a blank canvas, to be inspired by, in which to create installations and exhibitions.
Museums and galleries lend themselves to this idea of designed ‘blank’ space, created as a shell to house temporary structures. Yet these ‘blank’ spaces are intricately and thoughtfully designed so as to create a seamless environment between installation and building.
Take the newly opened V&A Dundee for instance, the building in itself is a work of art, all sharp angles and straight lines inspired by the naturally occurring faces of Scottish cliffs - which in themselves could be considered to be set in ‘space’ - set in contrast to the constant ebb and flow of the river Tay. The interior, a series of open plan and closed off galleries, houses a mix of permanent and travelling exhibitions. This mix of permanence and impermanence balance each other within the space highlighting the flexibility of space in the built environment.
Part of our skill as architects and interior designers depends on our ability to convey our visions to prospective clients, through plans, sections and most importantly perspective drawings to illustrate our ideas. However nobody can actually accurately draw space, a perspective drawing is merely an illusion of reality. The flattening of a 360 degree 3D space is impossible and, try as we may, we simply cannot convey that on a computer screen or piece of paper.
Dimensional ideas of space aside, we as humans each hold our own tiny bit of ‘space’. The space we occupy at any given moment can be construed as “ours”. Personal space, classed at about 1.5ft in any direction from the body, though it varies in different social situations, is a complex social construct that we all subconsciously adhere to. It’s a sort of silent universally acknowledged code, you don’t press up against a stranger at the train station or stand directly behind someone in line for coffee. These sorts of behaviours would be considered inconsiderate and impolite yet we don’t ever truly stop to consider why we consider these actions so socially unacceptable - its just part of our human nature.
In the words of Edward T Hall :
“ We treat space somewhat as we treat sex. It is there but we don’t talk about it. And if we do, we certainly are not expected to get technical or serious.”
Although satirical, I find myself being struck by his words, both as an individual and as a designer. From the individual’s perspective, we don’t talk about space in any depth or with any consideration yet it is omnipresent, filling the world around us, we live our lives surrounded by it. However, as architects and designers, we are expected to get technical and serious.
Suddenly, I am acutely aware of this thing we call “SPACE”.
