Intangible Space
What is space? How is space created? The immediate answer would be: through the interaction between solid and void. Can void, the absolute empty space, create space that’s intangible through interaction with solid?
Space is associated with our interaction with surroundings through instinct senses, which allow us to view our world the way we do daily. Intangible space, created from interaction between solid and void, can often be explored through a wide range of topics from political to theoretical. For this blog, we will explore intangible spaces we define as space.
1) SEE
What we see everyday with our bare eyes is the result of light reflection from objects – the reason we see colours and differentiate each object (let’s take a moment to appreciate we can see colours). Light is the essence in all this, which can articulate mood, warmth, tension. Carlos Cruz-Diez is an artist that manipulates how we perceive space through lights and colours and react accordingly. His project Chromosaturation proves our experience within space is highly associated with how we psychologically see and think, creating an image in our minds. Not only colours but light intensity also justifies the space we prefer to stay.
2) HEAR
Image source: Bernhard Leitner
We are also constantly occupied by what we hear: the loud siren of ambulance approaching, the noise of drilling from construction sites, or the sound of leaves dancing along with wind – sound defines the boundary. Soundcube by Bernhard Leitner articulates space through different levels of volume, speed, pitch and direction of sound traveling. For instance, the effect that imitates the reflection of sound can deceive one to feel like there is a wall.
3) SEE + HEAR
As shown, sound and light are reflected by solid, travels through void to become what we perceive. The Silent Swing by Erwin Redl is the combination of these two factors. The interaction of two light sources attached on pendulums moving back and forth constantly recreate space we can stay. It also questions the distinction between sound and silence. We often consider silence is the complete absence of sound, but then isn’t silence itself a void, the intangible space we experience?
Architecture, the practice of designing and building physical structures, isn’t merely what defines and occupies our ‘space’ and daily experiences. Intangible space, along with its relationship with our senses, is indeed what combines to substantiate those experience. What other intangible space do we create and experience daily?