Creating space
The question often asked of architectural firms, is how can we create more Space.
The Scientific World, could have a full on debate, about Space, is it infinite, can it, be created or destroyed, before quickly moving on to black-holes, and dark matter.
But from a practical point of view, if there is a cardboard box 1 m x 1 m x 1 m there is in theory and area of 1 m³. If, however, the cardboard is unfolded and laid flat the area of 1 m³ has not, been lost, disappeared, or vanished! It is just, that it is, no longer defined.
The question in reality is therefore not how to create space but how to define the space available. Can we define the Space, for a specific purpose or requirement?
Building an extension for example, has not in universal terms created more space, but has only redefined an area as being part of the dwelling, rather than part of the garden.
The visual impact of space can also be altered by the use of Materials and Colours. A dark painted room for example, will appear smaller than one finished in white colours. The difference in visual perception, of an empty room, a lightly furnished room and a cluttered room is significant. The actual space has remained the same, in all these scenarios.
How a property is designed can have a huge impact! Trends and culture also have to be taken into account. Fashions change, and we might move from an individual room, box structure, to an Open Plan design.
The key in any architectural and internal design, including the furnishings, is to ensure that the space as defined by the construction, fulfils it needs and the expectations of the occupants.
All to often projects are restricted due to Financial constraints, however, thoughtful design and material choices can still produce what some might described as,
“a beautiful space”