In contemporary architecture and urban planning, the goal is often to maximize the use of available space. Every piece of land in a city seems to require a specific function: housing, work, or transportation. However, there is a special power in emptiness. Empty spaces can serve as oases of tranquility and contemplation amid urban bustle. This article explores the meaning and potential of emptiness in the built environment, with a focus on architecture, art, and urban development.
The Meaning of Emptiness
Emptiness is often associated with absence, loss, or wasted space. In architecture and urban planning, a vacant lot is typically seen as unrealized potential, a space that must be filled. However, emptiness can also be a meaningful presence, a deliberate choice to create room for interpretation, rest, and flexibility.
In Japanese culture, the concept of ma refers to negative space or the in-between space that functions as a pause or contemplative emptiness. In architecture, ma manifests in empty rooms or open spaces that, precisely because of their emptiness, offer a profound experience without distraction. Japanese architect Tadao Ando applies this principle in his designs, where minimalist structures and carefully placed openings allow light and shadow to interact, giving emptiness an almost spiritual quality.
Figure 1: Church of the Light by Tadao Ando. (2011, 6 januari). Archdaily. https://www.archdaily.com/101260/ad-classics-church-of-the-light-tadao-ando?ad_medium=gallery
Emptiness as Functional Silence in Architecture
In architecture, emptiness can be regarded as a form of silence. Just as silence in music can enhance a composition, emptiness in architecture can intensify the experience of space. This is evident in projects such as:
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The Chapel of St. Ignatius (Seattle, Steven Holl) – A space where light and emptiness combine to enhance spiritual experience.
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The Lighthouses of Tadao Ando – Buildings whose minimalist forms and deliberate use of emptiness force visitors to become aware of their surroundings and inner experience.
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Therme Vals (Peter Zumthor) – A bathhouse where the absence of unnecessary elements heightens the sensory experience of water, stone, and light.
These projects demonstrate how emptiness is not simply the absence of form but a crucial architectural tool that invites users to become more aware of their surroundings.
Emptiness in the Urban Environment
As cities become increasingly densely populated and open space becomes scarcer, the need for places of tranquility and reflection grows. However, open spaces in cities are often quickly filled with new developments because emptiness is perceived as an economic loss. This raises the question: how can we preserve and integrate emptiness into urban environments?
Some cities experiment with deliberately leaving space open to allow for spontaneous and temporary uses. In Berlin, for example, many vacant lots have been transformed into temporary cultural spaces, such as community gardens and pop-up galleries. This demonstrates that emptiness can also have a flexible and dynamic function within the city.
Another example is the Clarissenhof in Tilburg, designed by DOK Architects. Here, green courtyards and quiet spaces are consciously integrated into an urban residential area, allowing residents to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Emptiness in Art: The Power of the Unspoken
Not only in architecture but also in other art forms, emptiness plays a crucial role. Artists like Mark Rothko and Agnes Martin use monochrome color fields and subtle lines to evoke a sense of infinity and introspection.
Figure 2: Paintings by Mark Rothko displayed at the Portland Art Museum. (2016, 7 oktober). Artnet. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/mark-rothko-portland-art-museum-691091
The Japanese painter Hasegawa Tohaku created the 16th-century folding screen Pine Trees, in which he depicted only a few trees with minimal brushstrokes, leaving the rest of the composition open. This invites the viewer to 'fill' the empty space with their own interpretation.
The Dutch artist Jan Schoonhoven worked with monochrome reliefs where shadow and light brought the work to life. His minimalist approach demonstrates how emptiness can actively shape the perception of an artwork.
The Psychology of Emptiness
Emptiness influences not only how we experience a physical space but also has a profound impact on our mental state. In a world often characterized by overstimulation and constant activity, consciously integrating emptiness into both architecture and daily life can contribute to well-being and creativity. Psychological research shows that spaces with openness and minimal distractions can help reduce stress and improve concentration.
Minimalist architecture and interior design therefore gained their popularity, as they provide a sense of calm and clarity. The idea that 'less is more' is increasingly applied in living spaces and work environments, where empty spaces are not seen as wasted but as a means to enhance focus and relaxation. Advocates argue that decluttered spaces promote mental clarity, allowing individuals to function more efficiently and creatively. However, critics argue that excessive minimalism can feel sterile and impersonal, stripping spaces of warmth and character. While some thrive in minimalist environments, others may find them lacking in comfort and personality, highlighting the importance of balance in design.
Conclusion
The silence of empty space is a powerful element in both art and architecture. It counterbalances the chaos of modern life and creates places for contemplation and rest. Emptiness is not merely the absence of something but an active force that can transform the way we experience space. By consciously applying emptiness, designers and urban planners can contribute to more balanced and livable environments. In a world that is becoming increasingly crowded, the value of emptiness may be more important than ever.
