Hollow
“An Emptiness full of Possibilities”
– Buddhist principle
Japanese Concept and Inspiration
Japanese spaces tend to focus on structuring interactions, contingency, and connections to other people and to society. For example, traditional tea houses have doors that are narrow and low. This forces guests to lower their head and, historically, for samurai to leave their swords outside by the door. The doors serve to remind entrants of their relationship to the host (their lowered head) and to the broader culture (where weapons are not appropriate). In this way, they build spaces as extensions of culture and values, rather than as places where culture happens.
- Negative space (ma) a type of Japanese space
“The ma at this event is awful! There’s no time to think or breathe in between the presentations, networking, and meals.”
Ma is often translated as negative space. However, ma is better understood as a free zone that allows for dissimilar things to co-exist. The Japanese idea of ma is that we need to create interruptions or absences that allow for difference to be reconciled. Designing for ma is about creating moments of awareness and quiet.
Design Goal
Enhance the empty space by making it part of the design.
Abstract
Design the empty space of an object providing a new opportunity of usage and understanding of the product, demonstrating the potential and versatility of the negative space that surrounds a product allowing it to adapt to a unique function or location depending on the users decision.
Description
This side table is made out of a single sheet of metal enhancing the materials ability of creating a surface that can be placed in multiple spaces with multiple interpretations of use. It’s shape helps optimise space by providing multiple surfaces be it for books, flowers, shoes and even backpacks. Hollow comes with its own handles making it easier to move around the house and find the perfect location for its use.
