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09-12-2021

SLOW SPACE – AN INTRODUCTION TO RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

What is Slow Space? First, we need to look at what it isn't.

Have you ever wondered when visiting a major shopping centre why the architecture disappears? It's not like it isn't there! In most circumstances, great effort has been undertaken to capture the passer-by. The problem you would be experiencing is the fact that there is so much detail that it blurs into nothing, everything competing for attention.

A few years back, this was further confirmed to me when visiting my in-laws' house in Victoria. At the time, they owned a stunning block of land located in the Dandenong Mountains. Forty-odd years ago, they constructed the home to make the most of the view. Each bedroom, including the public areas, had a floor-to-ceiling glass. The rear walls also had massive glass mirrors reflecting the vista. Experiencing the space for the first time was jaw-dropping; however, as the days went on, the significance of the view dwindled, simply because one could not escape it. '

Like the Westfield example, when we try to create space that is so ‘desperate’ to give its all, it ends up giving nothing as it tries to deliver everything in one hit. Slow Space, like the slow food movement, deliberately offers the contemplative. This might be through a wall texture that you can run your hand over while passing by. It might be a perspective that is framed and can be engaged with only when sitting. It might also be a wall whose only purpose is to act as a backdrop to a landscaped courtyard.

In essence, Slow Space is about journey, discovery, and reward. It is about micro and macro delights. It is about allowing for moments to be appreciated day-by-day or season-by-season. My all-time favourite architect is Tasmanian-based Timothy Hill. I once heard him make a statement that has forever stuck in my mind – it is as follows: "We aspire to create spaces that anticipate memories." This epitomises the fundamental philosophy behind Slow Space.

I believe that here in the Scenic Rim, there is a unique opportunity to respond to ‘place’ in a slow space kind of way, due to the beauty of our surroundings. Our location is such that it deserves our attention. Wouldn’t it be nice if more of our buildings facilitated this appreciation?

Anthony Rigg
Bleuscape Design