When it comes to rendering a space, whether it’s a detailed sketch or a sprawling landscape painting, there’s a natural tendency to focus on the objects themselves: the furniture, the trees, the buildings. But in mastering the art of space, there’s another element to consider – negative space.
Negative space, a concept heavily emphasized in Japanese art forms like Zen gardens, ikebana and ink wash paintings, refers to the empty areas surrounding the main subject. It’s not nothingness, but rather an active player in creating balance, depth, and guiding the viewer’s eye.
Just as carefully placed rocks in a Zen garden define the surrounding sand, the way you render the empty areas in our scene can significantly impact how the positive space, the objects themselves, are perceived.
This principle Less is more applies not just to the overall design of a building, but also to the way we render space. By embracing negative space, we can achieve a sense of elegance and intentionality in our work.
By strategically using negative space, we can create a sense of airiness, depth, and focus when designing each floor of a new building, whether we talk about offices or residential.
Leaving areas uncluttered allows the viewer’s eye to rest and appreciate the details within the positive space. It’s a balancing act, where both the filled and empty areas work together to tell a visual story.
As a conclusion, for our team, the power of negative space is the key to imbuing our designs with a sense of tranquility and intention.