Defining Spaces. Creating Places.

WRITTEN BY Cedric K. H. Goh, CGD ART STUDIO

© All Images Copyright 2024 by CGD ART STUDIO, Unless specified otherwise .

What makes a space memorable? A place will only makes an indelible impression by how it makes us feel, not just by its name or the style of the interior. The key to creating memorable spaces is to discover the latent qualities of an existing place.

Defining Spaces .

THE TANGIBLE SPACE is defined in the presence of structure and material, essentially a dialogue between solid and void. Intangible space on the contrary, is the emotional and experiential aspects of the space. By understanding why and how space is created and experienced, we can begin to understand what are the fundamental elements that controls the qualities of the intangible space. We approach the composition of space with the idea of three components : boundary, function and identity.

BOUNDARY

Usable Space is defined by the material boundary. Be it wall, screen door, glass or solid partition, they all have a common function in establishing boundary for each individual space.  By manipulating the texture, visibility, colour, form and surfaces, designers are able to express each individual space with character and personality. This will provide the essential spatial definition for the appropriate functional and identity elements.

FUNCTION

The manner in which we inhabit a space defines its functional aspect. Good design is when unique client requirement, corporate identity or personal activity is carefully noted and custom made functional elements clearly reflect those personal preferences. It can be a simple lounge chair that is unique to the client’s particular sitting preference; or a kitchen counter that is made at a height just right for a specific client but no one else.

IDENTITY

A house can only be a home when there are unique qualities that define the place, or important accent elements which are included and well integrated with the overall design of the house. This could be a simple object, from a favorite plant to a cozy water feature or even an artifact of high emotional value. Occasionally, accent elements can be in the form of custom objects like clocks or an architectural feature like an articulated lighting system or a unique ceiling design. It could also be a specially designed feature drawing inspiration from the existing surrounding context. Think out of the box and the creative potential of using accent element is limited only by our imagination and of course our very own clients’ personal interest.

Creating Places .

“Architecture reflects the founding of a culture and celebrates the achievements of a society. It is in essence the markings of our existence”, - CG.

What actually makes a SPACE a PLACE? It is rather easy to defining a space but creating a place requires a bit more attention and skill. Designing and defining a place is the beginning of an architect or interior designer’s work. A building is not about the architect; an interior space is not about the designer. It is about the place and its users.  

In the context of design, architecture begins as the craft of creating boundaries that defines our usable living spaces. While interior design is the art of making those living spaces sparkle. Well-conceived elegant interiors or even quirky spaces brimming with character have the ability to communicate a sense of authenticity while we enter the space. That is the essence of the ‘personality’ of a space that truly makes it a PLACE.

The decoration and ‘the look’ of the interior spaces have no relevance to how well they are designed. Those are merely unnecessary distractions that have no real functionality. Well-conceived spaces can have the capacity to transform us with its beauty. Not just the pure beauty of exclusive materials, but also the beauty of materials coming together, and the simplicity in carefully crafted functional spaces with every detail to serve a particular design or functional purpose. The result is a timeless interior that truly speaks to us as users of the space. Profoundly beautiful and inspiring spaces do not shout at us with its over-indulgent design elements, but rather communicates with us through its self-assured, quiet yet subtle presence. It is the harmony of the collective elements that gives us the feeling of a soulful place. 

Our work attempts to study and express those ideas about creating PLACES. Each individual project takes on a different approach in addressing the notion of place, though each having discovered its own distinct sense of identity.  They do not adhere faithfully to specific design traditions or rules resulting in specific style or type of space, but rather idiosyncratic in its own way of expressing a distinctly eclectic design language.

Inspiring places are created to be distinctive and emotionally engaging, creating a visual marking in our understanding of our built environment. We may not remember the coordinates or building numbers of places but we will remember the experiences of a place we encounter. That is the essence of designing a place - the journey of telling our life story through a new home.

Left : Heritage Character Updated

Accentuating the character of a century old brick wall by retaining the texture and feel of the surface but re-imagined with a bold modern minimalist palette.

Left : Heritage Exterior Re-defined As Interior Space

Making a unique room with character out of a courtyard with an exposed timber roof truss.

Left : Modern Garden Pavilion

Mirroring the architectural language of the house, the standalone garden pavilion is designed to provide a unique identity that creates a sense of place where we show respect to its context and also having its own character elements.

Left : Minimalist Bungalow

 The vent block perforated wall and metal grille facade are both designed to serve a functional purpose while aesthetically creating a unique architectural identity. This is an example of how components : boundary and function that is used as elements in defining a place.

Building Memories .

Ultimately, a place is only meaningful or recognized when it has occupants or users building memories. For an intimate space like a home, by putting together the right elements, quality interior design lays the groundwork for homeowners to begin the life journey of discovery - own each space with elements of personal favorites and share precious memories with loved ones. The essence of a place signifies a built space allowing it to be the safe haven and the cradle of our life journey ahead, where new memories and shared joyful moments will continue to provide lasting joy for years to come.

Whether colors, art, plants, photos, lounge chair or memorabilia; a house is only a home when all the elements relate to us intimately. Each corner of a space when done correctly, can grow with us and offer home owners a comfortable place to feel at ease, find joy in the comfort of a familiar space and ultimately that sense of belonging.