Famous quote by Arthur Erickson

"Space has always been the spiritual dimension of architecture. It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us"

About this Quote

Space transcends mere physical boundaries in the realm of architecture, serving as its most profound and spiritual dimension. Architectural structures, regardless of their form or material, derive true significance from the spaces they encase and the intangible qualities those spaces evoke within us. It is not the walls, columns, or beams themselves that stir emotion, but the atmosphere, the sense of possibility, and the collective human experiences that unfold within those boundaries. Through an artful orchestration of voids and enclosures, architects create environments that can inspire awe, provoke contemplation, offer solace, or foster connection.

The spirit of a place is shaped by the relationship between objects, light, shade, and the senses they awaken. Sunlight filtering through a clerestory, the acoustics in a vaulted nave, or the way a garden courtyard reveals itself beyond a screen, these are moments that move us, speaking to our deepest instincts for wonder or belonging. The spatial qualities, scale, proportion, rhythm, openness, enclosure, become vessels for emotion and memory, enabling architecture to resonate beyond utility or shelter and into the realm of meaning.

Human presence animates these spaces, turning them from inert volumes into sites of living experience. Whether a humble dwelling or a grand cathedral, every architectural space implies a potential for activity, rest, reflection, or interaction. The genius of architecture lies in its invisible qualities, in crafting spaces that meet our psychological, spiritual, and cultural needs. While the physical elements give tangible form, it is the contained space, a unity of emptiness and possibility, that grants the building its power to move us.

In essence, architecture’s greatest accomplishment is not the construction of objects, but the creation of spatial experiences that touch the soul. Through space, buildings become more than shelter, they become poetry in built form, offering a silent yet moving dialogue between structure, spirit, and those who enter.

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About the Author

Canada Flag This quote is written / told by Arthur Erickson somewhere between June 14, 1924 and today. He/she was a famous Architect from Canada. The author also have 51 other quotes.
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