Incorporating the five elements into your home for harmonious living
Elements in ar . chi . tec . ture part 1
ar . chi . tec . ture ~ the art of designing and constructing a building. When applied to interiors or landscapes, the same principle is implied: an artful design of space.
What is an artful design of space? It is when aspects of every element are integrated in a balanced and harmonious way. The following is an exploration of how ether/ space, air, fire, water, and earth appear in, and effect architectural interiors. Each one has specific characteristics which have a palpable and powerful impact on space and one’s experience within them. In knowing, applying, and playing with these principles space can be re-imagined.
Everything is connected to something else
What’s exciting, is that consciously or unconsciously, every attribute is present in our space. In the world around us, they manifest and unfold in countless combinations. To what extent they are present will vary on the make up of the structure, the landscape in which it sits, and the choice of materials used. In other words, the quality and quantity of the elements affect the nature of our experience. The mood a space generates, how we move in it, whether we love it, or not, is intrinsically linked to the dynamism of how these elements are expressed.
Some dominate more than others
Depending on one’s environment or personal aesthetic there may be a proclivity to have one or more elements dominate. How a home is built and designed in New Mexico, for example, will be different than the vernacular of one built in the tropics. In both scenarios, however, it is still best to consider the following elements in how they express. The relationship between the landscape, the structure, the interior, and the inhabitants are all essential factors. In my opinion, if each aspect is considered in isolation the finished space will not feel balanced. Because each one is inherently connected to the other, spaces that consider and participate in this dynamic conversation are harmonically balanced, beautiful, and inspiring. Let’s begin.
Ether or space
This may or may not be obvious, but space is essential. It is the container in which objects are staged and the space through which we move. If there are too many things in a space, naturally there is less of it and less area for movement to occur. Space allows for flow. Space can be expressed though high ceilings, minimal placement of furniture, and clear pathways. If there is too much of it, thresholds the size of walls, high ceilings reaching up two stories, one may feel themselves floating away. When there is less space, it may feel cramped, claustrophobic. Also when a space is imbalanced, there may be plenty of furniture, yet nowhere to sit comfortably and feel relaxed. I love the use of integrating open space in warm environments where gardens, porches, or courtyards are woven into the interior. The lines between interior and exterior are blurred and a beautiful harmonious space is created. Soft, wet, verdant qualities balance the hard structural lines of walls and doors.
Air
Where ether is the container in which objects are placed, air is indicative of the movement that occurs within it. Air is fun, it is dynamic, and it can be integrated in many ways. Without it, stagnation occurs, and with it things can move in and out freely. Yet, in some circumstances, lingering is better than rushing quickly, or vice versa. A pathway can be curvy to slow down the rate you walk. A long stemmed bouquet can take your eyes upward. A tile pattern can make a static wall undulate or wooden herringbone floors can lure the eye back and forth. A carpet design can draw your attention down and along the length of its weave. From time to time, windows can be opened to invite air into a space. All of these examples are ways to integrate the air element. If a room feels heavy or stagnant, open the blinds, open the windows, or clear the space by removing excess unwanted objects or furniture. The very action of editing and clearing invites freshness and levity. I long for spring and fall, when I can open all the windows in my house and move the stuffy heat and heaviness out. I feel free and light.
Fire
The fire element expresses as color and light. It is wildly inconceivable to imagine that there are more frequencies of light than we can see. The spectrum of light that we do see, still, is a mind blowing prismatic rainbow. Color is how our eyes translate, digest, and experience light. I like to think of color as the fire that illuminates our world. Fire is integrated into space through lighting, both natural and electric, and a healthy dose of color. Pay attention to natural light streaming in a window or light fixtures strategically placed in a room. Color, whether it is bold and playful, muted and quiet, dark and smoky, have limitless applications. Color is also present in the landscape and garden. It can be muted or vibrant, or anywhere in between, depending on where you live. The walls in your home, the upholstery, the rugs, your art, paintings and photographs are all canvases for color. How do you use color’s evocative, transformative, and vibrant nature? My home is very colorful.
Water
When the element of water is present in a home or landscape, it is in either the literal sense, in the form of a fountain or pool, or the use of glass, mirrors, metal, polished granite, marble, or stone. The above substrates are cold, clear, slick, and shiny. When I traveled throughout northwestern India, a very dry and hot region, it is common to see the use of marble or stone for floors, walls, and screens. This is done to keep the internal space cool and well ventilated in such a hot climate. You also see in contemporary designs excessive use of glass for walls, polished concrete for floors, exposed metal combined with an open and expansive floor plan. These elements are beautiful but when not counterbalanced with earth or fire they can feel cold. One may feel as though they are literally swimming through space. These attributes can be wonderfully effective for museums and galleries where people flow in and out, rather than live permanently.
Earth
Earth is substance, texture, and the quality of form made physical. Living in New Mexico the local vernacular in architecture is very much of the earth. Thick adobe walls, clay plasters, clay tile floors, thick substantial wooden portals and furniture. Everything about it is heavy and thick and made of mud. In a desert that is full of light and expansive sky, this expression of texture, form, and weight grounds and acts as an equalizer. One wants to feel held and warmed by the earth. Earth elements are seen in the use of wood, highly textured walls, wallpaper, textured upholstery, woven fibers, baskets rugs, etc. Literally things made from the earth. Wood, clay, and fabric, in my opinion, are the most clear expressions of the earth element. They impart a natural and generous feeling of warmth. Earth also has substance, so objects with earth qualities will naturally be thicker, heavier, or dense.
Now, take a moment and look around you, both inside and outside. Really explore the spaces you live and work in and how they make you feel. What do you see and how do you feel from where you sit? What is the mood? What is the feeling right when you enter a particular room? What do you experience? Are you inclined to stay and linger, to sit down or leave immediately? Does one or more of the following elements dominate? How are you relating to your surroundings?
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Make it happen
Feeling stagnant or claustrophobic? Want to love coming home to your space?
When you look around, do you feel like you are living in your space or someone else’s?
What do you love, where do you avoid going? Learn how to embody and implement these principles into your life.