Location
Haarlem
description
Exhibition
Client
TANGRAM ARCHITEKTEN
year
2003
MA-SSA – THE MEANINGFULL EMPTYNESS
The Concept of MÀ
The Japanese term MÀ refers to meaningful empty space. It may be the silence between two musical notes or the pause between spoken lines in a play. Rather than absence, it is a compositional element that enriches perception.
MÀ in Architecture
In the built environment, MÀ is equally essential. The space between buildings—when thoughtfully designed—can strongly enhance how architecture is perceived and valued. When buildings and space exist in harmony, the result is MÀ-SSA: a meaningful urban environment. This principle is vital in addressing today’s challenge of urban intensification.
Exhibition at ABC Haarlem
In 2003, Tangram Architects explored MÀ in several of their projects. A large-scale installation at the ABC Architecture Center Haarlem allowed visitors to walk through and experience this meaningful void. The exhibition was accompanied by the book MÀ-SSA – The Meaningful Void.
Charlotte ten Dijke hands over first first copy of MA-SSA to Hilde de Haan, architectural critic
