Clearings

Walking in a forest is often defined by the chance happening upon a clearing or a glimpse of spaces beyond. In other words, the enjoyment of the forest is heightened by the presence of contrasts.

The same applies to an oasis in the desert, a walled garden in the city, or a rest in music. In trying to create remarkable places we need to resist the temptation to relentlessly repeat the same ideas – as if our experiences could be endlessly cloned. We need to provide respite and contrast, a sense of discovery and exploration, and a sense of uniqueness in the midst of similarity.