What is the in-between space?

"Every architectural definition has an in-between space" - Sou Fujimoto

Japanese are well known to solve complex ideas into simple concepts. Toyo Ito and many other Japanese architects illustrate this really well. Sou Fujimoto is known for his poetic designs. His projects are not only artificial architectures, they are also living environments. Fujimoto’s in-between ideology is indeed very fascinating. His design blurred the boundaries between domestic space and street, indoor and outdoor, skyscraper and landscape. I trust that Fujimoto is able to manifest this awareness in more architecture designs and influence more designers.

What if we bring the interior space to the exterior and vice versa? As Fujimoto discovered, what is the in-between space? Foujimoto said "I like to find something in-between. Not only nature and architecture, but also inside and outside. Every kind of definition has an in -between space. Especially if the definitions are two opposites.

Once upon a time, we sued to go to the woods to play and not to worry about anything. Today with many gruesome changes to our planet: the climate shift, resource deprivation and forest dieback, we forget how to play. As a result of the mighty kauri dieback, a rah is in place to stop all visitors to enter the forests.

We active kiwis still want to play and experience our forests. Here is a thought. How about building a play park in the middle of the woods where we can enjoy the spectacular views of the Waitakere range? Families and friends can gather here to relax and socialise after a busy week. Children run around, ride bikes and scooters, swim, climb or slide while parents unwind.

The outdoor play park has a total area of approximately 500m. it consists of multi-levelled platforms and tracks to maximising adventurous experiences. There is even a massive flying fox to take you from the highest platform to the lowest.

To add another note, as a mum to a young child. In fact, as an adult, and especially as a designer, we have the collective responsibility to teach our young Jedis about the importance and the value of good design. I say it's best to start them young, and what’s a more appropriate place to start than spaces children visit and play during their development and growth? Like Arataki play park.

Michelle x