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The house was a rambling affair. It had few windows, and such as there were did not open, were unbreakable and admitted no light. Darkness lay everywhere; illumination from an invisible source followed one's entry into a room - the black had to be entered before it faded. Every room was furnished, but with odd pieces that bore little relation to each other, as if there was no purpose for the room. Rooms equipped for purposeless beings have that air about them.

Brian Aldiss#14

DesignEmptinessMoodSpace

About this quote

What does it mean?
A dark, purposeless house reflects the emptiness of its inhabitants.
In plain terms
The house feels empty and confusing because it lacks meaning.
What can you take from it?
Environment can mirror internal void.

Where it applies

  • designing spaces
  • feeling lost
  • architectural critique

Putting it to work

  • create meaningful spaces
  • reflect on environment

Questions to consider

  • How does your space affect you?
  • What makes a room feel alive?

Another view

It equates physical darkness with psychological state too directly.

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