We spend a lot of our lives in spaces that we don’t always notice: the brief moments between destinations, the corridors we walk through, the stairways, the waiting areas. These “in-between” spaces are often overlooked in design and in everyday life, but they carry immense potential in shaping our experience of belonging, culture, and connection.
The In-Between: More Than Just a Transition
In architecture and design, much of the focus tends to go toward the main destinations: the rooms where we live, work, or socialize. But the spaces in between, those hallways, stairwells, or passageways, are just as crucial in determining how we experience a place. Often, we think of these as mere transitions, as if they are less important than the final destination. However, these spaces play an essential role in our sense of belonging.
Take, for example, the waiting areas in public transport stations or airports. These spaces aren’t just for waiting—they are places where we engage with our surroundings, observe others, and reflect on our journey. Whether we’re waiting for a train, a flight, or simply passing through, these moments offer a unique opportunity to be in the “in-between,” to pause for a moment, breathe, and assess where we are, both physically and mentally.
Cultural Approaches to Transitory Spaces
Just as different cultures view waiting differently, they also approach these transitional spaces in diverse ways. In some cultures, the “in-between” is seen as a place of ritual, a space for connection and reflection. For example, in Japan, the concept of “Ma” refers to the space between things—the pause or gap that carries meaning. This idea isn’t just about the physical gap but also about the mental space between actions. The design of public and private spaces in Japan often emphasizes transitions, with spaces that allow for moments of contemplation or interaction, even in the most fleeting moments.
On the other hand, in Western contexts, the focus might be more on efficiency. Public spaces designed for movement, like subway corridors or office lobbies, often prioritize functionality over reflection. These spaces are created to move people from one place to another quickly and without disruption. However, there’s an opportunity to rethink these places, to design them not just as functional transitions but as moments where culture, connection, and belonging can emerge.
The Unnoticed and the Invisible
What about the spaces we don’t consciously notice at all? The hidden corners, the forgotten alleyways, or even the backrooms of cafes and shops? These unnoticed areas can tell us just as much about culture and power as the more visible spaces we focus on. For example, in many public spaces, the back areas where staff work are intentionally separate from customer-facing areas. These spaces are often overlooked in design discussions, yet they reveal much about the social dynamics of service and power. The people who work in these hidden areas, often out of view, are an essential part of the experience—yet they are often forgotten or marginalized in both design and society.
The unnoticed also relates to how we perceive and belong in spaces. In certain cultural contexts, the idea of “invisibility” is linked to exclusion. How do we design spaces that make these unnoticed areas more visible, more inclusive, and more engaging? How can we take the invisible and make it a part of our understanding of community and belonging?
Transitory Spaces as Opportunities for Connection
In some of the world’s busiest cities, designers have started to embrace the potential of these in-between moments. For example, parks in urban centers aren’t just places of recreation; they also act as spaces for connection and community. These spaces are often transitory, where people pass through or take a moment to pause. Yet, they offer a sense of belonging and inclusion that transcends the mere act of passing through.
Similarly, cafes, train stations, and public plazas can become places of community if designed thoughtfully. Imagine a train station not just as a waiting area, but as a space where people can connect, sit, talk, or even collaborate. By incorporating comfortable seating, green spaces, or art, designers can transform the in-between into a space that fosters belonging, even in the briefest moments of transition.
Power and Privilege in the In-Between
Just as in the previous blog entry, we cannot overlook how these unnoticed, in-between spaces reveal power and privilege. The way we experience transitory spaces often reflects our position in society. For example, people in more privileged social positions might experience these spaces differently, finding comfort in spaces designed for efficiency and ease, while those from less privileged backgrounds might be more familiar with the uncomfortable, neglected spaces where they have to wait or pass through without much regard for their comfort.
In public spaces, who gets the comfortable seat? Who gets to wait in the air-conditioned room, and who is left standing in the sun? These questions of who belongs where and why are part of the complex web of power dynamics that influence how we experience public space.
Sources
Bachelard, G. (1994). The Poetics of Space. Beacon Press.
Lefebvre, H. (1991). The Production of Space. Blackwell Publishing.
Augé, M. (1995). Non-Places: Introduction to an Anthropology of Supermodernity. Verso.
Dans Le Gris. (n.d.). MA: The Space in Between. Retrieved from https://danslegris.com/blogs/journal/ma
Deeper Japan. (n.d.). MA and Its Influence on Modern Minimalism. Retrieved from https://deeperjapan.com/journal/ma-and-its-influence-on-modern-minimalism
