What exactly is ma [間] - the “space between”?
MA [間] is a traditional Japanese spatial concept.
In traditional Japanese architecture, MA [ま間] appears in relation to hashira [柱] - the pillar. Together, they define proportion and rhythm, connecting to the size of a single tatami mat.
Spatial concepts in Japan emerge from this interrelation: MA, the interval between pillars, perfectly accommodating the tatami. This triad, [ma+hashira+tatami], is so fundamental that it has, quite literally, shaped the boundaries of Japanese wooden architecture throughout history.
MA [間] Beyond Architecture
However, MA [間] extends far beyond architecture - it resonates through many Japanese words, such as:
「隙間」SUKIMA - gap, opening, void - a physical or poetic interval
「時間」JIKAN - time, a measurable flow or span
「瞬間」SHUNKAN - moment - a moment in time
「人間」NINGEN - human being - a being between spaces
「中間」CHUUKAN - intermediary, in-between - a mediating position
「仲間」NAKAMA - companion, peer, colleague - sharing purpose or belonging
「間際」MAGIWA - verge, brink, just before
「間合」MAAI - interval, distance, timing
「居間」IMA - living room - a domestic “space of being”
「手間」TEMA - effort, labor, time involved - a metaphorical “space of doing
「時間」JIKAN - time, a measurable flow or span
「瞬間」SHUNKAN - moment - a moment in time
「人間」NINGEN - human being - a being between spaces
「中間」CHUUKAN - intermediary, in-between - a mediating position
「仲間」NAKAMA - companion, peer, colleague - sharing purpose or belonging
「間際」MAGIWA - verge, brink, just before
「間合」MAAI - interval, distance, timing
「居間」IMA - living room - a domestic “space of being”
「手間」TEMA - effort, labor, time involved - a metaphorical “space of doing
MA [間] PROJECT - TOPICS
MA [ ま間] the (metaphorical) space between - lake and sea
MA [ ま間] the space between - The mq Libelle
Exploring the spatial concept of MA 間 within MQ Libelle | Dragonfly, the event space situated atop the Leopold Museum in Vienna’s Museum Quarter.
