Mike Lim

In Praise of Shadows

An Excerpt by Jun'ichiro Tanizaki

LIST:

1. Design sensibilities as cultural values

2. Western architectural hierarchy (distinct class ladder/social stratification) vs Eastern architectural democratization (collectivist/shared values)

3. Direct references to religion/spirituality. Church steeple = holiness/closeness to God above. Darkness = tranquility, ‘uncanny silence’, void.

4. Minimalism with intentionality

5. Utilization/interplay of nature within design

6. Utilitarianism vs the abstract

7. Darkness/shadows and its symbolic implications across cultures

8. Invisible details

9. Perceived beauty/utility of objects/materials depending on physical setting/location/context. (gold)

10. The obscured vs the comprehendible