Meaning is found in the structure of things.
Values are embodied in form.
Architects know this,
as do poets
and all those who arrange the environments
we immerse in every day--
grocery stores and malls,
offices and prisons,
museums and schools,
theme parks and churches,
gardens and libraries.
Space says things like,
"You are valued."
"You are welcome here."
"You are safe."
"Stay."
"Learn."
"Open your eyes"
"Wonder."
Or,
"You are in danger."
"You are a stranger."
"Stagnate."
"Run."
"Acquiesce."
Different spaces create different moods,
they make us more or less receptive,
they teach us to like or dislike things, people, ideas,
they change us in ways we don't notice.
Observe today how space, form, structure,
constantly affect you.
They do
though we mostly overlook it.
The structures of organizations and government
also communicate meaning and values
by the "space" they create
within which we expand or cower.
The ways they function,
the rules they establish,
the procedures they follow,
tell us:
"You belong here...or you don't."
"We value you...or we don't."
"You are safe...or not."
And, as with physical space,
this often happens,
beneath or outside of our awareness.
You form your life as well,
your home,
your circle of influence.
What do you convey to others
through how you structure your world?
What meaning?
What values?
Text and image © 2017 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.
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