Olivia Jordan

What Traveling to Japan Taught Me About Space

During my trip to Japan, I was struck by how differently space is approached compared to what I am used to in the United States. Everywhere I went, from quiet temples to bustling city apartments, I noticed subtle details that make spaces feel intentional, calm, and efficient. It made me think deeply about how I want to design spaces in the future.

Minimalism

Rooms, even small ones, rarely felt cluttered. Every object had a purpose, and the empty space around it gave the room breathing room. It reminded me that architecture is not just about filling space, but about creating moments of pause and reflection.

Light

Soft natural light filtered through shoji screens or narrow windows, highlighting textures and creating warmth without overwhelming the senses. I realized that how light enters a room can completely change the feeling of that space.

Wood Textures

I also fell in love with the use of wood in both traditional and modern Japanese buildings. The textures felt alive, adding character while maintaining simplicity. It inspired me to think about materials not just for function, but for the emotion they evoke.

Small Space Efficiency

Kitchens, bathrooms, and even apartments were designed cleverly so that nothing felt cramped. Everything had a place, and movement through these spaces felt natural. I want to carry this principle into my own designs, especially in urban environments where space is limited.

Quietness in Design

Finally, there was the quietness in design. Even in busy areas, buildings often had areas of calm, like a small courtyard, a tucked-away garden, or a corridor that led to stillness. This balance between activity and tranquility is something I want to explore in my own work.

It is one of the reasons I am so drawn to potentially studying there in the future, learning from a culture that balances minimalism, light, texture, and efficiency could teach me lessons I might never encounter elsewhere. I hope to one day design spaces that carry the same harmony and intentionality I saw in Japan, whether at home or abroad.