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Greek architecture taught me that the column is where the light is not, and the space between is where the light is. It is a matter of no-light, light, no-light, light. A column and a column brings light between them. To make a column which grows out of the wall and which makes its own rhythm of no-light, light, no-light, light: that is the marvel of the artist.
Louis Kahn
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of negative space in art and architecture, suggesting that the absence of elements can be as significant as their presence.

Louis Kahn's quote highlights the interplay between light and shadow in architecture, particularly how the columns create spaces of light by their very absence. The artist's talent lies in understanding how both the presence of the columns and the negative spaces around them contribute to a harmonious artistic composition, where the rhythm of light and shadow evokes deeper perception and beauty.

Themes

ArchitectureLightSpaceArtColumnsNegative SpaceRhythm

In practice

Example use cases

During a presentation on architectural design, one could quote Kahn to emphasize the importance of incorporating negative space.

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We are born of light. The seasons are felt through light. We only know the world as it is evoked by light.
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