Mysticism + Design

REFLECTION

While I contemplated this month’s topic, I realized it should have been my January writing. Mysticism in and of itself, is a complicated topic to discuss; it references transcendence beyond the basic and into the profound. It is often related to philosophy like Jainism and Buddhism, or spiritualism practices like Shamanism, Kabbalah or Catholicism - with the intent of getting closer to enlightenment through rituals, symbols, pilgrimages, and worship or meditation on mythical creatures. Mysticism has a palpable vibration leaning toward understanding unknowable truths.

Historically the art of architecture was also about getting closer to universal energy or God. Symbolism is found in floor plans, window designs, material choices, the integration of symbols and statues, the height of spaces, and more.  While modern architecture focused on removing these influences in favor of function, there is a growing trend returning to the idea architecture has the ability to inspire, instigate wonder, create optimism, and promote moments of awe. 

As I noted, this topic would have been best at the beginning of this series because mysticism encompasses some of our previous topics and reflects a return to ancient wisdom while connecting it to modern science. To me, there is the additional truth that architecture and the built environment are physical expressions of how interconnected we are with each other and nature.  We truly cannot create without one another.

Mysticism and design also have a more literal expression. Design details such as the use of crystals for specific energies like amethyst, said to clear negativity and create a relaxing environment; the inclusion of symbols like the evil eye, said to deflect negative energy or bad luck; or the use of groupings of three, which symbolize harmony - are simple examples.

Design has the ability to bring us closer to each other, to nature, and to ourselves. Simply put, this is mysticism.