Building Meaning: How Spaces Shape Experience
Looking at Exodus 36-38, I find myself thinking about how spaces shape experiences. Many environments today are designed with specific purposes in mind—whether for gathering, reflection, or work. The tabernacle, though temporary, was intentionally constructed to serve a function. How does design influence the way people interact with a space? And how much of that meaning comes from the structure itself versus the people who engage with it?
Blueprint for a Divine Meeting Place
These chapters describe the construction of the tabernacle in detail. Every material, measurement, and artistic element is specified, from gold overlays to finely woven fabrics. The end result is not just a shelter but something designed to be significant. It was meant to serve as a central space for the Israelites, a place where rituals took place and where their community gathered. Even though it wasn’t a permanent structure, its design was deliberate and meaningful. But what actually makes a space meaningful? Does its purpose come from its physical components, or is it more about how people use it?
Designed for Purpose, Shaped by People
Spaces today follow similar patterns. A cathedral, with its high ceilings and stained glass, encourages stillness and contemplation. An open office layout fosters communication and collaboration. A dimly lit restaurant creates a sense of intimacy. These choices in design guide behavior in subtle ways. The tabernacle, with its structured divisions—the Holy of Holies, the altar, the outer courts—also shaped how people moved and engaged within it. The layout created boundaries and designated specific areas for particular activities, reinforcing the idea that space can influence experience.
The People Make the Place
At the same time, meaning isn’t dictated by design alone. A building can be created with a specific intention, but what matters is how people engage with it. A library might be designed for study, but it can also become a place where friendships form. A stadium is built for sports, but it might also host concerts or community gatherings. Similarly, the tabernacle was more than a well-crafted structure; it was a place where the Israelites came together, participated in rituals, and formed part of their collective identity.
From Ancient Tents to Modern Spaces
This relationship between structure and significance extends beyond physical spaces. Community centers, schools, and even digital environments shape interactions based on how they’re designed. A large sanctuary might create a sense of formality, while a smaller meeting space might foster more personal connections. The same principles apply in non-religious settings—urban design affects social behavior, classroom layouts influence how people learn, and even online platforms create certain kinds of interactions based on how they are structured.
The Real Magic: How We Engage with Spaces
Reading Exodus 36-38 raises questions about how spaces—both sacred and secular—are shaped by their purpose and by the people who use them. The tabernacle was designed with function in mind, but its significance ultimately depended on the community that gathered there. Perhaps this is true of all spaces. Their power comes not only from how they are built but from the ways people engage with them.