Hello and welcome to The Space. Here you will find my musings, writings, and reflection which based on a curiosity regarding space both as an architect and as a leadership advisor and coach. When I share in a speech, keynote, or piece of writing I always like to get us on the same page and share my thoughts around an important topic so let's begin by looking at definitions and the etymological history of the word space.

The definitions of space below taken from the Oxford Languages online provides some insight into the various dimensions of the concept. 

space: 

noun

1. a continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied.
2. the dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist and move.
3. an interval of time (often used to suggest that the time is short considering what has happened or been achieved in it).
4. the portion of a text or document available or needed to write about a subject.
5. the freedom to live, think, and develop in a way that suits one.

verb

position (two or more items) at a distance from one another.

What I love about the definitions above is that they feel expansive, and incorporate a range of meanings.

Etymology online provides a little more insight into the history of these words. The noun explanation below leads to something I would typically relate to as an architect - that of physical space. The verb insight moves us more towards movement.

noun

c. 1300, "extent or area; room" (to do something), a shortening of Old French espace "period of time, distance, interval" (12c.), from Latin spatium "room, area, distance, stretch of time," a word of unknown origin (also source of Spanish espacio, Italian spazio).

From early 14c. as "amount or extent of time," and in Middle English the word was largely used of time (space of an hour, etc.). Also from early 14c. as "a place;" it is attested from mid-14c. as "distance, interval between two or more objects;" from late 14c. as "ground, land, territory; extension in three dimensions; distance between two or more points." It is recorded by early 15c. as "size, bulk," also "an assigned position."

verb

in various senses from space (n.); by c. 1400 as "walk, pace" in transitive space out "measure by walking." By 1540s as "to make of a certain extent." By 1680s in typography, "to separate words in print by blank types." It is attested by 1703 in a general sense of "arrange at set intervals."

I have underlined words that stood out to me, and again, it feels expansive, freeing, reflective. Looking at the shared definitions and etymology reinforces my understanding of space in the work I have done in the past and the work I do today.

My primary thoughts on space is:

We need space in order to thrive — psychological space, time space, physical space, emotional space... the list goes on. The recognition of these spaces and the quality of them is essential to creating space for reflection, review, reset, renewal, and re-ignition (perhaps these are the phases of change that one goes through as we look to restore the very essence of who we are as humans!)

As I continue my personal exploration in a range of spaces, the curiosity is grounded in reflective practice. I trained as an architect in the 1990s and one of the most profound books I read was not in history of architecture, modern design, or to do with design engineering — it was Donald Schon's The Reflective Practitioner. My copy is over 30 years old and is very precious! Most professional service providers will have come across this book in one way or another — it is an invitation to reflect in order to make your practice as an accountant, lawyer, engineer, architect etc. better.

As a coach the theme and notion of reflective practice invites just that — the opportunity to lean in a little more into being and becoming the best of who you are, as well as understanding more deeply the things you'd like to explore and change and the reason behind it. In the days I practiced as an architect, this book provided the opportunity not only to gain more insight into the decisions I made in practice with clients and colleagues, it also gave me the chance to consider why was I designing spaces in that particular way, and how was I engaging with my clients and peers. 

So, for me, the idea of reflective practice is a key instigator into exploring the concept of space: 

— How physical space impacts our senses is of great interest to me – there are multiple sensory cues that are activated or enhanced by the physical space we are in. 

— How does space in our calendar impact us? Is it an indulgence or a necessary device to enable you to sharpen yourself as a leader? 

— How does psychological space enable you to focus more on the primary decisions that need to be made? 

These questions and more are ones that I continue to consider as I ponder in and with The Space. 

The aim of The Space is to generate opportunity for reflection, pause, for anything you want it to be so that you can be a better leader, be more in touch with your essence, and live into the kind of human being you want to be.

I am really pleased to welcome you to The Space.

I'd love to hear what you'd like me to explore or write about. I'd also love to know your thoughts on space and what it means for you. Please contact me via the contact form on the website, or subscribe to my weekly newsletter and reply to any email I send you — I read all the emails and messages and reply to as many as I can. 

All my best,

Saiyyidah