Spielraum roughly translates (from the German) as ‘leeway’, or perhaps ‘scope’, or so I am informed. A useful concept. Spielraum is the space I need in order to think things through. Spielraum is the pause, the wasted time, or the leftover rooms that allow me to let the subconscious find its own paths, making connections that are novel and specific.

And potentially useless.

The spielraum is also the gap - the space between the intentionality of a designed thing, and the context of its use. That is, if everything is subjected to the same level of ‘design’, if every object, place and lifestyle is ‘designed’, there is no room to move, no room for the subconscious to run, and no clear air to breathe.

If earnest intentionality is imposed on everything, even under the guise of ‘good design’ or functionality, then you approach a zero sum game that admits no improvisation or adaptation. It’s no fun, and very claustrophobic. One might even say fascist. The need for spielraum is the reason I do not own any items of iconic ‘designer’ furniture. (That and the expense.)