My Bubble!

The study of proxemics examines the movement and location of individuals in a space. As an introvert, I value my personal space as it gives me space to observe, listen and absorb everything without feeling too close to someone I may not know. I’m sure this is a common feeling among many. Whether it be choosing to sit in the stands versus standing floor admission at a concert, arriving to a movie theater early to get a good seat, requesting a corner booth your favorite restaurant or possibly even paying a higher premium to have extra room on an airplane—most of us have gone out of our way to make a certain space more comfortable.

The study of proxemics provides in depth information relating to you and another individual’s proximity to one another. An observational study conducted by Marek Hendrykowski proves that proximity is more than an abstract model, and instead, an ecosystem that influences daily life. He says, “When analyzed in terms of the proxemics of interpersonal relationships, the cultural ecosystem is not an abstract model but an operating system which governs the daily living conditions of individuals, groups and communities.

Source

One concert that I went to at the PNC Music Pavilion, my assigned seat was next to one of the large supporting columns. At first, I thought it was going to be annoying, but it turned out to be quite nice. There was no one sitting to my right, no one directly behind me or in front. Although, seating was still cramped, and I was shoulder to shoulder with my brother, but it could have been worse. Also, growing up out of the country I surfed a lot. Surfers have several “unwritten” codes. One of which directly relates to proxemics. Out there the water everyone tries to stay away from each other and out of the way. Rarely are you ever closer than 10 to 12 feet away from someone (depending on the swell and location). Sitting out on the water in isolation staring out into the horizon is the best feeling in the world.

Proximity can be understood through several zones based on measurements from your core.

·         Intimate Zone (0” to 18”): Ex- Greetings

o   Some senses such as sound, smell, body heat, and bodily movements are heightened in this zone.

·         Personal Zone (18” to 48”): Ex: Interview

o   Sensory awareness is apparent, but not heightened. You are close but not too close.

·         Social Zone (48” to 12’-0”): Ex- Conversing with friends

o   In this zone, sensory awareness varies depending on closeness. Depending on the setting, you could be conversating with friends/family or overhearing a distant party’s conversation.

·         Public Zone (12’-0” to 25’-0”): Ex- Concert

o   Sensory awareness is almost indistinguishable.

Sketch by me

Personally speaking, I understand how the study of proxemics affects how individuals go about their daily lives. Many of those who are like myself sometimes go out of their way to feel comfortable in a space. By understanding the key concepts of this study, it will help myself as a designer to create spaces for likeminded people.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marek Hendrykowski. (2015). Proxemics: A study on cultural anthropology. Przestrzenie,
 Teorii, (23), 39-51.

Control Over Your Environment

Not just for the client or the designer, but as a human it is important to have control over your environment and how you are involved in it. Personally, I go out of the way to make the environments around me more comfortable and just make it feel like I belong in that space. As a designer one can always reference the Foundational Theories of Environmental Psychology (Integration, Stimulation, Control and Behavior-Setting) to make that space feel just right. Control Theory is key to keep in mind when making sure the client is getting what they want. As a designer, you can manipulate certain aspects of the design while the client remains in control. James Averill proposed that the control theory should be broken into three subcategories: Behavioral, Cognitive and Decisional.

My house in Costa Rica
Walls all the way around for a private oasis or open the gate up right onto the beach

·         

        Behavioral Control- Ability to change the environment

o   Design environments in accordance to how people behave in that space

§  Ex: Lighting in a fancy restaurant to set the mood

§  Ex: Libraries cause you to change your behavior the moment you set foot inside

§  Ex: The way your retail space is laid out influences consumer buying behavior

·       

            Cognitive Control- Ability to change the way in which we conceive of an environment

o   Design environments that even in an uncomfortable situation, allows the mind to be at ease

§  Ex: Design work-spaces/classrooms to enhance collaboration and engagement instead of isolated spaces

§  Ex: Hospitals utilize white noise to keep worried minds active

§  Ex: Clubs play upbeat music to get people up on their feet

·      

          Decisional Control- Ability to choose how you respond

o   Design environments that have multiple outlets

Source

§  Ex: The ability to leave a scary/uncomfortable environment

§  Ex: The choice to decide level of involvement

Ultimately, the Control Theory directly influences how we respond to situations within certain environments. It affects us all daily, but as a designer, we must do our best at utilizing this theory to provide spaces that satisfy our clients’ needs and wants.

Design Philosophy

Traveling the world from a young age planted roots of curiosity, inspiration and awareness. I was 8 years old when I left America to live abroad. Learning to adapt to a completely new culture, language and environment at a young age is a feeling encompassed by doubt, fear and loneliness. However, looking back, I can honestly say that my time living outside of the United States played a great role in how I perceive the world and its surroundings.

Curiosity: Figuring out who you are is tough. As for me, I’ve changed my major 3 times since I began college. But if I go back to my childhood roots, my passion for curiosity, inspiration and awareness were right in front of me all along. My dad was a real estate developer for luxury beach condominiums in Costa Rica. I grew up being involved in everything—from first drafts to finished developments. Isn’t odd how finding yourself takes you back to passions you held as an 8-year-old who knew nothing about the complexities of life?

Age 9, Jaco, Costa Rica

Inspiration: Design philosophy allows the creator to incorporate a piece of themselves into every project. Even though you can deliver the wants and needs for a specific client, your work will be recognized by specific traits that reflect your own design philosophy. Unique to every designer, it distinguishes us by showcasing individualism and specialized talents. As for me, my upbringing in South America directly influences the way I think about all things design related.

Web Image: Design Philosophy

Awareness: Looking forward, I am hopeful that I can put my touch on projects that I am a part of. I want to be aware of the conditions that make a space feel inviting and like “home.” I want to be aware of the conditions that make a space transpire happiness, love and where memories will be made.  I want to be aware of the conditions that make a space feel like your own.

My Design Philosophy 

Design surrounds us all. It will be interesting to see the approach I take as I embark on my journey as a designer. “Bloom where you are planted.” 1 Corinthians 7:20-24