Design For Peace of Mind

Our space moves with us - Sketch by Me Everyone has there own personal space or "bubble" that is with them no matter the setting, whether social or intimate. This space is centered around the individual therefore it travels with them wherever they may go. People react to environments differently, so the personal space bubble can be larger or smaller given the setting or the specific individuals that may be sharing it with them. We call this knowledge that deals with the amount of space people feel is necessary as "Proxemics". This is broken down into 4 different types of zones. Intimate space would be any interaction within a less than 2 foot space. Increasing, a 2 to 4 foot space is considered a Personal space. This is not quite intimate and would be in a setting of good friends or those who are communicating with one another. Some environments can interrupt this Personal space if it is close-quarters, leaving a negative impact. Expanding this to 12 ...

Control Theory  Control Theory is the sense of control individuals have over our world and places they may be. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/12/tailgating-won-t-get-you-through-intersection-any-faster The Importance of Control Theory   As designers its important for us to acknowledge Control Theory and its place in everywhere we go. This theory is crucial to us because it pertains to how we feel as people knowing that we have a sense of control over our own spaces and abilities to change them. There three different types of control theories: Behavioral Control - The ability to change the environment event, Cognitive Control - The ability to change the way we conceive an environment, and Decisional Control - The ability to choose a response. All of these are key aspects for users in an environment and are present in most areas, for good reason. What It Means For Us As Designers w/ Examples   As designers we should try and incorporate...

   My design process is driven by aspects in a space that will draw the user in and bring them contentment while at the same time embracing interaction and solitude. With this as a basis for a philosophy, of course all spaces created will or will not be for the same setting and purpose. Even so, I believe this philosophy has a place within every space because most everyone wants to be in an environment that is tranquil and positive to them no matter the final end-use of it.    Healthcare settings are an inspiring factor to this philosophy. I once visited a Senior Living/Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Facility because of the current health status of my fiancée's grandmother, and I was very intrigued in the way the environment as a whole made these people that were struggling against different mental illnesses feel a sense of security and progression. The facility featured spaces for specific activities, including a whole strip of model houses. There was a stor...