Getting personal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw3FZ3xOBVo

Everyone has experienced the awkward space of an elevator. This is the study of personal space known as proxemics. I was first introduced to this concept through my Human Factors class with sociofugal (privacy) and sociopetal (interactions without boundaries) relationships.

Edward T. Hall created a system of notation to describe the personal "space bubble", eliminating the need to describe it through words.

Proxemics is extremely interesting as a study because it not only does it relate specifically to the design of products and space, it affects every human being. One of our own projects where this research is so vital are the Street Seats. Seating can be designed purposely for intimacy (think love seats) or to provide spacing for strangers, such as on a park bench.

Personal space will always need to be a primary consideration in the creative disciplines.