GREY Shadowy. Neutral to boring. Neutral Should be used in conjunction with another colour.
WHITE Empty, no design objections, helps to diffuse light, reduces shadows.
Neutral to empty, sterile, without energy.
Touch
inhibiting (not to be walked on)
Has many physiological effects.
BLACK Hollow to oppressive.
Ominous, dungeon like.
Odd, abstract. Hardly ever used in large expanses.
*Table adapted from Manhke (1987 & 1996).
achieving social interaction, it is important that the functional distance of space is more crucial than the physical distance. Desay (1974, p. 54) states that "If proximity is the crucial factor in determining the group of people we are the most likely to meet, configuration is the crucial factor in determining how well the meeting comes off". In other words the public spaces people pass through within buildings on a common day to day basis are the spaces where they are likely to engage in contact with other people and have the opportunity to interact. Those public spaces that are located across the road or in other buildings are less likely for an individual to interact in as they are not on a common route. This brings about the second factor that is crucial - configuration. In public spaces that are in close proximity, the configuration of seating can play an important part in creating opportunity for people to interact. Traditional benches are placed in long rows. The problem with this configuration is that this makes it hard to talk to anyone but the person next to you. However an example of good design configuration has been proved to have movable chairs, so people can arrange their seats to best suit their natural preference for face to face conversations or to be private (Deasy 1974, p. 52). Behavioural scientists have proved that design professionals still have plenty to learn about proximity and configuration and their influence on group behaviour (Deasy 1974, p. 57). To configure seating arrangements that encourage social interaction is far more important for the well-being of people than to have isolated seating places that prohibits interaction. Both proximity and configuration play a vital role in the success of creating opportunities for social interaction to occur.
Architects need to consider the social needs of people within buildings and provide them with opportunities to interact with one another. The following analysis mentions a few of the most successful opportunities architects can use in their designs to encourage social interaction if designed with passion and careful consideration for those who will ultimately use the space.
4.5.2.1 Balconies, Patios and Roof Gardens:
Balconies, patios and roof gardens are essential design elements to create spaces for social interaction to occur. Architects should consider the width and the space of balconies and patios to allow sufficient space for building users. Balconies and patios serve the purpose of creating outdoor spaces that people can escape to where mental relaxation is provided by the views, fresh air and natural light. These spaces can create excellent opportunities for social interaction to occur. Balconies further allow people to look down into other spaces or onto the street and this provides further opportunities for interaction. On the topic of roof gardens,
sometimes it is essential to provide some sort of activity or facilities that people can partake in or utilise as this encourages the social use of the roof. For instance in residential complexes the roof can be used for communal swimming pool and braai areas.
Figure 77 (left) and figure 78 (right): Richmond East Housing in Toronto, Canada is a great example of how the architect has manipulated the form and the massing of the building to create voids in the building mass which clearly defines and animates a dynamic public realm. (This can be seen in the building section in figure 78). This allows an abundance of natural light and ventilation to enter into spaces within the building which would not have been possible if the building was left as a solid mass. It has further allowed the building to create spaces for courtyards, roof gardens and balconies, giving the people who live within the building outdoor spaces that they can use and socially interact with one another forming a community within the building. The building’s form has demonstrated an impressive response from the architect to create a building that considers the importance of its user’s well-being and social interaction needs (www.archdaily.com).
4.5.2.2 Atriums and Courtyards:
Both atriums and courtyards can create attractive environments that can be used for several purposes. These spaces can be used for gardens, cafes, canteens, seating areas and so on. The most important thing to note about these spaces is that they can facilitate and encourage social interaction. However in both atriums and courtyards it is important to consider the arrangement of seating places as well as the character and atmosphere created within the space as this will determine the level of interaction and use that takes place.
4.5.2.3 Staircases:
It is important for architects to consider social interactive spaces along common routes used within a building. Both staircases and passageways are always used on a day to day basis and these elements should create opportunities for social interaction to occur. The widening of passageways or recesses within them can create interesting spaces for people to take a break, relax and interact. The landings on staircases should be increased in width to allow users to take breaks along them and possibly to interact and admire the view where made possible. In
Figure 79 (left): Tokyo Gas Earth Port building in Yokohama demonstrates how inspiring the interior environment can be using Biophilic design attributes. The staircases and balconies both overlook the atrium encouraging staff interaction and collaboration (http://www.arch.hku.hk/~cm hui/japan/tokyo%20gas/gasin1.jpg).
Figure 80 (right): Dells Children's Medical Centre, Austin Texas creates a courtyard that is to act as a healing garden and wellness retreat for kids. The courtyard makes use of Biophilic attributes which certainly enhance its experience and character. The type of facilities and activities provided inspires kids to play here and interact with one another (http://www.jetsongreen.com/2007/12/first- leed-plat.html).
some instances stair landings could form quite large areas that could possibly have seating which could also encourage use and interaction.