At Work Design Magazine we are always up for finding out new ways to approach workplace design. At a brief meet up after this year’s NeoCon with Dr. Sally Augustin, we talked about working up a story that was a bit different and that posed alternate ways of evaluating the efficacy of design solutions for today’s offices. One of the things we asked Sally was how scientific applications could also be applied to perhaps analyze the softer side of the effect environment has on people – how space makes us feel in addition to the measurable physiological effects that can be documented in more scientific studies. She wrote an article for us about this topic back in September. Sally also proposed a joint analysis of some workplace designs with her friend and, a colleague who is a feng shui master, Maureen Calamia. Sally mentioned that she and Maureen regularly value the same attributes in designed spaces. We were intrigued by the prospect, and after soliciting some images to use as examples from some of our favorite design firms, we are happy to present the findings.
Sally’s background is in neuroscience and Maureen is a feng shui practitioner and student of biophilic design; the alignment of their analysis is what we find most exciting and a great example of where the intersection of art and science can be extremely informative. Environmental psychology rigorously and scientifically explores the impact of the built environment on one’s physical and mental health. It focuses on how things in our physical world influence how we think and behave. Feng shui originated in China and is a belief system in which there is a spiritual relationship between the physical elements of nature and human-made environments to create the right balance of energy for harmony in one’s space. Biophilic design, a modern design movement, acknowledges these foundations of feng shui and our connection to nature in our built environments and many biophilic designers also apply related research done by environmental psychologists. The confluence of these techniques is entirely compatible with today’s emphasis on providing spaces that promote health and well being in the workplace. In that, a picture is worth a thousand words. We selected several images and asked Sally and Maureen to evaluate them concerning their background and expertise.
From a feng shui perspective, our first image displays the essential five elements of feng shui which connect us to the natural world – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Earth is represented by the horizontal plane of the large communal table and the inclusion of decorative pottery (earth-based material) in the shelving at the back of this photo. Fire is represented by the variety of light fixtures and natural light from the windows. Wood is represented using the material in the communal table and chairs. Metal is represented using the color white and metal finishes on the chairs, lights, and other objects: water via the glass top on the table and blue on the bench seating. Also, the wall covering over the bench evokes the image of gentle rain.
Space is flooded with natural light, yet the light is diffused with the drapery. The open weave fabric reduces glare (a stress inducer), thus creating a more harmonious environment. Both science and feng shui agree that natural light is vital for human well-being.
Maureen and Sally also agree that the fact that space offers a variety of environments providing prospect (a view of the neighboring area and the people in it) and refuge (sense of security) for example via the high back chairs enhances mood and wellbeing. In feng shui terms, this is called command or power position and is essential for feeling secure in the room. There is a right balance of visual complexity with the choice of materials and patterns (smooth and textured); science indicates that moderate visual complexity helps us keep our stress levels in check, for example. According to feng shui, these design elements provide a balance of yin and yang that contribute to a sense of harmony. Per Sally, the mix of items in this image offers a calming environment and are put together in a way that is not overwhelming – thus putting them in the right psychological space for work.