Do you have a favourite chair at home or preferred desk space in the office? You might choose that chair each evening because of physical comfort or proximity to the television or you might be consistently booking the same desk at the office each week because of familiarity. But have you considered that it could also be your survival instincts kicking in?
The Prospect and Refuge Theory
One explanation is The Prospect and Refuge Theory, which was first introduced by Jay Appleton, a British geographer, in his book “The Experience of Landscape” in 1975. The Prospect and Refuge Theory explores the idea that humans have a behavioural and psychological need for an environment where a person can survey their surroundings while being protected from above and behind, somewhere we can see without being seen.
Appleton explains that humans have an innate preference for environments that provide both expansive views (prospect) and places of concealment and safety (refuge). This preference, he suggested, is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past.
We can see a similar theory in other design principles such as Feng Shui. When designing your home office space, following the art of Feng Shui suggests that your desk is placed in the ‘command position’ which allows you to see the door but not be directly in line with it. This removes any feeling of vulnerability, allowing you to feel more at ease on a subconscious level. If it is not possible to face the door then it is suggested to use mirrors on the wall to expand your view and ensure you can still see the door.
Applying the Theory to Office Design
In the context of office design, applying the principles of the Prospect and Refuge Theory can lead to spaces that cater to the psychological needs of employees, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and performance.
Open Spaces for Prospect: Open-plan office design has become the norm in modern workplaces for maximising space alongside its ability to foster collaboration and communication among employees. These spaces provide a sense of prospect, allowing for unobstructed views of the surroundings. Incorporating elements such as large windows, glass partitions, and open layouts can enhance this feeling of openness and promote a sense of connectivity among coworkers.
Areas of Refuge: New research from a survey of 2,000 UK office workers reveals that one in three people (33%) feel that there is a lack of privacy in the workplace. While open spaces are conducive to collaboration, they can lack the privacy and sense of security that some employees crave. To address this, office design should include areas of refuge where individuals can retreat for focused work, quiet moments, or private conversations. Soundproof pods, high-backed booth seating, or enclosed meeting rooms. These spaces offer a sense of refuge, providing employees with the opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate away from the open office environment.
Striking a Balance: In the pursuit of employee wellbeing we often focus on creating engaging, social, collaborative areas whilst overlooking the need for quiet or individual workspace. The key to creating a dynamic environment is striking a balance between prospect and refuge in your design. It is important to include solo working areas with a focus on acoustics to dampen sound as well as private rooms or booths that will offer that refuge for staff. Glass-fronted pods offer an ideal balance of privacy and security by being soundproofed and slightly hidden with the openness of the glass allowing you to keep in touch with what’s happening around you.
By incorporating the principles of the Prospect and Refuge Theory into office design, we can create environments that support the diverse needs of employees and foster productivity, creativity, and wellbeing.
