When I encounter a work environment, whether an organization, a workshop, school or public place, I am reminded time and again of people’s lack of awareness of the effect that their space has on those within it. The physical environment effects creativity, efficiency, focus, alertness, and more. Neither the workers nor the managers seem to realize that their physical space is like a “container” of knowledge and information, and it has a direct effect on all those within it and around it.

The beauty of this “container” is that it is like clay in the hands of the sculptor.
The space can be designed to encourage creativity. It can be designed for openness. It can be designed for improved communication and cooperation . It can be designed for joyful productivity. Every company or person can design their space so as to convey the messages, information, corporate culture and general atmosphere with which they want to be identified in the eyes of their customers as well as their employees. The difficulty with this “container”, is that it’s not so much seen as felt, and these feelings are not always accurately attributed to their source.

Understanding your surroundings

Understanding your surroundings is understanding that colors are not just visible stains, they are frequencies that influence tempo, attentiveness and temperament.

Color

Color can elicit goodness from people; it can make them smile, raise their motivation, their joy of creativity, and if need be, it can also be calming, giving a feeling of breathing space to create. Color can radiate a young, fresh environment, or it can create an environment that is gloomy and depressing.

Positioning furniture

The positioning of furniture is not only aimed at efficient use of space. Its positioning has an important effect on focus and concentration, on attentive listening and efficiency of work.

Objects and stimulation

The quantity of objects and the harmony among them influences the level of curiosity and stimulation, the ability to engage in open self-expression, and the feeling of breathing space.

An understanding of the culture one wants to convey, combined with the correct combination of design tools, results in precise interior design that contributes a great deal to success.

Materials and textures can convey a corporate culture of precision – metal furnishings, meticulously clean sharp lines – as opposed to an informal culture where the furnishings are relaxed and more in keeping with a home environment, or perhaps a garden. A spatial design that creates a maze, even when well-utilized with many seating arrangements, also creates an environment of complex interrelations, conflict, uncertainty and disquiet among its workers. In contrast, a design using lines that are simple and clear, that clearly indicate directions, pathways and office locations, generates security and stability. This kind of design eliminates feelings of uncertainty, which contribute to growing tension, wasted time while the employee “finds himself”, and worker intrigues.

Correct, natural lighting reduces fatigue and headache, and contributes to concentration and general agreeableness.

Spaces that encourage growth

A company who’s strategy is growth will be designed with as many open spaces as possible – spaces that are colorful, that include greens, and whose ambiance conveys freshness and blossoming… generally, that’s a strategy that encourages creativity. Integrating pieces of art, a special colorfulness, and unusual objects, all add to the message and awaken inspiration.

An Island of stability

On the other hand, the space of a company whose strategy is stability, will be designed with well-defined spaces and will include antique furniture, rectangular and square shapes, and a combination of earthy colors – brown, terra cotta, mustard and a variety of yellows. All these will contribute to a feeling of groundedness and roots. With this kind of design, one has to be careful that it doesn’t become heavy or that the design strategy doesn’t turn into a fanfare. To avoid this, the design should incorporate elements that are cooling and refreshing.

Spaces that invite transparency

A company whose strategy is based on transparency will have spaces defined by transparent walls, while its solid opaque walls will either be below eye level, or will include wide openings allowing one to see into the space and beyond. The idea of transparency is that everything is out on the table. There are no secrets or hidden agendas. There is, however, a concern over the ability of such a space to contain and translate all that information out on the table into something constructive and supportive. Care should be taken not to create an excess of airiness that could convey a feeling of lack of solidity where things float by and slip away. The space should include elements such as heavy solid tables that can “capture and hold” the information and to turn it into action.

The physical environment is a container of knowledge and information. Try for a moment to listen to what it’s telling you, your clients, and your employees – is it the story that you want to tell?