Prospect and Refuge

     When it comes to spaces, people like to seek our security as well as a great view and this is basically the best way to sum up "prospect-refuge." For example, giving people the option to sit in the corner, on the edge, or in the middle of a room, most people who prefer prospect-refuge will flock to the corner or the edge so they can feel like they can see their surroundings and feel a sense of safety. 

    I used to work in the food industry and at one of the restaurants I worked at, there was a large booth in the corner of the dining room where people would always ask to sit. We had at least 5 groups request it every night. It was almost mafia-style seating. We would call this "casing the joint." People who would prefer to sit there really liked to be able to see all of their surrounding especially being able to see the front door to see who is coming in and who is going out. 

    I think this is a great example of prospect-refuge because there is a much preferred seat in the place in order to see everything around you and feel safe. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/284078688967974453/

Ergonomics and The Home Office

     Most ergonomic products are designed for office settings. It makes a lot of sense considering people who work for or in an office setting are often in the same space, using the same products or technology for extended amounts of time and that can cause a lot of wear and tear on our bodies, especially the workability of our hands, heads, and even our posture.

    It's important to take advantage of the technology that has been created in order to keep our bodies in tip-top condition. For a few examples, there are standings desks, computer "mice" that are created to have a more relaxed hand, chairs that help keep our backs straight and our heads up, the list goes on and on. 

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Ergonomic-Mouse-Right-Medium/dp/B08QHKPQK1

    My partner and I both have home offices and his office is much more ergonomic friendly than mine. My office chair is a fuzzy, straight-backed wood chair, while his has a lumbar support and a headrest. I have a simple, notebook laptop while his PC has an ergonomic mouse, keyboard, and adjustable screen. He has taken the time to think about the longevity of his time spent on his computer and I--the future designer--have not. 

    When designing an office space, the ergonomic details are important but expensive, but I highly suggest buying a few pieces at a time because it could save you a doctor's visit in the long run.

https://www.gq.com/story/tips-for-an-ergonomic-home-office

Proxemics Pre-COVID and Post-COVID

    

    Proxemics are the physical boundaries humans set from each other. There are boundaries that are appropriate for each person in our lives, for example, our loved ones will always be able to get closer than a stranger at a bar. Whenever you're on the subway, you are made to be face to face with strangers because you're only means of transportation but no one thought twice about a virus before the pandemic. They were just trying to get to where they're going. 

https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/subway-cars-running-capacity-rush-hours-article-1.2161455

    In a pre-COVID world, our boundaries had standardly been a little closer. I know I didn't mind passing a stranger on the street on a tight sidewalk. In a post-COVID world, not only are there less people to pass on the sidewalk, but I go lengths to not breath that person's air. It has created a conscious boundary between people. I have also found myself being extra cautious due to having a baby this year. I don't want her to get sick because I was being careless. It's even had me be a little more further away from my family because no one ever knows who is carrying this virus. 

    It's interesting to see how people react to fresh babies as well. In my experience, most people are not afraid to approach someone with a baby. They aren't afraid to turn around in the store to see the baby lying in the stroller. I have had to step away from people from getting in my baby's face because they fascination has made them delirious to the fact that we are in a pandemic. I don't think people should ever get that close to a stranger's baby pre-COVID, but especially now. 

https://depositphotos.com/stock-photos/strangers.html

    It's created an extra bubble around people. Personally, as someone who has become more introverted with time, I prefer the new standard and I know a lot of people who relate to that. I don't like when people are breathing down my neck at the grocery store and now, most people do not. A lot more people have enjoyed working from home. A lot of jobs have moved to that because they've always had the ability to do so. It has also had the same change with school. From personal examination, I've noticed a huge difference in health because of it. Not only has it helped people avoid getting COVID-19, but the flu and the common cold as well. 

    I am a huge fan of distance so I enjoy the new distances we have taken in a current- and post-pandemic world.