Studies have shown that people with strong social relationships have lower stress and higher happiness levels than their lonelier counterparts. At work, strong social bonds have been shown to increase employee engagement and productivity. With these factors in mind, the theme behind this project took the form of a design paradox: how can common areas in an office enhance social opportunities during the time of coronavirus?
Cautious Confabulation is a series of conceptual design solutions that seek to address this paradox by reimagining how public space could better serve the human need for interaction.
Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an underlying framework, four categories of solutions were identified: access to nature (physiological), cleaning and testing (safety), physical distancing (belonging), and cultural programming (esteem). Combined, they serve Maslow’s fifth and final need, self-actualization.
This project won first place in building lobby & amenities category of The Next Work Environment Competition, sponsored by Work Design Magazine.
