For our theory reading three, we read excerpts from Robert Sommer's Small Group Ecology. It was interesting how much design influences conversation, the lack of conversation, cooperation, competitiveness to name a few influences of design.
According to Robert Sommer, the presence of others improves performance aka. "social increment"and the absence of others decreased performance. In his book, Sommer points out that unless there is a specific function or activity, a table for 8-10 people is unnecessary and would prevent conversation.
People tend to have conversation in smaller spaces and sit across from each other. Those sitting next to each other tend not to speak as much and report that they would prefer to sit across from each other. In addition, most conversations take place between 2 people. If a strong leader is at the table, the participants tend to talk to those sitting next to them and when there is a weaker leader, they conversationalist tend to talk to those sitting across from them. Usually, most people tend to sit across from each other, or at the corners of a rectangular dining table.
As I am designing my table, I need to keep in mind the size of the table, the size of the room, and orientation of the furniture. People do not tend to talk in large areas such a lobby as much. I would like to create and a dining space for 6 people and make sure that my guests are comfortable.
Lastly, designing spaces and maintaining functional relationship is very important in the development human interactions.
Source:
Personal Space: The Behavioral Basis of Design, Robert Sommer, pages 58-73
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