Proxemics, Personal Space and Territory

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Proxemics

I’ve always found the study of proxemics rather interesting.  The idea that body spacing and posture acting as unintentional reactions to sensory fluctuations or shifts is intriguing from a design standpoint. According to Edward T. Hall, the man who coined the term “proxemics,” social distance between people is reliably correlated with physical distance, as are intimate and personal distance, according to the following delineations:

• Intimate distance for embracing, touching or whispering ranges anywhere between 6 to 18 inches or even closer.

• Personal distance for interactions among good friends or family memebers ranges anywhere from 1.5 feet to 4 feet.

• Social distance for interactions among acquaintances ranges anywhere from 4 to 12 feet.

• Public distance used for public speaking ranges anywhere from 12 to 25 feet.

However, it’s important to note that different cultures maintain different standards of personal space. Comfortable personal distances depend not only on culture, but also the social situation, gender, and individual preference.  Realizing and recognizing these cultural differences improves cross-cultural understanding, and helps eliminate discomfort people may feel if the interpersonal distance is too large (“stand-offish”) or too small (intrusive).

Personal Space

Personal Space should not be confused with personalization, which is the marking of places.  Personal space changes depending on culture, upbringing, relationship to the individual and expectations.  Essentially, we have an invisible boundary that allows us to be comfortable because intruders may not enter.  Oftentimes this invisible boundary is perceived to be similar to an aura, but it’s not necessarily spherical in shape, nor does it extend equally in all directions. (Which makes perfect sense when you think about it.)

Territory

Human beings are territorial animals and like to protect and control their space. Have you ever felt angry when you re-entered a room and found “your” seat taken by someone else? Have you felt offended when a relative or friend entered your room without knocking or when you discovered them pawing through your cabinets? The territories we stake a claim to  give us a sense of permanence and control. When that territory is invaded without permission, feelings of loss and anger are typically the result. People value their privacy and personal territory.  I don’t know about you, but if I were to find someone going through my desk, I’d freak out.  Depending on the situation, I may be angry, frustrated, or even hurt that my privacy was invaded.  Also, I do get annoyed when some takes “my seat” when I only left for a few minutes to throw something away or use the restroom.

The 4 Basic Characteristics of Territory include:

1. The ownership or of rights to a place
2. Personalization – the marking of an area; through photographs or objects
3. The right to defend against intrusion
4. The service of several functions ranging from the meeting of physiological needs

For us, territorial control is important because it fulfills several basic human needs: identity, stimulation, security, and provides a frame of reference.

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Also, on a side note, with all this talk about proxemics I have “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” by The Police stuck in my head!

Sources:

Lang, J. (1987). Privacy, Territoriality and Personal Space – Proxemic Thoery.  Creating Architectural Theory: The role of the behavioral sciences in design.  New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. 145-156.

Wikipedia

[Image: Wikipedia]

Filed under: Environment, Theory, defensible space, interior design, privacy, territoriality