Our Surroundings
Transcript Study Notes
Introduction
A research team named Matt and Paul has produced a textbook on nonverbal communication.
They identify six different ways to assess environments.
Assignment Overview
Students will assess an environment over three weeks.
The environment must be a public space and not one's home.
Goals include analyzing feelings about the environment and understanding how to apply the six dimensions of assessment.
Six Dimensions of Environment Assessment
Formality
Refers to the level of seriousness and structure in an environment.
Examples can be seen in buildings in Washington D.C. that reflect neoclassical architecture (resembling Roman and Greek styles).
Warmth
Not limited to temperature but also about how welcoming an environment feels.
Example: Inside feels warmer (65 degrees) compared to a cold hallway (30 degrees).
It's about creating a feeling of comfort without altering physical temperatures.
Privacy
Refers to the ability to have personal space or secluded areas where individuals feel free to converse privately.
Examples: In a public place or at home, how spaces create feelings of openness or intimacy.
Familiarity
Observations on how well individuals recognize and navigate spaces.
Example: Familiarity helps people understand what to expect when entering a new environment.
Distance
Relates to the mental or emotional distance between individuals in a space.
Example: The social distance between people in a room affects group feelings and interpersonal dynamics.
Constraint
Refers to the perceived level of freedom to move in a space.
Example: Airplane passengers being informed when they are free to walk about the cabin.
In-Depth Exploration of Dimensions
Formality
Examined how a formal environment imposes specific behaviors.
Behavioral Patterns: People understand acceptable behaviors—quietness, structured activities (e.g., in churches, DMVs, and courts).
Example:
In Church: Process involves crossing oneself with holy water, kneeling, and following directions in the mass (e.g., kneel, bow, stand).
In Courts: Observers maintain silence and respect, with structured behavior upon entering.
In formal places, people engage in repetitive, stylized actions indicating the importance of the setting.
Architectural Examples
Cathedrals:
Designed to make individuals feel small, highlighting the grandeur of divine concepts.
Elements such as high ceilings signal formality and evoke feelings of awe.
Film Analysis: "The Sound of Music" Scene:
Highlights how angles, silence, and the scale of the environment communicate formality and significance.
Other Formality Examples
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:
Represents somber, formal structure; the elite guard signifies respect and solemnity.
Nonverbal cues around the tomb reinforce the importance of silence and reverence.
Vietnam War Memorial:
A black wall that grows larger symbolizes the increasing weight of loss; people leave mementos representing remembrance.
Grand Canyon:
An awe-inspiring natural feature presents a vastness that evokes emotional responses such as fear and peace.
Warmth in Environments
Definition: Warmth relates to comfort, relaxation, and inviting feelings; crucial in home and public spaces.
Example Experiences: Visitors in someone's cozy home often feel an inclination to linger.
Classroom Scenario: Evaluation of classroom warmth—questions raised about comfort and desire to stay after class.
Suggestions for Improving Warmth:
Changes in furniture arrangement, introducing plants, warmer lighting, etc.
Concept of Hygge:
Scandinavian term embodying warmth, coziness, and social interaction in space—fostering ambiance for relaxation and contentment.
Privacy as a Design Element
Privacy promotes deeper conversations and connections in environments designed for intimacy.
Examples in Media:
Starbucks settings often balance openness for socializing with areas for individual solitude.
Opposing Design: Long communal tables in beer halls showcase the communal atmosphere but may impede personal privacy.
Conclusion
The dimensions are vital for analyzing environments, especially as media creatives.
These assessments help convey emotional depth and understanding in various design contexts and storytelling narratives.
Familiarity
comfortable because we know what happens
we move quicker because we are familiar with it.
Examples in media:
McDonald’s
Glass makes you remember you have stuff to do
Distance
in close spaces, we create mental distance
Examples in media: Airport, be on your phone, seperate yourself.
Constraint
refers to the feeling that you cannot leave an environment