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.
View the full submission below. Click on an image to see it full size.
I think some of the standout innovations for the submittal include the integration of very specific design solutions like the use of copper material with mid-tier solutions that have to do with adjacencies with more macro-architectural solutions and access to outdoors etc. It’s the integration of all three of those levels that makes this a standout submission.
I love the prompt that the presenter started off with about whether it’s possible to set up a thriving environment – one that really addresses social needs within a space even during the time of Coronavirus. In feasibility and practicality as well as science and thought, the renderings themselves were really beautiful. Definitely looked like a place where I would want to work.
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