The new circumstances imposed on us by the Covid-19 pandemic have created a new reality, which is affecting us on multiple levels. We at ArchZone would like to share a different perspective on this situation, centering on man and the psychology of space.
The psychology of space is a topic that has always fascinated the ArchZone team. Spatial awareness ¬– and the feelings it inspires in each of us – is unique. Our aim has always been to elicit the owners’ needs and allow them to act as a "map" for our design. We have noticed that a large proportion of users are often unaware of their real needs in their new space. A plethora of visual material from other spaces has further removed them from that awareness and disoriented them. Not to mention the fast pace of life, which has not allowed the great majority of people to delve deeply into their space and become really aware of it. Some spaces that seemed to meet the requirements may now have “betrayed” the users, who are only just becoming aware of their real needs. What can really bring the users closer to what they want is introspection as well as the practice of recording their needs and some of their earlier style preferences.
The role of the architect/interior designer is to employ the proper methodology in order to understand all the needs of the users (even the innermost ones) and not only satisfy them but also surpass them, creating a unique aesthetic result.
As the lockdown (to prevent the spread of Covid-19) has forced all of us to spend more time at home, the users have been getting closer to the functionality of their space – or lack thereof. Day by day, they become better acquainted with their preferences, even unconsciously. They are acknowledging their needs, not only the temporary ones, due to the extraordinary circumstances, but their real needs.
Gradually, through observation, they are becoming aware of those needs, but also of the emotions evoked by the different qualities of space that a house encompasses, which now acquire greater significance.
The prolonged stay at home could be likened to a "sudden" development of this ability to perceive space. Experience will lead to the awareness of the psychology of space for most, distinguishing between gradations and qualities.
Our belief is that in the future, the communication between designer and user will be at an advantage.
Design criteria are becoming more meaningful and deliberate, the common goal being a designed and balanced space, free of unnecessary elements.
