Do you really need Solitary Spaces?

Solitary Spaces is an individualistic choice as well as a collective also. Why? Because it serves a typology of humans. "Humans are social animals," said someone, but how much social is not decided because it varies with everyone and their situations, it's dynamic.

There are a bunch of individuals called introverts, they tend to form 30% to 40% of the population (yes it is true) and they need a certain kind of environment which makes them more productive compared to the typical open environment which every MNC seems to promote. While it is important to have open plans or spaces to promote collaboration, seem open, etc. it is equally important to amalgamate spaces which allow you to seek solitude or serves only an individual.

Seeking Solitude by terrace

If your idea of working/living environment is something similar as the picture above, you got to ask yourself some questions;

• Do I get irritated easily amidst a group?

• Do I under perform in a group?

• Do I find it difficult to work in open spaces (your cubicle amidst hundreds around you giving you auditory and visual stimulations)? Do feel like being in a beehive?

• Am I irritated or in a bad mood because of no valid reason and feel like being alone?

• Do I feel better when working from home? Is it because of the privacy you get at home?

If you answered yes for 3 or more questions, then yes, you need #solitude_seeking_spaces. I'll cover the benefits of seeking solitude in my other article.

Seeking Solitude by a courtyard

The above image shows a person seeking solitude in a public place. Yes, it is possible if DESIGNED correctly. The concept applies from the corner of a room to a campus or city precinct. Design is tailor-made and largely functional to a particular context. It has to be. For instance, there are HSP's (Highly sensitive person) who get irked by the smallest of disturbances and need a very particular environment. Their mind registers stimulation easily. It is not a fault but a natural condition like being a right-handed person.

Someone might ask, "Why should we care about these people?"

Because these can be assets and are under-performing because of the environment of your organizations and for the sake of mental health. Because we cannot force an uncomfortable environment for someone.

Here's a hint, they feel like going to mountains (not for adventure) because of peace they get there. They feel like being alone and be given some time alone to work. They need their privacy which means no one gawking, peeping, running, walking, talking and laughing around to stimulate their nerves. And there they can cook up brilliant ideas/music/code/dance moves/strategies/policies/painting because solitude gives more room for creativity, it acts as a catalyst for creativity.

Ever wondered why #google only shows images of nature when searched for 'solitude?'

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Because we think we can only find it amidst nature and we have already associated solitude with natural quiet surroundings of nature.

My research in architectural spaces has branched out and intertwined with philosophy, psychology and material science and I have conducted surveys to get the right answers. Most of the introverts need one to two hours of solitary time to become social again and mingle with others. Not doing so affects their personal and professional life. This is because at the primary place we didn't/don't design spaces which they can also feel comfortable in. Or, for a matter of fact, have a choice to do so.

PS- BTW, some extroverts also seek solitude. So, it isn't about introverts only!

#solitude #solitaryspaces #solitary_spaces #solitude_seeking_spaces #ankit_goglani #architecture #balaced_spaces #design #art #spaces_for_solitude

In case we haven't met before,

Hi, I am Ankit Goglani. I am an Architect and Musician who found #solitary_spaces with the medium of my architectural thesis. With my research and surveys I found about the need of solitude by such a large number of people. And this can be resolved via #architecture.