Personal & social space

Man’s evolution has been marked by the development of the “distance receptors” – sight and hearing. Thus he has been able to develop the arts...(40). Hall’s references about man’s sensory organs and the relationship they have with our ability to interpret and “advance” is taken for granted. With each century our evolvement has created an ability to experiment and advance technology in advantageous ways. Unless it’s brought to my attention I’m not aware of the impact of my sensory organs and perception of space. When asked the question, “how does where and how we grow up, influence how we perceive the world and ourselves in the world,” I think of small, constrained spaces. As mentioned in earlier discussions, I spent a lot of time at my home, in the backyard. Growing up on a small farm with parents that preferred to stay home, I didn’t have a lot of social time (outside of school, neighborhood kids). Perhaps that’s why I don’t feel all that influential on the world. My childhood was pretty much one-dimensional and driven by parental influences. One could say that’s how the young typically grow or one could say that I was limited in my growth. I prefer to look at it as the means behind my desire to see the world and sustain relentless focus on forward-looking opportunities. I remember thinking the world was a huge place – not something I would capture in my mind. Now, I realize how in common we all are. Hall shares the benefits of keeping your culture close but reaching out to other languages, social situations and cultures to expand your own. Never lose your culture but enhance your own perceptions of the world through other cultures/regions. I like being close and often find myself touching people. It can be an arm touch, pat on the back or a hug. Reactions are interesting and I’m interested in my willingness to reach out in this way. I’m a New Yorker after all and often we don’t touch. I personally prefer closeness but not at all times. Space is important to me – Hall notes the Western preference for space and our comfort with separate spaces for specific activities.

In terms of fixed and semi-fixed feature space, I’m a victim of fixed feature space for sure! I’m willing to use the areas of my home for specific activities such as the kitchen for cooking, assigned bedrooms (master, guest) for sleeping, living for TV viewing and visiting with friends. As Hall notes, fixed-feature space is one of the basic ways of organizing the activities of individuals and groups (103). When visiting my brother and sister-in-law in S. Korea, I noticed that KO (sister-in-law) and her family don’t have formal assigned spaces – they hang all around. While they cooked in the kitchen and showered in the bath, the sleeping arrangements were defined by a mat, not necessarily a room. Also, the living space was up for grabs – it contained a bit of everything and was used for whatever purpose required at the time (eating, socializing). I relate more to organized areas but feel willing to throw caution to the wind upon occasion. For example, my condo has a sun room but instead of adding the typically wicker furniture and endless plants, I made it my home office. The endless light inspires me to be creative and motivated. My kitchen would most likely be frowned upon by many. It’s small but I like it. I don’t spend a lot of time in this room – I’m in and out – but when I’m in the kitchen it’s a comfy spot. It’s promotes warmth and togetherness. It’s off the dining room. Interesting that Hall notes this “vanishing” room and I have one in full bloom. Perhaps one of my favorite because of the colors and drapes – lot’s of drama with blue, yellow and pumpkin colors. The building was constructed in the mid-1920s when families dined together and “studios” were a thing of the future. When it comes to semi-fixed feature space, I’m more prone to a diagonal layout – something more intimate and close. And, unexpected! I love to use frames in places you wouldn’t necessarily see them…also, the frames are empty. Frames alone are pretty special and your mind is able to “change” the Artwork everyday.

My home is 1300 square feet. While I mentioned a desire for close, intimate spaces, I do enjoy time and space to spread out. As a result, you won’t see clutter. Everything has a place and if something isn’t needed, it doesn’t come home. I feel this creates a sense of what’s important to me. I don’t prefer the distraction of things – more focus on experiencing life through travel, please! Something outside my home is always a nice memory as long as I can return to my fixed, semi-fixed space.