In many ways, architecture and privacy go hand in hand, at HMC Architects we fully understand the value that privacy holds for the occupants of a building, whether they are visitors, residents or employees.
As such, we work to design spaces that reflect these values and enhance comfort in every occupant.
The difficulty of designing sensitive spaces for architecture and privacy
Depending on the unique boundaries of a given space, the relationship between architecture and privacy can be more ambiguous.
Is the space supposed to be completely private, like a residence hall on a college campus?
Is the facility a privately owned “public” space that needs to differentiate itself as such? Or is there a marked transition between the public and the private?
If so, how does the architect handle this?
This ambiguity often makes it difficult to negotiate privacy. From a design perspective, defining a building or a spatial relationship to the end user is critical in shaping the layout of a given space.
When designing a new building, we can create spaces that not only meet privacy standards, but exceed them.
It can be very difficult and expensive to redesign or configure a new space to address privacy concerns.
In healthcare, for example, many facilities were designed with privacy standards that were much less stringent than they are today.
which may cause privacy concerns, may not comply with current code and may be uncomfortable for the patient.
Another area where privacy has become a major issue in an open office environment, office cubicles have provided employees with a sense of privacy and independence.
However, it ultimately lowered office morale, stifling creativity and communication in many organizations, leading to the increasing popularity of open concept office planning.
During the transition to the open concept plan, the offices tended to fluctuate between extremes and did not have adequate spaces for different levels of privacy and social interaction.
The pivot to a complete lack of private space had almost as many drawbacks as the isolation of a traditional “cabin ranch”.
Fortunately, there are many ways that architects and designers can address these concerns, both in new construction and in existing structures.
Design solutions for sensitive spaces
Designing spaces that provide the right amount of privacy while maintaining an appropriate amount of openness
or visual access can be challenging, but some key concepts to incorporate are:
Intuitive path selection:
It is important that building and room signage is visible to building occupants,
as a clear and distinct wayfinding feature on the brand makes
it easy for occupants to navigate somewhere and know where they can and cannot venture.
Integration of open concepts with private rooms:
Although the open concept designs are aesthetically pleasing and modern,
However, it is not always the primary solution for every space or for every organization,
as the consolidation of spaces of varying degrees provides users with options
and flexibility for private conversations or spaces to focus and focus.
Establish effective hubs and sound mitigation measures:
In healthcare, in particular, waiting rooms and eating areas tend to be less private.
It is important to align spatial relationships and functions while maintaining visual sightlines.
It is also important to provide architectural features,
interior finishes and sound mitigation measures that provide the appropriate acoustic
performance for the intended space and function.
Consider the proportions:
Smaller spaces and rooms, by their very nature, signify more private space.
The reverse is also true, as the space program,
room proportion and interior finishes must be carefully considered when designing a space to maintain privacy.
Of course, there are many other design strategies when it comes to designing sensitive spaces.
Those included in the building will vary not only by industry but by unique spatial needs.
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