Social Facilitation in Fitness Environments: Architectural and Psychological Perspectives

Abstract

When we enter a space, what factors guide our choice of where to stand, sit, or move? When multiple spatial options are available, how do conscious and unconscious cognition influence the selection of one specific location? Architectural space and user cognition significantly shape how individuals perceive and occupy spaces. This research proposal aims to identify architectural and physical factors that either facilitate or inhibit social interactions and to establish guidelines for architectural features and spatial layouts that promote social connections. This study will provide valuable insights for architects, designers, behavioral psychologists, and users, enhancing their understanding of human spatial perception through the lens of personal space cognition, user preferences, and social interaction within architectural spaces. Using qualitative inquiry, this study will document human behaviors to create a descriptive language for analyzing architecture-user interactions and spatial patterns. Through descriptions, images, and graphic language, user behaviors and spatial preferences will be articulated. A manifesto of emotional responses to architectural variables, behavioral tendencies within various architectural spaces, and spatial language that supports social interactions will offer a comprehensive guide for architects and designers.