Group Members: ID Number

Sonia Mancxia 0317751

Kan Sook San 0319326

Christina Ng 0319671

Hiew Li Ming 0319941

Ricco Soh 0319890

Course Code: PSY 30203

Title: Final Project and Group Presentation

Introduction

This project requires us to create a built environment design that reflects a topic of interest

from the ranges of social psychology discussion. The design can be in the form of space or

building. The idea/design must be presented on a mahjong paper with details of the space and

building with colors. We have chosen to work on a breakout space for an office. A breakout

space is a part of a typical office. In terms of functionality, we have decided to make the

space to be more user friendly and also to fit the environment. The breakout space will be the

connecting point between the employees and also employers.

Concept

Stereotype is a thought that can be adopted about specific types of individuals or certain ways

of doing things. These thoughts or beliefs will or will not accurately reflect the reality.

Stereotypes affect people’s social lives, emotions, and how people interact in a certain

environment.

An office is said to be like a small society. It involves individuals from different background

which then creates a barrier between them due to the differences in thoughts and believes.

Nevertheless, they have to work in the same environment and share the same work place.

Apart from working, they also need a space to interact with one another or a place to take a

time out. Therefore, a breakout space is designed to reduce stereotyping in an office.

A breakout space will be designed in a way such that the employees can share the same

facilities regardless their rank, race and gender. The layout of the breakout space is more of

an open concept whereby there are no partitions or whatsoever. Employees will tend to

interact with each other as there are no barriers.

In terms of ranking stereotyping, employers will have the chance to communicate with their

staff. So, the breakout space acts as a medium to connect the employers to their staff. This

will reduce the feeling of being more superior than others as there is no special privilege

when they are in that space. In a group of employees, gender stereotyping might occur. Males

would have the preference that they are more capable and superior compared to the females.

In this space, they can interact to understand each other's capabilities and qualities through

communication. There is no specific division for the two genders so they are free to socialize.

Also, in a community, everyone comes from a different background and implement different

cultural practices. Race stereotyping is a common form stereotyping which happens

anywhere and at all times. It is unavoidable but can be reduced if individuals have a space to

understand each other's way of life. In the breakout space, everyone is seen as equal. It is a

mutual space which can reduce the stereotypes as mentioned above.

Purpose

The purpose of constructing this breakout space in an office block is to allow office workers

to have a nice relaxing place during breaks. This breakout will be able to provide a new space

for workers to chill and relax while enjoying the view of the outside world. Besides that, the

space will also encourage people to interact among one another. Having a closer space

between each office worker, all kinds of stereotyping can be reduced.

Structure

The breakout is constructed in a way that it is a comfortable yet functional space for the

office workers. The space is situated at the heart of the office so that the employees from all

levels are able to excess.

The space is enclosed with two concrete walls on opposite sites and the other two being glass

windows and panels. Through the glass windows, there is a view of the cityscape with a

contrast to the interior which is more of a simple design. The use of raw materials such as a

wooden deck and concrete flooring with a touch of modern kitchen finishing enhances the

space. Also, a pinch of greenery has been added to the interior. A vertical garden patch at

both sides of the walls near the deck area creates a more natural feel to the space.

The layout of the space is rather simple and straight forward as it is just a rectangular open

space. It is divided into two sections, one being the decked area and one with the cement

flooring. The placement of furniture is taken into consideration whereby it is placed in order,

vertically across the space. The seatings are not as compact but cozy. Also, two square tables

are placed at the area where the wooden decking is which is dedicated for informal meetings.

Extra seatings are located at the island of the kitchen with adjustable high chairs. The seatings

are arranged in different forms for different moods. The kitchen is well-equipped with a

basin, a coffeemaker, a microwave and also a refrigerator for the convenience of the

employees.

Detail Description of space

The breakout space is designed with an open space concept where everyone can interact.

There are no enclosed area or any special location for different individuals. The walls are

painted with earthy colour such as light warm brown colour. The earthy colour creates a calm

atmosphere to the breakout space. Employees will feel more relaxed and will be more open to

issues as they are emotionally and mentally calmed

In addition, the ceiling of the break out area is made out of glass and cement. The glass as a

medium to allow the sunlight penetrate directly into the space. The benefits of using skylight

roof is to reduce the use of electrical energy. More important, the daylight affects

physiological positively that can increase the productivity of the employees in many context.

Furthermore, one side of the walls are designed with large panel of tall windows. The

breakout area looks spacious with the use of tall windows. Tall windows also brings in

natural light which will increase the positive energy entering the space.

Open concept kitchen is an extra feature in the breakout. It is a space to let the employees to

prepare meals. People have the perception that only females are the ones that are involved in

preparing meals but it is untrue as males are capable of doing so. This area can clearly reduce

gender stereotyping. Other than that, two small vertical gardens are added on both sides of

the wall near the windows. It adds greenery to the space. The colour green is able to soothe

the eyes after staring at the computer screen for many hours. It also helps to revitalize the

people when they are physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted.

Besides, different types of seating are provided for the employees. The sofa seating with soft

cushions can make the employees feel relaxed and comfortable when having meals. The

employees are able to communicate each other without stressful mind. Thus, it helps the

relationship between the employees to get closer. Lastly, there are some coffee tables and

chairs that are placed near the windows. The arrangement of the chairs around a central table

can reduce the distance between the employees. It also provides somewhere informal

meetings can be held or lunch can be eaten.