Conversation

The most  pervasive social activity is conversation, an exchange so much a part of life that we tend to take it for granted. Conversation may be seen as an amalgam of both verbal and nonverbal forms of communication- a pleasant exchange among family and friends. Obviously, we can and do talk together in any part of the home. But the most natural settings for group interaction are those group spaces where people congregate-the living and dining areas. The elements conducive to easy conversation are :

Space sufficient for the usual number of people who are pleasant. A person in an easy chair, for example, needs a space nearly 3 feet wide by 4 feet deep, but with legs extended, a tall person may need a space over 5 feet deep. Aisle space for easy movement is also needed. Comfortable seats for each participant; a minimum of one good seat for each permanent member of the household and additional ones to accommodate guests. Stable seating, not too low and width arm supports, is advisable for the elderly or disabled. The choice of individual or multiple seating pieces may be a reflection of the size of household members’ personal space

3 Arrangement of seats and tables in a generally circular or elliptical pattern so that each person can look at others easily and talk without shouting and so that a dead end is formed, averting traffic intended for other destinations that might disrupt conversation. This primary arrangement should be ready for group conversation without moving furniture. A diameter of 8 to 10 feet across the seating area has proved the most desirable in typical situations. Research has shown that people prefer to sit across from one another to talk. However, if the distance across the conversation space is greater than the distance between two people seated by side, most people will choose to sit side by side. Also, there is some evidence that as room size increases, conversation seating distance decreases. (Conversation distance in the home is much longer than in larger-scale public places because of the smaller scale and more intimate atmosphere.) increasing noise level and distraction also draws people closer together.
- Lights of moderate intensity with highlights at strategic points. Soft, subtle general illumination helps create an intimate atmosphere while bright lighting is very arousing.
- Surfaces (tables, shelves, and the like) on which to place accessories.
- Privacy from the entry and from traffic to other parts of the home.

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by Probo Hindarto
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