Proxemics

Proxemics: Augmenting Bus Experiences

Responsive Environments: Bergamo eMotion, Spring 2016, Harvard GSD
Teachers: Allen Sayegh, Stefano Andreani
Students: Adam M Pere, Enol Vallina

Proxemics – “the study of the spatial requirements of humans and the effects of population density on behavior, communication, and social interaction” (Proxemics 2016). Edward T. Hall first defined the concept of personal space as the area around a person’s body which they believe belongs to them in the moment. Every person has their own idea of what their personal space is and reacts differently to intrusions of that space. One person may get extremely anxious and irritated as a stranger encroaches on their personal space, while another may not even take notice.

Public transportation is a unique case for proxemics because it forces us into a situation where we not only allow others to intrude on our personal space but we accept this intrusion and repress our emotional response. This installation is an attempt to expose the individual’s proxemic volume to herself and those around her. Revealing her unspoken affect on her neighbors.