Change Your Space, Change Your Culture

"We shape our buildings, and afterwards, our buildings shape us." - Winston Churchill

As someone who is passionate about inspiration and motivation, I have a habit of hand-writing and calligraphing quotes that resonate with me. My latest favorite quote, penned by Nikki Rowe, reads: "I'd rather learn to dance in the rain than worry if I have an umbrella for the rest of my life." I display them prominently on my office door, hoping to share a dose of positivity with my colleagues and visitors.

In one organization, I was asked by a senior leader to take down the quote due to the "clean office policy", because the artwork was facing the corridor and the policy was that common spaces had to be free of personal belongings. I was told that it would be permissible to place the artwork on the other side of the door, facing me instead. I complied, but the silent rebel in me didn't give up! I put it back up in its original place a couple of weeks later (without asking for permission). Fortuitously, the senior leader never walked by again (maybe she did, and gave up on me). What struck me was the impact those quotes had on others. Many people who walked by my office would stop, read, and smile. Several came up to me to thank me for making them think differently through the quotes.

Our environment has the power to shape our minds and attitudes. Damaris Hollingsworth in her TED Talk "Places and spaces and the behavior they create " emphasized the importance of intentional design in creating spaces that can positively impact people's lives.

For instance, Damaris mentions the building designed by Vilanova Artigas, which had very few walls and no doors, creating an open and inclusive space that promoted interaction and togetherness. This design choice encouraged collaboration and socialization among the building's occupants, demonstrating how design can foster a sense of community.

Damaris highlighted the significance of cultural sensitivity, community engagement, and intentional design in creating spaces that promote social cohesion and inclusivity. Architects, designers, and builders should prioritize the needs of the people who will occupy and use the spaces they create, rather than just focusing on aesthetics or profit.? Design has the power to shape human experiences and behavior, and it is important to create spaces that promote positive change and social cohesion.

When Churchill made the statement above, he was referring to the reconstruction of the House of Commons in 1943. Interestingly,? Churchill was against providing each member a desk to sit at and a lid to bang, as he believed the House would appear empty most of the time. Instead, he preferred the "sense of crowd and urgency" that came with members spilling out into the aisles during critical votes and moments.

As I'm currently leading the redesign of a space with my team, I will do well to keep Damaris' and Churchill's wisdom in mind. Our objective is not just to meet our functional needs but to see how the culture can be shaped by how we design this space. For instance, how can we promote collaboration and a sense of identity through the layout and furniture we choose? It will be an exciting project!

As leaders, let us not underestimate the power our environment has on us and our team. Think of the space as a canvas upon which we can paint the culture we desire. Just as a gardener nurtures a garden to grow and flourish, we can, in whatever space that is allowed and afforded to us, intentionally design our spaces to cultivate creativity, productivity, and positivity.

What steps can you take to change your own personal workspace environment for a start?

https://youtu.be/aNSNyJBK0VY?si=Zl9eqf_sJT4-kqzU