Close Face Vs Away Face

Close Face Vs Away Face

Close Face vs Away Face is a fundamental spatial design principle that addresses the psychological and functional aspects of furniture arrangement in interior spaces, particularly focusing on how seating elements are positioned in relation to each other and the room's focal points. This concept explores the impact of furniture orientation on social interaction, comfort, and spatial dynamics, where 'close face' refers to seating arrangements that promote direct face-to-face interaction between occupants, typically achieved through configurations where seats are positioned directly opposite or at comfortable conversational angles to each other, while 'away face' describes arrangements where seating is oriented away from direct interaction, often facing outward or toward different focal points in the space. The principle emerged from extensive research in environmental psychology and spatial behavior studies, demonstrating how furniture placement significantly influences social behavior, communication patterns, and the overall atmosphere of a space. In professional interior design practice, this concept is particularly crucial for creating appropriate social settings in various contexts, from intimate residential spaces to public areas, where the strategic implementation of close face arrangements can foster engagement and conversation in social zones, while away face configurations might be more suitable for private contemplation or in spaces where individual focus is desired. The application of this principle extends beyond mere furniture placement, incorporating considerations of proxemics (the study of human use of space), cultural norms, and specific functional requirements of the space. Interior designers and architects often utilize this concept when developing spatial layouts for various environments, from corporate offices to healthcare facilities, where the balance between social interaction and personal space is crucial. This principle has gained recognition in contemporary design competitions, including the A' Design Award's Interior Space and Exhibition Design Category, where innovative applications of these concepts are evaluated for their contribution to spatial design excellence.

spatial arrangement, interior design psychology, furniture orientation, social interaction, environmental behavior, proxemics

— Lucas Reed

CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Close Face Vs Away Face.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=474215 (Accessed on March 26, 2025)"