In today’s modern world, being sociable is key to getting along, yet sociable spaces are very much lacking in the world, and that’s becoming a problem.
Modern offices are looking more and more towards nurturing employee’s social health as part of the wider push for wellbeing, and for places like youth clubs, creating areas for the kids to feel comfortable enough to open up to the adults in charge is absolutely vital to keep them on the straight and narrow.
Here are six ideas for what should be included in your social space, whether that’s an office, youth club, church, or any other social area.
Get in Some Games
Nothing says sociable quite like a gaming area. This can look very different depending on the space and the look you’re going for but try to bring in games that get people together and that aren’t divisive.
That might mean forgoing the violent video games and investing in something like ping pong tables or football tables to encourage teamwork and communication.
Invest in Good Seating
If you want to encourage people to get together and hang out, nothing is going to ruin that more than poor seating choices.
No one likes to sit on hard benches for longer than necessary, so go out and get some second-hand sofas, comfy oversized bean bags, and even comfortable communal desks to help facilitate talking and gathering.
Organize Fast Wi-Fi
We can be sociable online as well as offline! Although it may be frustrating to see everyone stuck on their phones, it’s going to be even more frustrating for people if there is no Wi-Fi, especially if your social area also needs to double up as a work area.
Get in good Wi-Fi and use extenders if needs be.
It’s All About The Lighting
You’ve been into those grey box-like office buildings with tiny windows and horrible flickering strip lights, and there’s probably no part of you that ever wants to go back!
Lighting is vital in social spaces. In the daytime you’ll want to have the space bathed in fresh natural light from big windows, but in the evening time, you may want to switch to warmer softer lighting that won’t keep everyone awake.
Create Entertainment Spaces
Social spaces need to have a reason for people to get together.
This does depend on what kind of space you are creating, like if it’s a workspace that you want to feel more sociable then perhaps keep the entertainment to a minimum, but if it’s a youth area to get kids to open up, then maybe a few age-appropriate video games might be a good idea.
Don’t Forget the Quiet Spaces
As well as areas for entertainment and gathering, it's a good idea to put in some quiet places for quiet contemplation.
For workspaces, this could mean individual cubicles that feel comfortable, but for youth centers, this could mean areas where one or two people can hang out and talk quietly and in private.
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