Utilizing architectural features to establish group boundaries is important because this can contribute to social cohesion among work groups. Having areas such as common areas can provide instances of unplanned social interaction between employees which can foster social support that in turn alleviates stress. 

Utilizing architectural features to establish group boundaries 

Restricting the size of work sections do have limits. If the social density (number of people per area) is too large then individuals must manage more relationships which can create more stress. If the social density is too small there will not be much social interaction at all. A general rule of thumb that the design community has adopted is about 10-15 people per team space. 


Restricting the size of work sections within the boundaries

Most research done consistently reports a strong desire for privacy among employees. Privacy is largely a matter of being able to control information whether it is information about oneself or information about others. When one has the ability to control their environment and what information gets out and in, the effects of stressors are nonexistent thus allowing you to manage social interactions appropriately.


Providing proper privacy mechanisms that allow individuals to manage social interactions.

Social relations largely has to do with any interpersonal relationship between two or more individuals. The dimensions in the workplace are important because a well designed workplace can improve social relations among co workers by utilizing architectural features to establish group boundaries, restricting the size of work sections within the boundaries, and providing proper privacy mechanisms that allow individuals to manage social interactions. 

Michigan State University

1. Social Relations 
2. Attention Focus 
3. Stress Reduction 
4. Photobiology 

Processes that aim to enhance employees mental health and well being by improving on-site workplace conditions

Veitch, Jennifer. “Workplace Design Contributions to Mental Health and Well-Being.” HealthcarePapers, vol. 11, no. sp, 2011, pp. 38–46., https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpap.2011.22409. 


Workplace Design Contributions to Mental Health and Well-Being


Social Relations 

Stress reduction is a big focus when trying to figure out how to improve ones well being for individuals in the workplace. Among the many different environmental features known to aid in recovery from stressful experiences, research has shown that simply having a window with a view can greatly decrease stress. Studies have also demonstrated that patients in hospitals whose windows provided views with a view of nature recovered more quickly and used less pain medication than those with no view. On top of that, people who had offices with more attractive views reported better sleep quality and reduced discomfort. 


Stress Reduction

It is normal for people to be distracted every so often but for certain individuals it is a more persistent problem.  These are individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers and Doctors now recognize that the persistence of ADHD throughout ones life has many effects on performance and success in the workplace. 

Attention Focus (ADHD)

Photobiology is the study of the effects of light on humans. Researchers have shown that having access to light from a window increases tryptophan uptake which is a precursor of serotonin and can in turn improve social behavior and alleviate stress.  This effect can also help explain how hospital patients with depression had shorter stays if they were in a room that received more sunshine than rooms that did not have direct sunlight.


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