1. Course Code: PSY 30203
Title: Final Project and Group Presentation
Group Members: ID Number
Sonia Mancxia 0317751
Kan Sook San 0319326
Christina Ng 0319671
Hiew Li Ming 0319941
Ricco Soh 0319890
2. Introduction
This project requires us to create a built environment design that reflects a topic of interest
from the ranges of social psychology discussion. The design can be in the form of space or
building. The idea/design must be presented on a mahjong paper with details of the space and
building with colors. We have chosen to work on a breakout space for an office. A breakout
space is a part of a typical office. In terms of functionality, we have decided to make the
space to be more user friendly and also to fit the environment. The breakout space will be the
connecting point between the employees and also employers.
Concept
Stereotype is a thought that can be adopted about specific types of individuals or certain ways
of doing things. These thoughts or beliefs will or will not accurately reflect the reality.
Stereotypes affect people’s social lives, emotions, and how people interact in a certain
environment.
An office is said to be like a small society. It involves individuals from different background
which then creates a barrier between them due to the differences in thoughts and believes.
Nevertheless, they have to work in the same environment and share the same work place.
Apart from working, they also need a space to interact with one another or a place to take a
time out. Therefore, a breakout space is designed to reduce stereotyping in an office.
A breakout space will be designed in a way such that the employees can share the same
facilities regardless their rank, race and gender. The layout of the breakout space is more of
an open concept whereby there are no partitions or whatsoever. Employees will tend to
interact with each other as there are no barriers.
3. In terms of ranking stereotyping, employers will have the chance to communicate with their
staff. So, the breakout space acts as a medium to connect the employers to their staff. This
will reduce the feeling of being more superior than others as there is no special privilege
when they are in that space. In a group of employees, gender stereotyping might occur. Males
would have the preference that they are more capable and superior compared to the females.
In this space, they can interact to understand each other's capabilities and qualities through
communication. There is no specific division for the two genders so they are free to socialize.
Also, in a community, everyone comes from a different background and implement different
cultural practices. Race stereotyping is a common form stereotyping which happens
anywhere and at all times. It is unavoidable but can be reduced if individuals have a space to
understand each other's way of life. In the breakout space, everyone is seen as equal. It is a
mutual space which can reduce the stereotypes as mentioned above.
Purpose
The purpose of constructing this breakout space in an office block is to allow office workers
to have a nice relaxing place during breaks. This breakout will be able to provide a new space
for workers to chill and relax while enjoying the view of the outside world. Besides that, the
space will also encourage people to interact among one another. Having a closer space
between each office worker, all kinds of stereotyping can be reduced.
Structure
The breakout is constructed in a way that it is a comfortable yet functional space for the
office workers. The space is situated at the heart of the office so that the employees from all
levels are able to excess.
4. The space is enclosed with two concrete walls on opposite sites and the other two being glass
windows and panels. Through the glass windows, there is a view of the cityscape with a
contrast to the interior which is more of a simple design. The use of raw materials such as a
wooden deck and concrete flooring with a touch of modern kitchen finishing enhances the
space. Also, a pinch of greenery has been added to the interior. A vertical garden patch at
both sides of the walls near the deck area creates a more natural feel to the space.
The layout of the space is rather simple and straight forward as it is just a rectangular open
space. It is divided into two sections, one being the decked area and one with the cement
flooring. The placement of furniture is taken into consideration whereby it is placed in order,
vertically across the space. The seatings are not as compact but cozy. Also, two square tables
are placed at the area where the wooden decking is which is dedicated for informal meetings.
Extra seatings are located at the island of the kitchen with adjustable high chairs. The seatings
are arranged in different forms for different moods. The kitchen is well-equipped with a
basin, a coffeemaker, a microwave and also a refrigerator for the convenience of the
employees.
Detail Description of space
The breakout space is designed with an open space concept where everyone can interact.
There are no enclosed area or any special location for different individuals. The walls are
painted with earthy colour such as light warm brown colour. The earthy colour creates a calm
atmosphere to the breakout space. Employees will feel more relaxed and will be more open to
issues as they are emotionally and mentally calmed
5. In addition, the ceiling of the break out area is made out of glass and cement. The glass as a
medium to allow the sunlight penetrate directly into the space. The benefits of using skylight
roof is to reduce the use of electrical energy. More important, the daylight affects
physiological positively that can increase the productivity of the employees in many context.
Furthermore, one side of the walls are designed with large panel of tall windows. The
breakout area looks spacious with the use of tall windows. Tall windows also brings in
natural light which will increase the positive energy entering the space.
Open concept kitchen is an extra feature in the breakout. It is a space to let the employees to
prepare meals. People have the perception that only females are the ones that are involved in
preparing meals but it is untrue as males are capable of doing so. This area can clearly reduce
gender stereotyping. Other than that, two small vertical gardens are added on both sides of
the wall near the windows. It adds greenery to the space. The colour green is able to soothe
the eyes after staring at the computer screen for many hours. It also helps to revitalize the
people when they are physically, mentally or emotionally exhausted.
Besides, different types of seating are provided for the employees. The sofa seating with soft
cushions can make the employees feel relaxed and comfortable when having meals. The
employees are able to communicate each other without stressful mind. Thus, it helps the
relationship between the employees to get closer. Lastly, there are some coffee tables and
chairs that are placed near the windows. The arrangement of the chairs around a central table
can reduce the distance between the employees. It also provides somewhere informal
meetings can be held or lunch can be eaten.
