Prospect and Refuge

 When designing interior spaces, we often want to keep in mind what elements of architecture will help us feel safe and protected. The Prospect Refuge Theory is a great way of executing this. This theory suggests that people prefer to have an open viewing range of the space they are in and like to sit towards the back of rooms or by walls to ensure security. 

    Because the feeling of being safe is important in all interior spaces, we see it everywhere in both residential and commercial design. In kitchens, sinks are often placed in islands to have an open viewing area of a living room or placed over a window to look outdoors. Open concepts are used so that people cooking in the kitchen can see what is happening in the living space. Other design elements such as one way glass help implement privacy into the space. Beds in bedrooms are usually placed facing a door so that the person can see what is at their door. 

    In public spaces, benches are often placed against walls and caves are included in parks for people to seek refuge. Some college buildings have study spaces with glass so that students can observe their surroundings while they study. High backs are placed on chairs for privacy purposes. In offices, one often sees desks facing towards the door. 

Prospect examples include:

• elevated views 
• mountains, lakes, or a beach 
• distant vistas
  

   Esther Sugihto from medium.com mentions that "Prospect-Refuge suggests that spaces we find most acceptable to be in present us with great opportunity, yet we must be in a place of safety at all time." By implementing Prospect Refuge Theory into interior design, people can feel safe by easily viewing their surroundings. 

Cited Sources 

Sugihto, E. (2016, May 17). Prospect - refuge theory. Medium. Retrieved November 12, 2021, from https://medium.com/@social_archi/prospect-refuge-theory-ca5d80379e51.