PROXEMICS
Proxemics (from the Latin proximare = to approach) is a book that deals with spatial constellations of communication or interaction partners in an experimental and photographic way.
The present day is characterised by political tensions and an increasingly divided society. The basis of a functioning democracy is dialogue: Only with a positive dialogue culture can conflicts be settled and wars avoided. Successful dialogue requires, above all, elementary rules of conduct such as listening and mutual respect.
Spatial factors also play a role. What does the 6-metre-long table that stands between Russian President Vladimir Putin and other politicians actually do to the conversation? Why do talk shows tend to use round tables? How can good design promote democracy? What role does the alignment of the dialogue partners’ pairs of eyes play?
This book experimentally explores the influence of space on communication. It is divided into four sections: Distance, constellation, orientation and form, with the boundaries between the works being fluid. The aim is to enable a comparison of the different situations.
The book consists out of 108 pages and four postcards. The origin of the project was the “Making the in-between visible” by Prof. Susanne Stahl. The project was nominated for the Brandenburg Design Award in the category “Young Professionals | Communication Design”.
Student research project by May-Britt Franzen and Birte Rauch
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