The usage of space in communication is very telling of feelings or attitude. There are three sub-categories of proxemics that this section will deal with: fixed, semi-fixed, and non-fixed, or informal, feature elements. Each of these elements is telling of ideas or sentiments that are attempting to be communicated.
Fixed-Feature Elements
Fixed feature elements are, for the most part, permanent and by their location and arrangement are used to communicate something specific. An example of fixed-feature element is a floor or a wall. A floor or wall conveys a boundary that is not to be crossed.
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Size:
Another aspect of fixed-feature elements is size. One’s perception of the effectiveness or success of a particular event or situation can be based largely on how the size of the accommodation relates to the event size itself. Having a small activity in a large room can make one believe the event was not a success because the room looked empty. A small room attempting to house a large party may seem uncomfortable or awkward if a lot of people are crammed into it.
Semi-fixed feature elements are objects that are movable and changeable. The way that these objects are placed in a particular environment communicates many things. One of the things that are communicated is the open-ness or interactivity of the room. As displayed in these pictures, the owners of the living room with the fancy, brown leather couches are more than likely communicating that the room is formal and to be respectful while the owners of the room with the black couches are more likely to be conveying that the room is informal and is more for casual, get-together settings.
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Positioning Value:
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Color:
Color is another semi-fixed object. Color represents many things, one of which being moods of individuals. Color can manipulate one’s mood dramatically. The color of the room in this picture creates a very calming, relaxing environment.
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| http://kebejan.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Decorating-Colored-Living-Room-Sofa-Sets.jpg |
Non-Fixed Feature Elements
Non-fixed feature elements are, “People themselves, their dress, hairstyles, proxemics, kinesics, and other non-verbal behaviors are aspects of the non-fixed elements of the environments” (Laconte, 1979). Non-fixed space is also, “space maintained between interactants without being aware of it” (ciil-ebooks.net).
Appearance:
A person's weight is a non-fixed feature. One can gain and lose weight and communicate that the state of his or her body before the transformation is not a desirable one.
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Another aspect of non-fixed feature elements is the space between interactants. Whether consciously or not, we all have comfort boundaries between other people and we adhere to those during conversations.
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Spatial elements of proxemics convey many messages, consciously and subconsciously. Each of the three sub-categories discussed in this post allow for messages to be sent in various ways. Fixed, semi-fixed, and non-fixed features of proxemics are very prevalent in every day life, whether we notice it or not, and we participate in it knowingly or not.
References:
King, Anthony D., Buildings and Society: Essays on the Social Development of the Built Environment, (1984)
Laconte, Pierre, Gibson, John E., Rapoport, Amos, North Atlantic Treaty Organization; Human and energy factors in urban planning: a systems approach; July 2-13, 1979
Thirumalai, M. S., Silent Talk- Nonverbal Communication,
Hall, Judith A., Knapp, Mark L., Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction, March 12, 2009
thank you
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