“Creativity consists of at least four components: the creative process, the creative product, the creative person, and the creative situation.” – R.Brown
If we adopt this approach it can be said that creative spaces are both physical and psychological. The space that surrounds us; the sky, the trees, the air, the buildings, the roof and the walls make up physical creative space. The way we use our minds to think can be considered mental creative space. These interact with eachother on a regular basis. Creatives constantly draw inspiration from the environment around them.
Spain
Switzerland
Are our creative spaces a reflection of our work? Or, is our work a reflection of the space in which we are in? For example, if my studio was overlooking the bustling centre of Madrid my work will take on a vastly different tone to that of working in the picturesque Zurich, Switzerland. I would most likely be illustrating rather than setting Helvetica. In that respect it is hard to not be influenced by your surroundings, as in this case they would be culturally very strong. However if in a non-specific indoor creative environment, does the ‘creative’ sub-consciously turn the space into a visual representation of his or her own mind or creative mental space? Picture your own creative space or the area directly around you; it is most likely a reflection of your personality and your working process. We design the space as we like it. This seems the logical thing to do, but perhaps not the best. Perhaps in the years to come interior designers will focus more on the psychology of a space and its effects on its occupants, creating the ultimate creative space tailored to the individual.
During my studies a few years ago, I was lucky enough to visit several creative art and design studios in which I observed the nature of each environment and how the designers/artists interacted within it. It was very interesting to see the different approaches to creative space. I am certainly a fan of collaboration and this was a strong feature in each studio. I also believe change is a key factor in promoting creativity. A lot of studios engage in hot-desking, in which each designer moves to a new desk space weekly or monthly. This sea change provides a new view and the chance to engage with different people in the studio.
On top of physical and psychological creative space we have a new phenomenon- Digital Creative Spaces. These are often websites or blogs that have visually inspiring imagery for people to drawn upon (such as the inspiration wall on the Desktop website).
Google Offices, Zurich. Image Copyright Google
Creative people, while brilliant in the mind, still need some visual stimuli. Creative environments are perfect for fostering this creativity. Surrounding yourself with creative people and creative things will always make for interesting outcomes.
We are all different and ultimately respond to different environments. For me, concrete walls and bright white space is a stimulant. I like the furniture to be structured, but I like visual stimuli such as posters, print outs, artwork etc around the walls. Some people like messy studios that give them the ability to have a fluid creative process. Then there are some who like dark hovel type spaces, in which they can crawl into for the day but still surface for a morning coffee.
We all have to find out what type of environment works for us and draw inspiration from that. However, an ever changing and evolving creative space will give the artist/designer the ability to think in new ways, which is the essence of art and design.
Share a link to photo of your creative space (in the comments field below) and see if any comparisons can be drawn.
Jack Mussett is the shortest of the 3 stooges from Melbourne based studio Motherbird.
Sara says at: March 26, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I thought these pods were amazing: http://www.officedesignblog.com/syzygy-agency-office/455/
such simple and minimal design – great open spaces for collaboration, however not much room for privacy. not sure how they look now that they have been used – coffee cups and post it notes everywhere!
jimmi says at: March 26, 2010 at 5:27 pm
oh man, i wish i worked for google. those guys get all the coolest stuff. wonder if it actually pays off though.. has any research been done into increased productivity etc?
KAT says at: March 30, 2010 at 3:38 pm
My creative space is my bed, because I am freelance and do most of my work there. I do have a small desk where I could work, however I end up all day in bed in my pj’s. This probably is not the most productive mode to work in, but for some reason it works for me..