Event boundaries — what are they and how are they used to create better corporate interiors?

For interior designers working in corporate spaces, understanding the concept of “event boundaries” can be a game-changer. This term, coined by psychologists at the University of Notre Dame, refers to the mental shift that occurs when we pass through doorways. These transitions effectively compartmentalize thoughts and memories from one environment to the next. This understanding is crucial for creating impactful corporate spaces that enhance client and employee experiences.

How Doorway Placement Influences Corporate Interior Design

Research shows that passing through a doorway triggers an “event boundary” in the mind, causing the thoughts from the previous room to recede and allowing for a mental reset. This phenomenon is pivotal in corporate interior design, especially in areas like receptions, boardrooms, and meeting rooms. By strategically placing doorways, you can control the flow of thoughts and emotions, setting the stage for positive interactions and successful outcomes.

Some of the findings from this research were quite interesting. For example, subjects forgot more after walking through a doorway compared to moving the same distance within a room, indicating that doorways hinder memory retrieval from the previous space. When subjects moved objects across a room versus through a doorway, those who passed through doorways experienced diminished memories, mirroring virtual environment results. Finally, subjects returning to the original room after passing through several doorways still showed no improvement in memory, underscoring the doorway’s role as a significant event boundary.

Applying Event Boundaries in Luxury Interior Design

Incorporating the concept of event boundaries can enhance the overall flow and harmony of the office space. Here are four tips to optimize your corporate interiors with effective doorway placement:

Consistency in Design

Ensure the look and feel of your entrance and reception areas are seamlessly carried through to other public spaces. This consistency reinforces your company’s ethos and brand, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment.

Maintain Public Spaces

Keep all public and client-facing areas well-maintained, neat, and tidy. Implement a checklist and schedule daily inspections, especially first thing in the morning, to ensure these spaces always look their best.

Optimize Doorway Width

Where possible, design wide doorways and entrances. A wider transition enhances the experience, making the movement between spaces feel more significant and less disruptive.

Encourage Open Doorways

If feasible, keep doors between different areas open. This practice allows for better energy flow and creates a more spacious and connected atmosphere.

Enhance Your Corporate Spaces with Expert Design Services

Incorporating event boundaries and strategic doorway placement can significantly improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your corporate interiors. Whether you need expert advice for luxury interior design, high-end home interiors, or corporate interior design services in San Francisco, we are here to help.

Do you need assistance designing your “event boundaries”? We would be happy to arrange a consultation and provide a professional assessment. Feel free to send me an email at liza@lizaevans.com. I look forward to hearing from you.