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physical space and public life

5/30/2014

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I went through college and graduate school focusing on political science and economics, then earned my doctorate in city planning and social sciences. Being a designer of physical spaces, I’m always aware of the importance visual balance, access and gentleness play in creating a comfortable environment, so when I think of Gracious Space many things resonate within me. I find that when I’m at my best, I make a conscious commitment to creating and growing in Gracious Space all around me.

One specific thing I do to create Gracious Space is attend to the setting. I set up the chairs in a way that gives people leisure. Putting chairs in a circle or near the window brings light and ease to the room. This helps people do the work that’s before them in an unthreatening, supportive, and rewarding way. In simply arranging the chairs in a supportive way people can present themselves to others better and enjoy themselves more. It is wonderful to observe. When they leave the event they feel better about themselves and the potential in the world. The simple matter of chairs and the ability to think in those terms is influential in itself, and in doing this you are thinking about and loving those people, and they can feel it.

A couple of places that I find very gracious are the Elliot Bay Bookstore, the new Seattle Public Library’s Reading Room, Benaroya’s Front Porch, and the new Seattle City Hall. These spaces teach so much about Gracious Space. The point is to go into them without being critical. I meet people on Benaroya’s Front Porch all the time; it’s so accessible. When I go in to the Reading Room at the Seattle Public Library and sit down in one of those soft chairs I feel that I am a member of the universe. These spaces create such Gracious Space. Gracious Space affirms public life, and it’s stunning.

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    Paul Niebanck

1752 NW Market St, #952
Seattle, WA 98107 
206-328-3020
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