Prospect and Refuge

 

We all have experienced prospect and refuge, even if you didn't know it. Have you ever been on a balcony? That is an example as being on a balcony gives us refuge as we can see our surroundings while feeling safe. A kitchen sink in an island can also give us this because we are able to see around us while doing task. This stuff is everywhere! Like on subways they have seats facing each other with the back against the side of the subway giving you ease being able to see around you. 

Drawing of a Prospect and Refuge

Without this we can feel uneasy like at night when outside is dark and you can no longer see what's going on out there. We tend to fix this issue by putting up curtains and blinds or turning on outside lights to give us that security. Yes, we can adapt but having the safety feeling without adapting is even better. People can feel safe in public spaces as well that are based on designs created. Like sitting on a bench on a sidewalk with your back against a wall it gives us security knowing that no one can sneak up on us. If you have ever went camping and slept in a tent you have experienced prospect and refuge. You probably felt safer in a shelter then sleeping out in the open and that's normal we all would rather have a type of protection rather than being venerable. There is no way I could sleep outside without a sort of structure keeping me feeling safe. 

Just seeing this makes you feel safe because you can see around you. Even animals do this too. Rabbits live in holes so they feel safe and less likely seen even though they can probably see you. Prospect and refuge are fascinating because we don't tend to know we're doing it but that it is instinct. 

Resources

D'Anza, Christina. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2019). Prospect and Refuge: Refugee Housing. Retrieved from Prospect and Refuge: Refugee Housing | School of Architecture & Urban Planning (uwm.edu)

Faulkner Architects. (2020). Lookout House. Retrieved from https://faulknerarchitects.com/lookouthouse








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