[Last modified: November, 15 2024 05:33 PM]
I remember doing a field observation in the IOE study area around the fourth week. In the environment of the IOE study area, the sounds, lighting, and scents not only shaped the physical space but also profoundly affected the bodily sensations and psychological states of those present.
The sound of keyboard typing and the distant conversations in the discussion area acted as white noise, serving as a form of social background noise. This often overlooked sound environment is actually a part of the “technique of the body”, which refers to the ways bodies are used that people learn within specific social and cultural contexts. The body is not passively present in space but learns and adapts through interaction with the surrounding environment. Therefore, our auditory system is not just an organ for receiving sound waves but also a tool for cultural perception. It allows people to adjust their behaviour based on the presence of background noise. For example, when the background noise reaches a certain level, people might unconsciously increase their attention to offset potential distractions.
The dim, yellow lighting and the sweet scent of toffee in the air create a warm, soothing, and slightly sweet atmosphere: the soft lighting reduces visual fatigue, while the sweet scent uplifts the mood. Together, these elements effectively promote relaxation and concentration. In this carefully designed sensory environment, people’s behaviour patterns also show a clear tendency. Compared to more stimulating or formal learning environments, users here are more likely to immerse themselves in their studies or thoughts, with social interactions tending to be subdued and restrained. This is not only due to the comfort of the environment itself but also because the environment conveys a non-verbal norm through sensory means, suggesting that every move here should be gentle and slow.
The interaction between the body and the environment also manifests through the passage of time, as I have observed. As the day progresses, changes in the flow of people and the intensity of activities within the environment, in turn, affect individual behaviour and physical states. The patterns of people arriving and leaving in the afternoon reflect how individuals adjust their behaviour based on the social dynamics of the environment. When the environment becomes noisier or more crowded, individuals may choose to leave, a direct physical response to environmental changes, and a self-regulation strategy to maintain personal comfort and efficiency. This choice of behaviour reveals how people make decisions based on bodily sensations and how they adapt to or alter their surroundings by moving or changing locations.