Evolutionary Bedroom Design (08-13-10)

Researchers have recently studied preferred bedroom design, and their findings support conclusions that have been drawn by biophilic design experts.  Study participants asked by Sporrle and Stich to position a bed and other furniture on a floor plan, “predominantly positioned the bed in a way that (a) allowed them to see the door, (b) was as distant as possible from the door, and (c) was on the side of the room toward which the door opened [this means that a person in bed would not be seen immediately when the door is opened].”  Sporrle and Stich found that when a window was included on the floor plan and that window could not be monitored from the same position as the door, a few less people placed the bed so that it faced the door (79%); 87% oriented the bed so that they could see the door when the situation complicating window was not present.  These findings have repercussions for the design of sleeping spaces in homes, hospitals, and hotels and also provide insights into the design of other spaces where it is desirable for people to feel comfortable.

Matthias Sporrle and Jennifer Stich.  2010.  “Sleeping in Safe Places:  An Experimental Investigation of Human Sleeping Place Preferences from an Evolutionary Perspective.”  Evolutionary Psychology, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 405-419.