Introverts Need Love Too

'In a gentle way, you can shake the world.' -Mahatma Gandhi

In recent years, most of the marketing and dialogue around property amenities (and even proptech) has been about building community and increasing social engagement. The pandemic has added to this. Predictions are leaning towards the notion that people can't wait to get back out in the real world and start being around people again.  

But for some, the pandemic was a bit of a blessing. There were no obligations to socialize at the office, in large groups or crowds, or get stuck on public transportation. This isn’t a small group either. According to most research, up to half of the people in the world identify themselves as introverts. Yet when most people think about designing amenities for residential and work environments, it tends to center around features geared at extroverts. From open work areas and engagement areas to ever-growing lounges and community spaces. But there is a reason that the quiet car is the most popular one on the Acela and that private offices are so coveted.

Susan Cain’s seminal Quiet highlighted the introverts’ plight in finding more quiet environments to think, reflect, and focus permeated the mainstream consciousness. Consequently, more conscious efforts are starting to be made to cater to the needs of the other 50%. 

At URBN, we let the quiet crowd know that we hear them -- giving them a voice in directing our physical amenities spaces and programs. Here are our tips on how you can cater to the needs of introverts in your residential and working spaces.

Residential Space Design for Introverts

In residential amenities, we create private offices and individual and small group meditation spaces. When looking at lounge and co-working spaces, we use materials and furniture groupings that acknowledge that many people just want to be left alone for a little while and find a little slice of solitude. 

For the introvert who needs quiet spaces to recharge, subtle modifications can be made to evoke a peaceful and calming atmosphere that introverts need. Neutral tones and shades that are calming and gentle to the eye help to create a balanced and elegant atmosphere in living spaces. 

When it comes to furniture, less can be more for introverts - having a minimalist approach by reducing the number of furnishings and matching the color schemes of furniture to that of the surroundings further accentuates a calming atmosphere. Using furniture and decor with sound dampening features reduces echoes and other discordant sounds. 

Residential Amenity Design for Introverts

In the wake of the pandemic, work, school, and play had to take place within residences. From a work standpoint, co-working and learning spaces have become essential for working professionals and students. For introverts who work best with minimal distractions and quiet conditions, cubicles can be installed within these working spaces for individuals who prefer to work alone or within small groups. 

Soundproof booths can also be installed to contain conversations within the booths and avoid audio distractions. Some co-working spaces also have quiet rooms which can be used for meditation or to catch a quick snooze, with sofas or cushions to kick back and relax from work or studies. Such facilities could actually boost the wellbeing of inhabitants. Research by the National Sleep Foundation found that 30 minutes or so of catnapping “reduces sleepiness, improves learning, aids memory formation and regulates emotions”.

Amenities at residential properties could similarly be tweaked to accommodate the needs of introverts. Gyms can have segmented workout and meditation spaces for individuals who prefer solitary exercise sessions. Additionally, not everyone’s idea of a Friday night is to head out to bars to socialize; building games and movie lounges for smaller social gatherings may do better for residents who prefer a social night in. Besides indoor amenities, outdoor landscaping can incorporate private patios and secluded garden areas cordoned off by landscaping and hedges, for introverts looking to take a break and have a private moment outdoors.

Professional Working Spaces for Introverts

A similar trend to co-working spaces in residential buildings is taking place in commercial buildings. 

While the previous trend in commercial property development was open office spaces intended to foster “interaction”, newer work environments are now incorporating a balance of open and closed office space setups to accommodate a range of needs in recognition of staff who are introverts. 

The same tenets used in developing residential spaces for introverts could similarly apply in a work setting. Building spaces with minimal decor and furniture minimises visual distractions and helps employees focus better. Private offices or discussion rooms can be fitted with privacy glass that can be made opaque depending on the needs of the user(s). Similarly, soundproofing rooms would minimize animated discussions from leaking out or from other working spaces. 

In offices, we create phone-free zones and meditative niches and places in the cafeteria where you can dine in peace and quiet. As with co-working spaces, modern offices could also be fitted with reflection rooms for employees to catch a meditative break or a quick snooze throughout the working day. 

Wrapping It Up

Not all residents or employees (even extroverted ones!) are constantly seeking novel experiences or stimulation. The human mind benefits from and needs moments of hiatus (even briefly) to take a break from the constant barrage of stimulation and engagement in our daily lives. 

In an age of information overload, spaces that meet these needs and provide moments of respite and peace are more coveted and invaluable than ever.