Understanding Psychogeography

Psychogeography is a branch of applied psychology that studies how the arrangement of objects, furniture, and people in a space communicates additional, often unconscious, information about status and relationships during interactions. Whether in negotiations, trainings, seminars, lectures, or personal conversations, the spatial setup can reveal who holds authority and who is subordinate.

Historically, people have used spatial arrangements to signal hierarchy. For example, in old Russia, the “red corner” was reserved for honored guests. In modern political events, the guest of honor sits to the right of the host, and the second most important guest sits to the left. These traditions have evolved into a kind of nonverbal language widely understood in politics and business.

If you want to demonstrate dominance in a process, such as negotiations, you should show that you control more space. Psychogeography identifies three main factors in managing space: possession, security, and external supports.

Personal Zones and Communication

People have “personal zones” that define the distance at which they feel comfortable communicating. The closest is the intimate zone, ranging from 6 to 20 inches (15 to 50 cm) depending on the culture. Only close friends or family are allowed into this space, and it often implies a level of intimacy.

The side of this zone is usually slightly smaller than the front or back. If you need to discuss personal or sensitive matters, it’s easier to sit beside someone rather than face-to-face. Sitting directly across from someone can subconsciously create a sense of confrontation. Moving closer or farther away can either invade personal space or maintain a comfortable distance, affecting the sense of security.

In summary, psychogeography influences and reflects the quality of relationships and interactions between people.

Group Dynamics and Space Arrangement

Psychogeography has a significant impact on teams, leadership, and group dynamics. The arrangement of furniture in a meeting room, for example, sends a meta-message about the type of interaction expected among group members.

• Circle: Encourages feedback and interaction among all members, symbolizing equality.
• Rectangular Table: Creates a sense of hierarchy, focusing attention on the person at the head of the table, then those to the right and left.
• Semicircle: Directs attention to what’s in front of the group, implying equal status but a shared focus.
• Single Line: Focuses the group on a common goal but reduces interaction among members.

To stimulate productivity in different types of group processes, you can organize the space accordingly:

• Circle: Best for brainstorming sessions.
• Semicircle: Ideal for planning and understanding how to achieve a specific goal, as it focuses attention on the task rather than relationships.
• Single Line: Useful for critique or evaluation, as members are more likely to respond from their own perspective without conforming to others.

Nonverbal Communication and Space Ownership

During communication, 80-85% of information is transmitted nonverbally. Sitting directly across from someone without any barrier exposes more information than if a table is between you. The table acts as a barrier, hiding about half of the nonverbal cues and creating a shared space that can become a point of contention.

If you visit someone for negotiations and they sit behind a desk, that desk is their territory. Attempting to claim that space may cause discomfort. Items like ashtrays, cups, or notebooks placed at the edge of the table create additional boundaries. Try moving a small object from the edge toward the center during a conversation and observe the reaction—it’s a subtle way to test space ownership.

Placing your papers directly on someone’s desk is a way of invading their space. If you hand them the papers and they place them on their desk, they acknowledge your presence in their territory, meaning you’ve captured some of their attention.

When entering a manager’s office, the arrangement often signals their control: the desk, the meeting table, and the manager’s position near the wall all reinforce their authority. You may be shown where to sit, often at a distance unless you are a close associate.

External Supports and Stability

According to psychogeography, using external supports is an important factor in space ownership. People seek stability in their environment through these supports. For example, a listener who nods or shows interest provides external support to a speaker. A manager may have a portrait of the president behind them or display awards and certificates to reinforce their authority and remind themselves and others of their achievements. A podium can also serve as an external support, helping speakers feel more stable and confident.

If a speaker steps away from their support, such as a podium or chair, they may feel less confident and struggle to communicate as effectively.

Applying Psychogeography in Negotiations

To use psychogeography effectively in negotiations, start by observing the space where you’re invited. If someone has a wall behind them, they feel secure. People who lack confidence may sit in a corner for extra protection. If you’re seated with an unprotected space (like a window or door) behind you, you may feel less confident. At the negotiation table, notice if people start to claim your space by moving objects toward you or building “barriers” with napkins, cups, or other items—these can serve as psychological shields and reduce emotional connection.

Again, sitting side by side makes it easier to discuss personal matters, while sitting face-to-face can create a sense of opposition. Adjusting your position can help maintain comfort and security for both parties.

Types of Relationships and Spatial Arrangements

• Direct relationships: Conversation or confrontation (face-to-face, close proximity).
• Less direct: Face-to-face but at a distance, with reduced interaction intensity.
• Partners: Standing side by side, looking in the same direction (“we” orientation).
• Support or mentorship: Slightly behind and to the side of the other person.

Right and Left Perception

The placement of people and objects to the right or left also affects perception. Items on the right are often seen as rational or logical. If someone holds a pen or newspaper in their right hand, it may signal a need for rational stability. Those lacking external emotional support may rely more on their left hand.