What Makes Your Office Space Creative?

What kind of office space do you work in? Did you know that your environment has a real effect on your creativity and how well your brain works?

Well, you probably intuitively know that, but now the behavioral scientists have done some empirical studies to prove that high ceilings boost creativity. Maybe that's why I love our home and my office here in Ajijic: the ceilings and windows go up 18 feet in some rooms.

Here's an interesting recap of the scientific research from Scientific American Mind magazine and the Neuromarketing blog (which I highly recommend you subscribe to if you're interested in how your brain works).

Emily Anthes of Scientific American Mind has written an excellent survey of recent research in the field, How Room Designs Affect Your Work and Mood. Scientists are unearthing tantalizing clues about how to design spaces that promote creativity, keep people focused and alert, and lead to relaxation and social intimacy.

In an post called Neuroarchitecture Gets More Attention , Roger Dooley makes the case for neuroarchitecture and talks about how higher ceilings produce more creative thinkers.

Research also shows that more green space and natural views help concentration. Here's the view from my desk:

I have to add one more thing to an office that boosts creativity: walking around space. Studies also show that movement helps people think. I even have a stationery bike next to my desk that I use for reading books while pedaling...

What steps have you taken to make your writing space more conducive to creative thinking?

Comments

[Harry]

In order to remain creative, I find that I must change my surroundings periodically. I love my home office, but simple tricks help me stretch out the periods of creativity.

When the office walls feel stifling, I move to the screened porch in my backyard. There I'm surrounded by changing light and all of the sounds of the neighborhood. Right now I can hear a lawnmower and a pair of doves calling back and forth.

A later change might cause me to move to the garden and a chair by the fountain. A nice breeze and shade from the bamboo grove makes for peaceful thinking.

If I need to share ideas or just have some human interaction, I drive downtown to the Caroline Co-op. It's a great co-working space inhabited by digital nomads of incredible talent.

[Patsi aka The Blog Squad]

Harry, I like this suggestion! And I know what you're talking about. I keep my laptop in the living room and occasionally work from there while listening to MSNBC... The Caroline Co-op sounds fascinating, and a good way to meet digital peeps. Thanks for stopping by.

[Jenny Pilley]

Great post yet again. Both your views sound lovely, but I write in an office but still feel that simple things help me concentrate and trigger the creative flare. I ensure my desk is clutter free and I have all my comfortable things around me. I also have a scenic background on my computer which I guess acts like my window except with that I can change my outlook as frequently as I like without leaving the room.

[Sara F.]

This is a wonderful article. I didn't realize how important your office space was or how much it could affect your creativity.
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