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The Power of Places. On physical places and their effects.

"What did you see on holiday?" Bernhard wanted to know. "Mostly the Maya cities, Tikal for example, and I must say: it was really impressive." - "Oh I know, I once saw a documentary film about them." – "Yes, but when you’re really there and standing in front of the temples and buildings – surrounded by the rainforest – believe me: No film can come close to that, no matter how interesting it is, you simply must experience it!"


Vacation locations

Whether Tikal, Rome or a high Alpine chalet – the simple fact that we visit other places in our free time demonstrates what a power of attraction they have for us. Photos, videos and descriptions are simply not enough – you must go there yourself!

Have you been on a mountain peak during the past few years for example? Remember what it was like? The long climb and then the feeling of being up above the world. Endless views all around you – valleys and hills, forests; the pure air filling your lungs at every breath.

How did you feel? Free? Easy? Or has it been a long time since you were up on a mountain? Then think of a palm lined beach, a desert, a forest overhung with mists. Simply remembering each of theses very different places has a special effect on us. The real effect, however, is when we are actually present in the place itself.


Places of power

We don’t just feel such emotional effects in places that are pure nature – although the link with nature was of the greatest importance in early history. The centres of religious cults of the most different peoples for example, were frequently at sites that appear to have some very special power or symbolism. An ancient tree, a spring or a remarkable rock formation determined the place and the heavenly bodies defined the direction in which it was aligned.


Mankind designs

Even if the power of place continues to play an important role – objects and building created by human beings began to gain more significance as time rolled on. Something also emanated from these that awakened our thoughts and above all our emotions, and they are now the thing that gives a location a special aura. Architecture became the expression of a view of life and the bearer of an intention. Think above all of religious buildings which not only serve as a gathering place for believers, but also provide an expression of the faith itself. Even non-believers often find that these places have a very special effect.


Culture and sport

There are plenty of other examples too, of course, of places with a special power. Museums and opera houses often have a similar effect. Quite apart from what is exhibited or the opera performed – the place alone stimulates the feeling. Memories and expectations are linked to it as much as the experience of the here and now. This also applies to places that are used for quite different purposes – such as for sports events. Going to a football stadium is an entirely different experience to watching a match at home on television. The place, the people, the mood, the game – all of this combines in an experience for a specific period of time. It is true: thee are plenty of people who do not like going to sports stadiums, just as there are people who stay shy of museums or churches – but even this proves that places have an effect on us – whether pleasant or unpleasant.


History and image

Places are often shaped by the events that took place there. This applies to Mecca and Jerusalem as much as to Waterloo and Maastricht – history is linked to these and many other places, which frequently still emanate their power. Not everybody knows where Waterloo or Maastricht really are, but everyone knows what is meant by "experiencing one’s Waterloo" and it is also well known that Maastricht has something to do with the EU. The place has become a synonym for an event or a set of rules that was worked out there. Kyoto for example stands for climate protection, the Treaty of Lisbon was long a hot issue, and Basel II is a term every business person knows. This is how knowledge is anchored to locations – and this in an increasingly mobile world.


The place shapes the people

Of course one and the same place can have a different effect on different people – personal experiences connected either with this or a similar place play a significant role in all of this in precisely the same manner as specific personal tastes. But we can see certain trends. The architectural psychologist Rotraut Walden has named four drivers behind the sense of wellbeing we derive from a location: a clear function, aesthetics, social experience and the successful integration of the location with nature. She is not the only one who is convinced: The place shapes the people. It has a constant and implicit effect on them.

In a world that is ever more mobile and virtual you might think that physical locations are losing their significance. In fact, the opposite is true: the more mobile our lifestyle, the greater our need for a specific place. It represents a fixed point that gives us support; at work as well. In times like these in particular when knowledge workers can do their job almost anywhere, the office is gaining an entirely new significance. It is turning into a coordination point and a hub for knowledge work.

Besides: Just the way you get to know people better face-to-face than by e-mail or on the phone, the same holds true for entire companies. You don’t really feel the spirit of a company until you are in its office, whether you are a customer, a business partner or an employee. This is where you get a feeling for the company and where the corporate culture is manifested. This is where you can find a motivating environment that can be unique and inspiring. Knowledge workers appreciate this.

Apropos knowledge workers: There will be lots more about knowledge workers and the locations they use for their work in the next issue of Office.Info Trendletter.


Ronnie Sambor