Shelter: Supported from Behind, Covered from Above

A corner that provides a sense of enclosure. The back of the seat is a solid wall or high back, preventing anyone from approaching from behind; the ceiling above this area is deliberately lowered or has an extended panel, forming a partial cover; there is partial enclosure on both sides—perhaps a low wall, a set of bookshelves, or a grille. This small space is just large enough to accommodate one or two people, with slightly lower illumination than the surroundings, and made of soft, sound-absorbing materials. From inside, one can clearly see the outside space and distant windows, but it is not easy for outsiders to look in. This position, where one can “hide yet see out,” is where people feel most relaxed. Avoid: placing the seat in the center of an open room, keeping the ceiling above at a normal height, using bright lighting, making the surroundings completely enclosed so one cannot see out.

Translated from Chinese by AI.

一個提供包覆感的角落。座位的背後是一面實牆或高背,不會有人從後方接近;上方的天花在這個區域刻意降低或有一片伸出的板,形成局部的遮蓋;兩側有部分的圍合——可能是一段矮牆、一組書架或一片格柵。這個小空間的尺度剛好容納一到兩個人,照度比周圍略低,材質是柔軟而吸音的。從裡面可以清楚看見外面的空間與遠處的窗,但外面不容易看進來。這種「藏得住又看得出去」的位置是人最放鬆的地方。避免:把座位放在開放的房間中央、讓上方的天花維持一般高度、使用明亮的照明、讓四周完全封閉看不出去。