Concurrents – Environmental Psychology: Considering The Clean-Up

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | February 5th, 2018

After the beginning of the year, and sometimes even before that new year kicks off, the idea of cleaning up and getting rid of stuff is top-of-mind. We seem to have a real need to live the motto, “New year, clean start.” It’s hard to fault cleanliness, or envision workplaces that are too clean, but “office clutter” is more difficult to design for and manage. Cleaning is good for our bodies (often) and our minds. A physically clean environment sends messages to us about our culture values. It signals that whoever’s in charge is an intelligent steward of the resources available to them – and that users respect each other and the organization that’s brought them together – so using materials that are cleanable (by mere mortals, without special super powers) and wear well is an important design consideration. Coffee cup rings, ground-in birthday cake residue, on-cabinet handprints (you get …