Space Occupation and Interaction Zones (Hall's Proxemia)

Intimate and personal distance: Boundaries and contexts.

Proxemia, a term coined by anthropologist Edward T. Hall, classifies interpersonal space into distinct zones.

Intimate distance (approximately 0 to 45 cm) is reserved for very close relationships, such as family members or partners, and high-trust interactions.

Invading this zone in a professional context is almost always inappropriate and can generate great discomfort.

Personal distance (approximately 45 cm to 1.2 meters) is appropriate for conversations with close friends, family and colleagues.

In the workplace, this distance may be appropriate for one-on-one interactions with people with whom you have some familiarity or in informal conversations, fostering a connection without being intrusive.

It is crucial to respect these boundaries, as violating them can be perceived as disrespectful or even aggressive.

Social and public distance: Use in business and presentations.

Social distance (approximately 1.2 to 3.6 meters) is the predominant zone for more formal business and professional interactions.

It is ideal for meetings, group discussions and conversations with clients or superiors with whom there is no close personal relationship.

This distance allows for clear communication while maintaining a degree of formality and respect for individual space.

Public distance (more than 3.6 meters) is typically used in public speaking situations, such as presentations, conferences or speeches to large groups.

This greater separation is necessary to address a large audience, allowing the speaker to project his or her voice and maintain an overview of the group, while establishing a clear distinction between the speaker and the listeners.

Adapting distance for collaboration (Roundtable vs. Classroom)

The physical layout of the space and the interpersonal distance it fosters have a direct impact on group dynamics and collaboration.

Roundtable-style environments, where participants sit in a circle or around a table without a clear head table, tend to reduce interpersonal distances (often by positioning themselves in the near personal or social zone) and promote a sense of equality and inclusiveness.

This arrangement facilitates open interaction and the exchange of ideas among all members.

In contrast, frontal "classroom" arrangements, with a leader or presenter at the front and the audience in rows, reinforce hierarchy and centralized control.

A proxemically aware leader can strategically adapt the layout of the space and his or her own location (e.g., sitting among the team rather than at the head) to encourage collaboration or, when necessary, maintain a more formal, directive structure.

Summary

Hall's proxemia classifies interpersonal space. Intimate distance (up to 45 cm) is reserved for very close relationships and is inappropriate in professional contexts.

Personal distance (up to 1.2 m) is for close colleagues. Social distance (1.2 to 3.6 m) is predominant in formal business, meetings and group discussions.

Public distance (more than 3.6 m) is used for speaking in front of large groups. Adapting the layout of the space, such as a round table, encourages collaboration over hierarchy.