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Chapter 1 The Human Need for Housing
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Privacy
People need privacy to maintain good mental
health. Sometimes they need to be completely alone,
where others cannot see or hear what they are
doing. Sometimes, too, they want to avoid seeing
and hearing what others are doing. They may want
to think, daydream, create, read, or study without
being disturbed (Figure 1.11).
Since the need for privacy varies among people,
it can be satisfi ed in a number of ways. One of the
most extreme ways is to live alone in a dwelling that
is set apart from other dwellings. Another way is
to have a private room or some other private place
where people can enter only when invited.
Some people may not have the opportunity to
live alone or have their own private place. However,
they can still meet their need for privacy. Doing a
task alone—such as mowing the lawn or driving
a car—provides some privacy. A chair that is set
apart from other furnishings in a room can create a
sense of privacy. Also, solitary activities that require
concentration, such as woodworking or piano
playing, can free people from interacting with others.
Even the sound of a TV or music playing gives some
degree of privacy. It isolates a person from sounds
made by others.
Family and Group Relationships
If people believe the well-being of their family
and other people in the household are important,
they consider this factor when making housing
Photo Courtesy of JELD-WEN Windows and Doors
Figure 1.10 This bed allows part of the room to be used for other activities.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1.11 This area provides privacy for a teen to work
on the computer.