Consensus building is a mediation approach in the field of conflict resolution. It involves a neutral third-party facilitator leading stakeholders through a dialogue process to help them develop mutually agreed-upon solutions to their problems (United Nations, 2011). Effective communication in a consensus building process is key to a successful outcome (Susskind, McKearnen, & Thomas-Larmer, 1999), and multiple experts across diverse fields of study stress the fact that communication is profoundly impacted by the built environment in which it is occurs (Lewin, 1936; Rappoport, 1982; Gudykunst & Kim, 1984; Rodriguez, 2005). It stands to reason, then, that the design of the built environment in which consensus building is occurring may impact the success of the communication, and ultimately the success of developing solutions to conflict. When examining scholarly conflict resolution literature specifically written for professional mediators, however, there is little systematic discussion of the built environment and its potential impact on communication and consensus building outcomes. Mediation expert Suzanne Ghais (2005) notes that her recommendations for addressing interior considerations come solely from personal experience and oral tradition among practitioners. This author's study therefore seeks to identify interior environment qualities or features that enhance consensus building in Western societies. That is, the study's goal is to generate guidelines for dispute professionals that aid them in selecting and/or modifying interior spaces for successful consensus building processes and events. Additionally, the study may be assistive to design professionals responsible for creating such supportive spaces. Twelve environmental aspects emerged from the review of literature that likely influence communication and behavior within a space, including symbolic meaning; personal space; space planning; materials and finishes; windows and views of nature; lighting; indoor air quality and odor; ambient temperature; sound and noise; auxiliary spaces; security, safety and surveillance; and environmental control. The study used quantitative and qualitative data gathering and organization methods in a two-phased process involving 476 members of the Association for Conflict Resolution, the largest trade organization of dispute professionals in North America (Association for Conflict Resolution, 2012). Respondents assessed and verified the potential impact of each of the proposed twelve aspects on communication in a consensus building process, identified key factors that related to each, and proposed additional or alternative categories based on their personal professional experience. Results showed that each of the twelve environmental aspects was valued by participants, and that each of the aspects can exert at least some influence on consensus building processes. No additional or alternative environmental categories were identified within the scope of interior design that may influence consensus building. Particularly assistive is the emergence of eight themes that potentially may be used as a guideline for assessing the twelve interior environment aspects in a space used for consensus building. They are: a lack of distractions; comfort; confidentiality; safety; positive tone; parity; support of space planning logistics; and flexibility. The establishment of environmental guidelines for conflict resolution may ultimately assist in an increased likelihood of unhindered communication that is the foundation to successful consensus building. / A Thesis submitted to the Department of Interior Design in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts. / Summer Semester, 2012. / June 29, 2012. / Conflict, Consensus, Design, Environment, Interior, Resolution / Includes bibliographical references. / Jill Pable, Professor Directing Thesis; Lisa Waxman, Committee Member; Peter Munton, Committee Member.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_183074 |
| Contributors | Purvis, Anthony (authoraut), Pable, Jill (professor directing thesis), Waxman, Lisa (committee member), Munton, Peter (committee member), Department of Interior Design (degree granting department), Florida State University (degree granting institution) |
| Publisher | Florida State University, Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English, English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, text |
| Format | 1 online resource, computer, application/pdf |
| Rights | This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). The copyright in theses and dissertations completed at Florida State University is held by the students who author them. |
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