For a user, occupation of a space triggers a set of behaviour. For space occupation, a user has to find the most appropriate location, orientation, body posture, facilities, amenities, and environment. One of the most natural spot for occupation is the geometric focal point in the space, or even establish a new one.
This is achieved by
1 Positioning own self at some important location (a cris-cross point of many spatial lines),
2 by orienting to some dominating feature of the space (like an entrance door, window),
3 by being closer to some presence (wall, column, furniture),
4 by associating with other occupants (through ‘social distancing’).
Here other operative factors are: range of cognition (capacity to perceive), physical proximity (level of social interaction), scale of relationship (age, social status), nature of relationship (sex, familiarity) and possibilities of communication.
The user also needs to have some control over the space to be occupied, such as:
1 Opportunity to change the location and position (including the posture) within the space;
2 Choice to interact or not with others;
3 Adjust the spatial quality at micro level (scale and schedule wise) and thereby the environmental conditions;
4 Be noticed or notice others;
5 Form sub-core zones,
6 Shift to peripheral zones and be able to conduct exclusive tasks;
7 Ways and means to leave the space either in full knowledge of others or without being noticed.
A user, unless is an owner of a domain, will not be allowed to change
1 architectonic character of the space,
2 import, shift or relocate amenities and facilities,
3 alter the quality of environment that perhaps is not acceptable to others.
In very large spaces adjacent walls, hedges, mid columns, flower pots, water fountains, lamp posts, flooring, ceiling, and such other patterns and objects provide points of anchorage for space occupation. Spatial configurations like a stage, podiums, projection screens, speakers, singers, vivid objects, also hold interest by providing involvement.
In parties, hosts make a conscious effort to break intimate formations by removing or adding key or active persons, or repositioning and rescheduling the activities. In clubs and places of entertainment the environment (lighting, furniture, equipment) and programmes are reset to shift the focus off certain space segments. Group gatherings are designed to occupy different space segments (hall, terrace, lounge, library, garden lawn, etc.), variegated environmental conditions (bright vs diffused illumination, change of music, etc.) and diversions (toast by the host, magic shows, musical renderings, dancing, etc.).