# Spatial Intimacy: Public Space

Edward T. Hall described the interpersonal distances of man (the relative distances between people) in four distinct zones:

![Proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behaviour, communication and social interaction.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Personal_Spaces_in_Proxemics.svg/630px-Personal_Spaces_in_Proxemics.svg.png)

**Public distance** is used for speeches, lectures and theater; essentially, public distance is that range reserved for larger audiences.

* Close phase – 12 to 25 feet (3.7 to 7.6 m)
* Far phase – 25 feet (7.6 m) or more.

## Example Kohnstammhof at HvA

> "Public space is a place where one may freely enter. This type of territory is rarely in the constant control of just one person. However, people might come to temporarily own areas of public territory." 

### Kohnstammhof

Kohnstammhof is situated in proximity of other HvA-buildings, which means that in itself it is made is to facilitate educational purposes. 

[Architect's point of view on designing Kohnstammhof](https://www.ibelingsvantilburg.nl/projecten/kohnstamm-ensemble-amsterdam-3/)

![](http://www.hva.nl/binaries/threecolumnlandscape/content/gallery/serviceplein/media-creatie-en-informatie/fdmci-algemeen/plattegrond_amstelcampus.jpg)

![https://www.ibelingsvantilburg.nl/projecten/kohnstamm-ensemble-amsterdam-3/](https://www.ibelingsvantilburg.nl/website/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kohnstamm-ensemble-16-768x480.jpg)

![https://www.ibelingsvantilburg.nl/projecten/kohnstamm-ensemble-amsterdam-3/](https://www.ibelingsvantilburg.nl/website/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Kohnstamm-ensemble-15-768x480.jpg)

![https://www.grijsen.nl/amsterdam-kohnstammhof/](https://www.grijsen.nl/wp-content/uploads/Amsterdam-Kohnstammhof-maatwerk-straatmeubilair-buitenbank-1-1200x800.jpg)


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