Integrating Sappāya 7 and Environmental Psychology: Sensory Design in Cafés for Enhanced Emotional Health and Cognitive Performance
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Abstract
This scholarly article investigates the significance of cafés as optimal work settings by analyzing their sensory design through the integrated frameworks of environmental psychology and the Buddhist Sappāya 7 model. In an increasingly flexible work culture, cafés have emerged as alternative environments that foster emotional well-being, cognitive efficiency, and creative productivity. The research elucidates how meticulously designed sensory components—visual aesthetics, ambient soundscapes, olfactory experiences, gustatory pleasures, and tactile comfort—significantly affect concentration, emotional states, and cognitive clarity, aligning with established environmental psychology research. Concurrently, the article demonstrates how the Sappāya 7 principles, emphasizing conducive environments for mindfulness, serenity, and harmonious living, are inherently satisfied within well-designed café spaces. By bridging ancient philosophical insights with contemporary workplace requirements, this study posits that cafés inherently embody 'happiness-centered' environments. This integration of theoretical and practical elements underscores how thoughtfully crafted café atmospheres can address both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of human wellness. The findings support the proposition that the synergistic application of environmental psychology and Buddhist principles provides a robust framework for assessing and enhancing modern workspaces, ultimately promoting holistic well-being. This research further explores the specific sensory attributes within cafés that contribute to these positive outcomes, examining how elements like lighting, temperature, and spatial arrangements interact with human perception and cognition. By detailing the nuanced interplay between sensory stimuli and psychological responses, the study offers valuable insights for designers and entrepreneurs seeking to create spaces that optimize both productivity and well-being.
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