In an era defined by constant connection, waiting has become a paradox. Moments of pause—once natural and even necessary—are now often filled with distractions like scrolling through our phones. But what if these transitional periods were reimagined not as empty spaces but as opportunities for connection and reflection?
The Psychology of Waiting
Waiting is a deeply human experience. Psychologists describe it as a state that exposes our relationship with time, control, and expectation. Studies reveal that environments can significantly influence how we perceive waiting. Bright lighting and cold spaces, for example, can amplify feelings of impatience, while warm colors and calming sounds can soothe and even shrink our perception of time.
In today’s hyper-individualistic culture, the isolation of waiting is amplified. We are more likely to disengage from the world around us, retreating into personal bubbles of content and communication. The result? Lost opportunities for organic social interactions, empathy, and moments of shared humanity.
Research reveals that our perception of wait times is heavily influenced by anxiety and uncertainty. When we don’t know how long we’ll have to wait or why the delay is occurring, our stress levels increase significantly. This phenomenon is known as waiting anxiety. In contrast, environments that offer clear communication about waiting times or provide distractions can significantly reduce stress, even if the actual wait time remains unchanged.
Designing for Connection
Some designers and artists have taken up the challenge of reimagining these spaces. Studio Swine’s Can City transformed the urban act of waiting into a moment of collaboration and creativity, sparking connections in a city often dominated by hurried routines. In Tokyo, Nakagin Capsule Tower’s compact communal areas emphasized shared experiences in transitional spaces, offering a striking contrast to the isolation of modern architecture.
Reimagining waiting spaces can create environments where connection and interaction take precedence over isolation. One example is the Waiting Room Project by artist Jana Napoli. In this project, Napoli transformed a sterile hospital waiting room into a space designed to encourage social interaction. By incorporating art and communal seating, she helped alleviate the tension and isolation often associated with waiting, turning it into a shared experience.
Waiting in the Age of Fragmentation
Our century has been described as one of “splintered modernity”—a time when our communities, relationships, and even our own attention are fragmented. Waiting, often considered an annoyance or inefficiency, offers a counterpoint to this fragmentation. By embracing it as a communal and reflective experience, we can combat the isolation that characterizes much of modern life.
The design of these spaces can be subtle but impactful. Small interventions—like public seating arranged to encourage conversation or calming elements like plants and natural light—can turn waiting into an act of engagement. The artist Candy Chang’s Before I Die walls are a beautiful reminder of how public spaces can inspire self-reflection while creating a shared narrative of hope and aspiration.
A Return to Rituals
Ultimately, waiting is an ancient ritual—one that, when acknowledged and designed thoughtfully, has the power to reconnect us to ourselves and to others. Instead of rushing to fill every pause with distraction, perhaps we should allow ourselves to feel the weight of waiting.
So next time you’re waiting—whether at a bus stop, in a line, or for an uncertain future—look around. What do you notice? And what might design do to turn that moment into something worth remembering?
Sources
Maister, D. H. (1985). The Psychology of Waiting Lines.
Ulrich, R. S., et al. (1991). Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Bauman, Z. (2000). Liquid Modernity. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press.
Napoli, J. (2013). Waiting Room Project.
Studio Swine. (n.d.). Can City.
University of Cambridge (2018). Study on communal activities in waiting spaces.
Kurokawa, K. (1977). Metabolism in Architecture. London, UK: Studio Vista. Insights into the Nakagin Capsule Tower and its social design.
