One of the problems in today’s architectural plans for residential communities and business environments is the disregard for the occasional need for individual privacy.
Webster defines Privacy thusly:
1 a : the quality or state of being apart from company or observation : SECLUSION
1 b : freedom from unauthorized intrusion
2 — archaic : a place of seclusion
3 — a private matter
The important aspects of the definition — to me — are: ” a place of seclusion” and “freedom from … intrusion”
Designs proliferate making workplaces more and more ‘Dilbert-Like’. Other efforts requiring ‘porches’ for homes to aid in positive social interactions with neighbors are misguided at best. Obviously some companies have recognized the shortcomings of the past and have attempted to address the need for ‘quiet’… such as Google. Although they haven’t escaped their “Dilbert’ foundation, they are taking many steps in the right direction as a relatively comfortable place to work.
Although America may never — hopefully — evolve back into the surrounded homes with the inner courtyards that are so common elsewhere in the world, the need for privacy… if not safety… becomes an area of developing interest. Companies are just falling all over themselves trying to sell you industrial or home security devices. Although ‘security’ is certainly an issue in our modern world… ‘privacy’ is what it’s really all about.
Now, a locked gate may not keep out emergency staff (they’ll just go through your fence), the police (same tactic as mentioned earlier) or the more accomplished intruder, but it does make the traveling sales person pause as well as the unwelcomed visitor. Now, here is a little advice… if you do put up a gate… do not add a bell or intercom or you’ve defeated the purpose of having a gate in the first place. The idea is to lock it… when you want to enjoy some peace and quiet.
It is amazing how taking a few small steps can make your world seem a lot more restful… a locked gate and an an unlisted phone number are two big steps… then sit back and enjoy your Sunday newspaper.
Roger Freberg
PS. Just the other day, dressed in my morning bathrobe, I looked out my window and saw a saleman at the front gate who was frantically trying to get my attention… I stopped… waved… and sat down in my big comfortable chair and thoroughly enjoyed my morning cup of coffee.
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