But I absolutely believe that architecture is a social activity

The soft hum of the café was a soothing backdrop as the evening light settled, casting long shadows across the room. The streets outside were quiet, the rain having just passed, leaving the air fresh and crisp. Jack sat at the corner of the table, his eyes focused on the world beyond the window, though his mind was clearly somewhere else. Jeeny sat opposite him, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup, her gaze inward, as though contemplating a thought just beyond reach.

Host: The air between them felt like a waiting space, thick with unspoken words. Finally, Jeeny spoke, her voice gentle but carrying a quiet curiosity.

Jeeny: “I came across something today that made me think about how we experience the spaces around us. Thom Mayne said, ‘But I absolutely believe that architecture is a social activity that has to do with some sort of communication or places of interaction, and that to change the environment is to change behaviour.’ Do you think that’s true? Does the way we shape our surroundings really affect how we interact with each other?”

Jack: He paused for a moment, his fingers idly tapping on the table, before lifting his gaze to meet hers. His voice was thoughtful, but with a hint of skepticism. “It sounds nice, right? That the environment can shape our behavior. But I’m not sure it’s that simple. Sure, architecture and design play a role, but we’re not all robots who just respond to our surroundings. People are too complex for something like that to really change us, don’t you think?”

Jeeny: She leaned forward slightly, her voice steady but with a quiet passion behind it. “I understand what you mean. But what if the environment is more than just a backdrop? What if it influences how we think, how we move through the world? Think about the spaces we feel comfortable in, or the ones that make us feel isolated. A simple change in the way a room is laid out or how light fills a space can alter the way people interact, can change how they feel.”

Host: The café seemed to grow quieter, the outside world fading into the background as their conversation deepened. Jack’s fingers stilled on the table, and for a moment, he seemed to be reflecting on her words more deeply.

Jack: “Maybe, but can we really say that a building or a design can change people’s behavior at a deeper level? I mean, a park might make people more likely to stop and talk, sure. But can architecture really make someone feel more connected to others, more open? I’m not sure you can just design empathy or connection into a space.”

Jeeny: “I think it’s more about creating the possibility for those interactions. Architecture doesn’t force people to behave in a certain way—it simply offers the space for those connections to happen. When you build spaces that encourage conversation, that invite interaction, you shift the way people behave, even if they don’t realize it. It’s like designing a space that encourages people to slow down and notice each other, rather than rush through their lives without a second thought.”

Host: The soft sound of the rain outside now seemed to match the gentle rhythm of their conversation. Jack's expression softened, as if a new perspective was beginning to take shape in his mind.

Jack: “Okay, I see what you mean. It’s not about forcing behavior, but about creating an environment where the possibility of change is more likely to happen. A place that invites connection, rather than isolates people.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small, but there was a sense of quiet satisfaction in it. “Exactly. The way we design our spaces, how we build our environments, affects how we engage with the world. It’s about opening the door to new possibilities, making it easier for people to connect, to interact, to communicate. It’s not just the walls or the furniture—it’s the way it all comes together to shape the experience of being there.”

Host: The warmth of the café seemed to settle deeper, the understanding between them settling into a quiet space of reflection. Jack took a deep breath, his expression more contemplative now, his mind clearly turning over her words.

Jack: “I guess I’ve never really thought about it that way. That the spaces we move through aren’t just passive—they’re active participants in how we experience the world. Maybe architecture really is a way to invite change, to create spaces where new kinds of interactions can take place.”

Jeeny: “That’s exactly it. Architecture, design—it’s all about possibility. The way we shape our environments can make us feel more connected, more present, more engaged with the people around us. It’s not magic, but it can create the conditions for change.”

Host: The quiet between them now felt warm and comfortable, filled with a shared understanding that the spaces we inhabit aren’t just backdrops to our lives—they shape us in ways we often don’t realize. The world outside continued on, but in this small café, Jack and Jeeny sat with the quiet revelation that the design of our surroundings can shape how we interact with one another, just as much as the choices we make.