Abstract:
The back-of-house environment is where all products or materials are produced and
packaged for contractors and big corporate companies. This environment should be
respected and considered through design for well-being specifically for the employees
working in that environment. Many employees don’t receive inspiration or creativity
within their fields of jobs as its all mainly mass production jobs. This study is focused on
investigating the importance of design for well-being and spatial planning for the factory
environment, with design elements or materials that can improve the well-being of the
employees, it is possible to increase productivity and enhance respect for their
workspaces. This study follows a qualitative methodology, through an interpretivist
paradigm. By answering the research questions presented in this report, all the data is
collected through an ethnographic approach. This is done through observations and
interviews with participants that work within a factory environment. There are a total of
five participants that are observed and interviewed from a company based in Isando,
Kempton Park. All the data is collected and then analysed in a spreadsheet to code the
information all together. Although there are many factory buildings being neglected,
there is a chance to influence the environment surrounding the buildings thus
influencing the employees working within the spaces for the better, the intent of this
study is to create awareness to Interior Designers to not concentrate on design for wellbeing
for the front-of-house employees but look back at the employees that produce
and manufacture the products being sold at the front-of-house.
