What is a creative environment? And what is the relationship between the environment and creativity?
A Creative environment is the physical, social, and cultural environment in which creative activity occurs. An environment is successful when it enhances the ability of the individual or group to engage in creative practices.
Relationship= The environment (surroundings, conditions) aid the Creative Process (ideas, methods, product)
Making up a creative environment:
- The physical environment, includes the location, atmosphere, material surroundings
- The Social environment, includes the culture that the individual was educated or lives in, and the people and institutions with whom they interact (communicate). Can be in person or through media*
- The cultural environment, ideas, customs, values, beliefs and social behaviour of a group of people. Supported collectively*
These contexts can be shaped to enhance the creative productivity of the individual and collaborative groups within the environment.
Examples:
Colour can be used to evoke different moods and emotions within a space
Ergonomics- Scientific discipline that studies the interaction between humans and their environment-the person and their workspace.
Having the ability to collaborate and work individually
Dim Mood lighting for creativity-Research has found that dim lighting helps us to feel less constrained and free to explore and take risks
Having room temperatures around 25*C, this is a stable temp for individuals to concentrate. Their not wasting energy shivvering and trying to keep warm or sweating and feeling over heated.
Research has also found that ambient/natural noise is the correct noise level for creativity, rather than pure quiet which is for concentration and loud noise which is distracting.
Creative Collaboration:
A group of collaborators with different skills and abilities coming together to solve a problem or produce something new.
In a collaborative team each member carry’s out a different role. In an adverting team for example there might be a Project director, copywriter, editor, graphic designer, web developer and accounts manager.
The first step in the production process is creating a concept, this is a formulation of the general theme or idea of the advertising. Copywriters then compose the script or wording for the advertisements, and the artists and graphic designers create any necessary artwork. Subsequently, an editor proofreads the advertisement for errors and submits the final ad copy. And an advertising manager, in turn, ensures that the message and content of the advertising is commensurate with the overall marketing strategy.
“There are a number of important differences in driving forces behind individual and collaborative creativity. By understanding factors that influence collaborative creativity we can devise ways to promote and enhance it.” (COTACM, 02)
collaborative teams are effective when all the individuals in their different roles engage together to effectively produce a desired outcome. Practices and tools can be implemented so the individuals engage together for successful creativity- effectively come up with ideas and concepts?
“What tools, methodologies and practices can support creativity of individuals in interdisciplinary teams?”….
- Project manager- to guide the creative process, maintain focus of group, encourage development of ideas, thoughts, encourage active listening.
- Techniques- brainstorming, mind mapping, synetics, nominal group techniques, etc.
- Team ethos- to be accepting of diversity, allowing different forms of communication, non-judgmental/ critical of ideas and thoughts, freedom to be unique, to value each other, let every individual speak and have input (no bad or wrong ideas).
- Time- appropriate amount of time to develop ideas, breaks to refresh, and some time constraint to push process.
- Thoroughly understand what the business stands for, their values and principals.
(COTACM, 2002) suggests that the below strategies could aid collaborative creativity-
- Computing technology
- Devising a shared language
- Developing a common understanding of the artistic institution and visions.
- Engaging in extensive discussions and what-if sessions.
- Sharing knowledge resources
Creative Environments are a particularly significant focus for businesses and industries today. Creative collaborations are studied so that environments can be shaped to better able a team or an individual to engage in the creative process and in turn produce something better (more innovative, unique).
References:
Creativity (2014). Encyclopedia Britannica, Article. Retrieved from:http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/142249/creativity
Gorny, E. (2007). “Creative environments”. Retrieved from: http://creativity.netslova.ru/Creative_environment.html
Strategic thinking (2014). “How to have a good idea”. Retrieved from stratergy by design: http://strategybydesign.org/how-to-have-a-good-idea/
Smith, G. (feb, 2014). “How to assemble a creative team that clicks”. Retrieved from: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231366
creativity articles (2014). “Creating a creative climate”. Retrieved from: http://creatingminds.org/articles/creative_climate.htm
Schawbel, D. (July, 2013). “5 ways to foster creativity at work”. Retrieved from: http://quickbase.intuit.com/blog/2013/07/03/5-ways-to-foster-creativity-at-work/
Cooper, B. (Feb, 2014). “The science behind your ideal work environment”. Retrieved from:http://www.fastcompany.com/3026715/work-smart/the-science-behind-your-ideal-work-environment
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