Toward a Pragmatist Theory of Aesthetic Experience in Workplace Design: Reframing Space through Deweyan Aesthetics

In recent years, workplace design has increasingly shifted toward human-centered approaches, yet the aesthetic dimension of spatial experience remains under-theorized and undervalued. This article addresses this gap by developing a conceptual framework that integrates John Dewey's pragmatist aesthetics with contemporary principles of environmental ergonomics, particularly as outlined in ISO ۱۶۸۱۷. Drawing on Dewey's view of aesthetic experience as an embodied, interpretive process that arises through active engagement with one's environment, we propose that workplace design should be reconceptualized as a platform for cognitive-emotional interaction, not merely physical performance. The article critiques existing architectural and productivity-focused models that emphasize visual styling, efficiency, or stimulus-response mechanisms while neglecting the experiential richness of space. In response, we present a five-dimensional model of aesthetic experience-cognitive synergy, expressive perception, emotional closeness, emotional distance, and paratelic pleasure-seeking-adapted from empirical and philosophical literature. These dimensions are mapped onto pragmatic design elements to show how aesthetics can shape perception, identity, and well-being in organizational contexts. The article contributes to architectural theory by reframing aesthetics as a fundamental, measurable, and actionable design concern and offers practical implications for architects, managers, design educators, and certification bodies. Finally, we outline future research pathways for empirical testing, multisensory integration, and design assessment methodologies. By positioning aesthetic experience at the core of workplace design, this framework opens new possibilities for environments that foster meaning, emotional resonance, and human flourishing.

کلیدواژه ها:

Aesthetic experience ، John Dewey ، Workplace design ، Pragmatist aesthetics ، Embodied perception