What should a mediation room look like?
The mediation room is the place where the mediation process takes place, so it is important that it be designed in a way that is suitable for promoting dialogue and understanding between the parties.
In this article we will present to you some parameters that are important to have in the mediation room:
The size of the mediation room
The size of the room should be large enough to accommodate the parties, the mediator and the parties’ advisors and attendants, if any. However, the room should not be too large, to maintain an intimate and private atmosphere. The recommended room size is between 20 and 40 square meters.
airflow
Good air circulation is very important in the bridging process. Especially in moments when the spirits get heated, it is important to have air flow to avoid a feeling of suffocation and, as a result, more frustration and anger. It is important to make sure that the mediation room has windows or other openings that can be opened to allow air circulation. An office room with a closed window or a small window is not suitable as a mediation room.
waiting room
The waiting room is a place where the parties can wait until the mediation begins and while personal conversations are held with one of the parties. The waiting room should be comfortable and spacious, with a place to sit and relax. It is also recommended to provide water and cold drinks in the waiting room.
It is important that the waiting room is an intimate room and that there are no other people in it. This is of great importance since, especially in mediations where a lot of emotion is involved (such as in divorce mediation), the party who is in the waiting room during a personal conversation, should feel comfortable crying and expressing feelings in the waiting room.
corridor
It is important to have a long corridor between the waiting room and the mediation room. The purpose of the corridor is to separate the waiting room from the mediation room and to prevent the possibility of listening to what is said in the mediation room and also to allow a long stormy exit in case one of the parties wants to storm out.
Lighting in the mediation room
It is important to have pleasant and warm lighting in the mediation room. Fluorescent lights are not suitable for the mediation room.
The design of the mediation room
The mediation room should be a room that radiates pleasantness and calmness. It is recommended not to fill the room with too many decorations to avoid distraction and confusion especially for parties who have attention disorders (very common in the mediation room).
A room in light colors (but not bright white) is better than a room with flashy colors.
The furniture in the mediation room
The furniture in the mediation room should be as comfortable as in a home living room. It is important that the parties can feel at home in the mediation room. If one of the parties takes off his shoes and sits with his feet on the armchair then you can feel sure that the furniture and design of your room is successful.
Designing a mediation room correctly can contribute a lot to the success of the process. A pleasant and inviting mediation room can help the parties feel more comfortable, and promote dialogue and understanding between them.