One theory that could explain our love for nooks is the “prospect–refuge theory” proposed by English geographer Jay Appleton in The Experience of Landscape (1975). The theory proposes that when we examine places to sit or stay, we look for qualities that give us the ability to see without being seen. Standing on a hill with a tree behind us would give us both prospect and refuge. Sitting in the mouth of a cave would offer the same benefits—nobody can attack us from behind, and we can see what is coming. Maslow placed the need for safety as the second basic need we seek to fulfill, after
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