Chapter 3
d. Variety and Personal
Mixing different functions attracts and exposes unaccus-
Choice
tomed users to new possibilities - expanding their choice
by stimulating exploration of other activities. This applies
to mixing different MSA functions in one setting - library
The individual's quality of life and personal development
and poolhall for example - as well as to mixing MSA and
is dependent on having the opportunity to make choices,
non-MSA facilities, such as music center, child care and
particularly in leisure-time activities. To enhance such
post exchange. Heavily utilized attractors - like the gym,
development, the community service agencies should
post exchange, or poolroom - will entice people to the
provide options rather than direct the choice. The pres-
facility and hopefully encourage them to try other func-
entation of these options should emphasize freedom of
tions. In addition, mixing different types of functions
choice. Introductory activities must be provided, offering
means mixing different types of users and providing good
encouragement and instruction by well-qualified staff, to
opportunities for social exchange.
expose unaccustomed personnel to new possibilities and
to cultivate their interest.
(2) Accessible to Daily Life. For users to have real
(1)
Mix of Various Functions. To maximize the indi-
options from which to choose, the community services
must be readily and visibly accessible to them. The
vidual's opportunities to choose, the post's community
location of facilities must reflect desirable access dis-
facilities should present as broad and varied a mix of
tances and relationships to the various user locations -
activities and services as possible, as suggested by fig-
billeting, family housing, post administration, other opera-
ure 3 - 6. The more that different compatible activities
tions areas, and other community service areas that are
are clustered together, the greater the convenience for
off-post. Providing community activities convenient to
the individual and the greater the excitement and attrac-
the routes used in the course of daily life ensures good
tion that can be generated. In this way, the wide range
accessibility as well as exposure to the range of opportu-
of people on any installation can find activities which suit
nities. Consider carefully the location of facilities in rela-
their particular interests, both as individuals or as groups.
tion to such functions as housing, operations, post
administration, shopping and eating.
Page 3-8 DG 1110-3-142
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