Writings on privacy indicated that values placed on the subject vary with the individual, his age, social status, and position in the family. Individual privacy is considered particularly important for children and adolescents. Also, married couples and elderly people need privacy from other family members, particularly children. The value of privacy increases as a person goes up the social ladder. Privacy is recognized as being necessary for maturation and mental development, creativity, and individual well-being. The historical development of housing design revealed that the arrangement and separation of spaces within a dwelling, as well as the sound insulation of certain spaces, promoted or deterred the achievement of privacy. Residential dwellings emphasizing open planning were found to lessen opportunities for individual and family privacy
