The effect of the built environment on human behavior
There is a difference of opinion about the amount of influence that one’s surroundings has on human behavior, ranging from absolutely no impact to being the only thing that has influence on our actions. The latter notion is held by those with deterministic beliefs. Those who find architectural determinism valid believe that changes in landscaped and architectural elements of the environment will result in changes in behavior, social behavior in particular.
As architects, we have the power to influence one’s surroundings and mold environments. The psychological theory of environmental determinism states that it is the physical environment, not social conditions, that determines culture and behavior. This notion of determinism leads to the ideas that the creation of the built environment is not just about functionality and aesthetics/visual pleasure, but has a much greater influence on its occupants’ conduct and consequently the human psyche. There are a number of well-known psychological studies and theories (ex. classical and operant conditioning) that show evidence of behavior being determined by external forces. Architecture can be considered as one of these external forces. In the nineteenth century, cities were overcrowded and living conditions for the average worker were horrendous. Social critics (ex. Jacob Riis) became aware that there was a strong correlation between unpleasant living conditions and the occupant’s social and psychological conditions. There are still areas throughout the world that have people living in unfavorable settings; this leads to the question of how their everyday environment is affecting their role of conduct and mental health. The ideas of environmental and architectural determinism give us, as architects, the impression that we have the ability to transform someone’s life. Through changing the environment we in turn are capable of changing human behavior.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI like your current proposal. It reminds me of what I researched for Human Factors, but it was categorized by a different name. Unfortunately, I don't remember what that was. When I remember, I'll be sure to tell you. But irregardless, the idea of the built environment having a measurable, lasting impact on someone can be easily demonstrated in an extreme environment. The easiest one to study (others have looked at it before) is the prison. What if you looked at various environments as a means of precedent? I'm not completely sure where you can take that idea, but it's something to start on if you don't have a next step in mind. Good luck!
Ja
Erin,
ReplyDeleteI will agree with you and Ja, that the overall human behavior is based off of the external environment of one's surroundings. However, I do believe that the social characteristics for the area plays an important part of one's behavior and even has effects through adulthood. Possibly broadening your research over a time span would give you a wider variety of information.
Jerome
It's interesting because human behavior can affect the design of the building and also architecture can affect the human behavior after it's been constructed and occupied. When designing your building, you will analyze its context and its surrounding people, right?? so i feel that your building is more affected by the human behavior than your building actually affecting the people....
ReplyDeleteThere is a difference of opinion about the amount of influence that one’s surroundings has on human behavior, ranging from absolutely no impact to being the only thing that has influence on our actions....true, but...
ReplyDeleteThe ideas of environmental and architectural determinism give us, as architects, the impression that we have the ability to transform someone’s life. Through changing the environment we in turn are capable of changing human behavior....interesting, but....
How do you prove any of this?