Building behaviour

Abstract

Environmental Psychology has developed and been assimilated in many areas of psychology following its early roots in perception and social psychology. The paper presents some current issues which are seen as relevant to the context of the built environment and of architectural education. In contrast to early stimulus response psychophysical approaches, modern theoretical views and consequent research adopt a more holistic and multivariate approach. A methodology to cope with this is briefly outlined. Empirical work in perception with special reference to aesthetics and emotional responses to environments is presented followed by work on spatial studies and stress. The paper concludes with a list of topics considered promising for further research.