Architectural Design Analysis as a Strategy for People Environment Studies: Finding Spaces that Work

This paper describes a study of concepts of environmental psychology and their presence and representation in architectural designs. Architectural journals were used in the analysis of design iconography (drawings and photographs). Different architectural typologies of temporary and prolonged use were investigated to exemplify specific architectural elements in relation to the concepts of security, privacy, personal space and territoriality. The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding of these concepts and their appropriate physical settings. This understanding is seen as essential in a quality design process and should be incorporated into design studio teaching methods. Architectural journals are often devoid of human figures and concentrate on formal aesthetic aspects. This makes the study of appropriate settings difficult. Building performance assessments have long shown that physiological and psychological feelings are essential for high satisfaction rates by users. Furthermore, from environmental psychology we have learned that protection and interpersonal communication are important concepts for user well-being. A number of design solutions were identified in the design iconography investigated. Some examples are shown in figure 1. Spatial dimensions define personal distances and influence a sense of crowding and protection. Orientation of views may isolate users, contribute to their sense of privacy and create personal space. Nooks are settings that users prefer for a sense of protection and to isolate interpersonal communications, but must be used with caution where feelings of security and safety are essential. Movable furniture gives users the possibility to adjust their territories and personal spaces. Visual and acoustic barriers and the use light can define space, as do level changes. Furthermore, color and textures may be applied to identify territories and orient or inform users. The results of this study showed that personal space is the least evident element found in design journals. Also as a whole, typical examples found in this type of literature do not easily exemplify psychological concepts. Since these journals influence both the professional and student design processes special efforts should be made to amplify architectural criticism with demonstrations of spaces “that work”.