Architecture and Social Behavior

Book excerpt: Architecture and Social Behavior (1977) is a groundbreaking study that presents the findings from a five year programme of research concerned with evaluating the impact of architectural design on behavior. The ways in which interior design variables arrange space and distribute social resources have a direct influence on the quality of life in residential environments. The architectural design of environments is shown to have an influence on the mood and behavior of those who inhabit it. The authors also describe an approach to the assessment of architectural influence appropriate for the study of design and behavior. Particular attention is paid to understanding the syndrome of stress that is often labelled ‘crowding’. This volume details the experimentation on architectural design so that one can begin to understand the relationship among design, ongoing social and psychological dynamics, and behavior.