ENVIRONMENT AND BEHAVIOR

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Grad Design 1 · Spring 2011Elizabeth Berryman, Christina Joy Chambers & Janet Duharte

Environmental Behavior Theories

Privacy

Personal Space

Crowding

Privacy

Privacy: The ability to control unwanted distractions

Freedom of choice

Balance between interaction and privacy

Auditory Visual Olfactory Tactile

Privacy: Auditory

Ability to close doors Ability to use headphones “Pin drop” phenomena Positioning

Privacy: Visual

Privacy screens Line of sight Light control “In and outbound”

Privacy: Olfactory

Perfumes Candles/Incense Food aromas Chemicals

Privacy: Tactile

HVAC Thermal comfort

Personal Space

Personal space is the region surrounding a person which they regard as psychologically theirs. (Wikipedia) Also called invisible boundaries or portable territories.

Intimate: 0 - 18” Personal: 18”- 48” Social: 4’ - 12’ Public: >12’ Determinants:

Cultural Socioeconomic Age Physical location

Personal Space: Intimate

0”

Personal Space: Personal

18”

Personal Space: Social

6’

4’

Personal Space: Public

150’

Personal Space: Invasion

Positive vs. negative invasions Negative responses:

Flight behavior Body language

Avoidance of eye contact, erection of barriers, fidgeting, mumbling

Aggression Negative mood Impacts ability to perform complex tasks

Crowding

Crowding refers to the psychological state of discomfort and stress associated with spatial aspects of the environment (Sears et al., 1988).

Primary environmental stressor Gender differences Detrimental to our physical and

psychological health. Negative and subjective aspect of

privacy

Social Density

Changes with the number of people in a fixed space

As social density increases, interpersonal distances decrease

Spatial Density

Spatial density Changes with the

size of the environment Requires adjustment

to personal space, territory and privacy

Crowding

Examples of how to avoid crowding in interiors: Wide pathways High ceilings Adequate space between furniture Organization system to reduce clutter

Ad Agency Hallway Design

Privacy Blinds in office Frosted glass privacy

screens Line of sight Ability to change

positions Lighting control Ability to close doors Independent thermostats

Personal Space Flooring change Ability to arrange seating

Crowding Adequate space between

furniture Wide hallway, 6' across Ceiling height in common

areas higher Open window wall in

common area Adequate storage space

to reduce clutter

Ad Agency Hallway Design

References

Beard, T. O. (2004). Workspace technology's impact on inidividual privacy and team interaction . Team Performance Management Volume 10 , 163-172.

Bellingar, T. P. A. (2009). Privacy Matters : Haworth Privacy White Paper Employee Engagemnt Workstyles. Haworth.

Duvall, R. (2008, April 8). Advantages and disadvantages of open office space. Retrieved Januray 20, 2011, from California State Domiguez Hills Masters of Science Quality Assurance Term Papers: http://jclauson.com/msqa/term_papers/advantages_and_disadvantages_of_open_office_space.pdf

Fisher, Jeffrey D., Paul A. Bell, Andrew Baum, and Thomas C. Greene. Environmental psychology . 5th ed. New York: Taylor & Francis, Inc., 2005. Print.

Gifford, Robert. (2002). Environmental Psychology. Principles And Practice. Canada: Optimal Books.

Kopec, Dak. (2006). Environmental Psychology For Design. New York: Fairchild Publications, Inc.

http://pagerankstudio.com/Blog/. (2010, October). Retrieved Januray 2011, 2011, from Pagerankstudio.com Blog: http://pagerankstudio.com/Blog/2010/10/crowding-and-other-environmental-stressors/

Mardex, J. (2004). Auditory visual and physical distractions in the workplace. Retrieved January 20, 2011, from http://www.scribd.com: http://www.scribd.com/doc/13038258/Auditory-visual-and-physical-distractions-in-the-workplace

Pollack, Julie, and Rosemary Menconi. Designing for privacy and related needs . New York: Fairchild Publ., 2005. Print.

Watkins, E. (2006, Spring Perspective). Alone Time: Design Practice/Theory: Articles: IIDA. Retrieved January 22, 2011, from International Interior Design Association: www.iida.org/content.cfm/alone-time

"Beyond Four Walls and a Door Understanding Privacy in the Office." Herman Miller. Herman Miller, n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2011. <www.hermanmiller.com.br/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=693>.

Personal space - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved January 19, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_space