Do you know anything about architectural psychology? For example that layout of a space can influence our decision-making and behavior without us even realizing it. Studies have shown that people are more likely to turn right upon entering a building or room than left.

The roots of design and architecture psychology are intertwined and date back centuries. They have influences from various fields and historical periods.

Ancient Egypt and Greece: Focused on creating spaces that were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and symbolic.

Feng Shui: This ancient Chinese practice, dating back over 3,000 years. It emphasizes the harmonious arrangement of elements within a space to promote well-being.

Islamic Architecture: Emphasized principles of light, geometry, and nature to create serene and contemplative spaces.

Renaissance: Renewed interest in classical architecture and theories of proportion, symmetry, and beauty.

Key Milestones:

• 1920s – 1930s: The early seeds of environmental psychology were planted during this period. Researchers like Kurt Lewin and his colleagues exploring the impact of social and physical environments on behavior and group dynamics. Lewin’s work laid the groundwork for understanding the influence of environmental factors on human behavior.
• 1950s – 1960s: The field began to take shape more formally during this period, with scholars such as J.J. Gibson and Roger Barker examining the relationship between individuals and their physical surroundings. Gibson’s concept of “affordances” and Barker’s research on ecological systems contributed to the understanding of how people perceive and interact with their environment.
• 1970s – 1980s: Environmental psychology gained further recognition and prominence during this period. Researchers like Amos Rapoport and Harold Proshansky making significant contributions to the field. Rapoport explored the cultural and psychological dimensions of architectural design. Proshansky focused on the concept of place identity and the psychological significance of places.
• 1990s – present: Environmental psychology continued to evolve and expand its scope in the late 20th century and into the 21st century. Researchers began to explore new areas such as environmental stressors, restorative environments, sustainable design, and the impact of technology on human-environment interactions. This period also saw increased interdisciplinary collaboration between psychologists, architects, urban planners, and designers to address complex environmental issues.

Today we have fascinating and increasingly important areas within the broader field of design and architecture.

• Biophilic design: Integrating elements of nature into architecture and interiors for improved well-being.
• Neuroscience and design: Exploring how the brain responds to different design elements to create more engaging and effective spaces.
• Technology and data-driven design: Using sensor data and analytics to understand how people use spaces and optimize them for specific needs.

Nowadays, design/architecture/environmental psychology is a multifaceted and interdisciplinary field that encompasses research, practice, and education. Aimed at understanding and improving the relationship between people and their built environment. It draws on insights from psychology, sociology, anthropology, architecture, urban planning, and other related disciplines. Everything to inform the design of environments that promote well-being, sustainability, and social equity.