Behavioral Sciences and Architectural Theory

¶ … Behavioral Sciences and Architectural Theory

In this chapter, the author discusses the behavioral sciences and their relationship to architecture and design. The various behavioral sciences are discussed. The author states that "this book focuses on the subject of the above that is concerned with the nature of human habitats and the relationship between the physical structure of the world and human activities and values" (Lang, 1987). The combination of these two fields of study has many names: M-ER (man-environment relations), environmental sociology, human ecology, and the person-environment theory (term used here in this book). It is important to note that psychology has generally been concerned with the environment on a molecular level which is of no use in design. However, Gestalt psychology does focus on it and has thus been latched onto by many architects and designers (for better or worse). Sociology has spent a great deal of time in consideration of group processes and the environment. However, anthropology has spent considerable time on the settings of primitive societies and is now expanding that area to include more modern societies.

Behavioral Sciences: Include anthropology, sociology and, psychology. Economics and political science are sometimes included. These, 'fields of study are dedicated to understanding human activities, attitudes, and values' (Lang, 1987).

The concerns of the behavioral sciences: There is a "utility gap" between the behavioral sciences and environmental design (Lang, 1987). This is because the behavioral sciences follow the scientific method as closely as possible and are focused on facts. They are focused on facts to achieve their goal of building positive theory. It allows them to predict patterns of activities and values. If a behavioral scientist then uses the information and states a preference for an outcome, he/she is no longer a scientist. The problem is that empirical data does not guide practice. Only Theory can guide practice and this needs to be addressed to close the "utility gap" (Lang, 1987).

The concerns of design: To understand the relationship between the two areas, one needs to consider the concerns of designers. There are multiple descriptions given historically, but for the purposes of this book, the author has taken a normative philosophy about which a designer should be concerned.. He states that the model used here is from the humanist psychologist Abraham Maslow (1954) (Lang, 1987).. It states, "The built environment, if properly configured, can meet aspects of human needs for survival, security, affiliation, esteem, learning, and aesthetics" (Lang, 1987).

The nature of design problems: The nature of the design problem is that it is not usually well defined or articulated. However, the designer should strive to create an environment that meets all the needs of all the people utilizing that environment. The behavioral sciences are helping to achieve that end.

The contribution of the behavioral sciences to design theory: 1) Theories and Models-help in understanding relationship of design process and people and the physical (environment). Most important are procedural theory and substantive theory.

2) Research Methods- Contributed with the interview and observe methodologies used in the behavioral sciences.

Note: Most significant contribution should be emulation. Because there has been so little "scientific" study of architecture and design, this field of study would do well to copy and/or incorporate scientific methods used by behavioral scientists. An example of architecture and design having to rely on others research is the "Modern Movement in architecture" (Lang, 1987).

The behavioral sciences and the modern movement: It is strongly influenced by the behavioral sciences. It is important to note past efforts to clearly see the difficulties of utilizing the behavioral sciences on the problems of design: Empiricism in philosophy and psychology clearly had an effect on romantic classical architects at the beginning of the nineteenth century; in the beginning of the twentieth century, ideas began about psychology, aesthetic theory, and sociology clearly played into ideas about neighborhood theory; in the beginning of this century a psychologist's research, Charles Henry, "provided the positive justification for the work of cubist architects and artists"; in the late 1800's and early 1900's, several philosophers and psychologists had a major influence on the aesthetic philosophy of the modern movement; in 1927, Walter Gropius headed the Bauhaus, and insisted that curriculum include the study of aesthetics; his successor further stressed the behavioral sciences by including classes in Gestalt theory, ergonomics, and cultural history; in the 1920's and 1930's sociologist, Clarence Perry, was involved in creating neighborhoods which focused on the family and community; recently, it has been shown that there is little correlation between social and physical units in cities (Lang, 1987). NOTE: The Bauhaus had a major influence in the U.S. And the world, but never initiated the development of a positive theoretical base for design. Note: Though the social sciences have definitely affected design, the relationship needs to be enriched.