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Environmental Psychology and House Designs

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 Chapter Six
Environmental Psychology &
House Designs
Janetius, S.T. (2020). Architectural Psychology: Space, Psyche, Enigma & Symbol, Mishil & Js Publishers, Thrissur, ISBN:
978-1974307715. PP. 62-71

Architectural psychology is a multidisciplinary study, connecting classical psychology, architecture, engineering,

domestic planning, and related fields to assist architects to design houses for a happy living. While constructing
residences, if the architects adopt an occupant-centric approach by considering the intention and inner desires of
people to know why they want to have a house in a particular plan, the architect can engineer more personalised
and truly innovative architectural designs.
Environmental psychology is a popular field of psychology that can help architects in many ways.
Environmental psychology has its separate identity from mainstream psychology since the 1960s when scholars
started to recognise a well-defined connection between human behaviour and natural as well as built
environments. Some scholars see several similarities between environmental psychology and architectural
psychology and inaccurately assume that both are the same. Environmental psychology studies the
psychological perspective of human-environmental interactions focusing more on the spaces and the related
concerns. In a true sense, it converges on the human-environmental interaction with an additional focus on
environmental perception. Environmental perception is an active process of interpreting cognitive maps of the
brain by which it constructs internal representations and combines past experiences with present perceptions.
Ecological psychology is yet another field that sounds close to environmental psychology, but different entirely
in its scope. Eco psychology is often associated with J. J. Gibson1 who developed a theory of direct perception.
As opposed to the traditional perception concept in psychology, Ecological psychology focuses on the
perception based on the information received from the environment alone. Many scholars view and use both
environmental and ecological psychology interchangeably, not fully realising the scope of each field.
David Canter2 in his book Psychology for Architects (1974) talks about the role of environmental psychology and
architecture. Canter’s application of psychology in architecture was primarily space-utilisation. Connecting
environmental psychology with architecture, psychologists shared a place with architects while designing
structures. Until few decades ago, it was a practice among architects and construction companies to employ
psychologists in the designing process. This interdisciplinary interaction paved the way for purpose-oriented
designs based on utility. For example, constructing office space, school, prisons, house and other buildings, it is
essential to establish whether they serve the mission meaningfully. However, in the passing of years, employing
psychologists in the designing did not develop further as a functional requirement. Today, hardly there is any

1James Jerome Gibson, (1904-1979) is an American psychologist whose theories of visual perception were influential among
different schools of psychology. His ecological approach of visual perception postulates that humans perceive their environments
directly, without any mediation from cognitive processes.
2David Victor Canter (born 1944) is a British Psychologist who began his career as an architectural psychologist studying the
interactions between people and buildings, mainly focusing on environmental psychology. Later he ventured into investigative
psychology.
psychologist work alongside architects. Even though environmental psychology exclusively engages in space
and its specific utility, architects ignore the role of psychologists.
Construction of habitable space evolved out of necessity among Homo sapiens. This need for space to safeguard
from harsh climatic conditions forced them to natural cave shelters at the beginning and the later period of
mobility to constructed huts. Building houses in the early periods of human existence was somewhat a survival
need, probably a step higher than searching for food. Only in the later period, it became a security need. The
need for which a habitat is made defines its quality too. Unlike the present-day habitats that developed due to
stability of stay satisfying security, self-esteem and aesthetic needs, the primitive Stone Age or hunter-gatherer
communities that moved from one place to another very often in search of food or fertile land, constructed
temporary buildings. Therefore, they used materials that were available and accessible at their reach. From this
practice, they learned to use precise user-friendly materials and methods and paved the way for sustainable
architecture.
Corticalization or encephalization (the process and the development of higher cognitive functions in the brain)
played a big role in the evolution of primitive societies and their lifestyles. It is these complex cognitive skills
enabled humans to build shelters using a more meticulous choice of materials, probably aimed at permanency
and long lasting. So corticalization enabled different dimensions to their lifestyles that in turn changed the art of
house building too. This evolutionary process further allowed the primitive communities to have a pragmatic
selection of specific spaces in the environment and the use of available materials in a sustainable way. Again, the
very same encephalization process facilitated imagination and creativity that in turn provided new dimensions
to their shelters by advancing the survival need to a much higher level of comfort in space utilisation with a
priority to safety together with aesthetic aspects. Hence, ignoring human evolution it is impossible to understand
human inner yearnings manifested in the progression of architecture.
Although human life is more urbanised and centred on multi-storeyed buildings and apartmentalised living,
there is a craving to go back to nature. Nature and natural settings are part of relaxation concepts of humans.
Therefore, a person who toils in the concrete junkyard of urbanisation for a whole week looks for a natural
setting to lighten the spirits and rejuvenate in the weekend. Additionally, consider the following arguments:
 What makes humans have houses in a natural environment, although urbanisation is a major segment of human evolution and
civilisation?
 Why do people who look for an extraordinary home, opt for a cottage at a mountainside or a farmhouse in an isolated hamlet, a
valley view villa, a lakeside log cabin, a bay view bungalow or a marine mansion?
 Why do people from an urban setting, living in a skyscraper with all the modern facilities, comforts and gadgets, when stressed
and burnout look for weekend leisure near a mountain, desire to spend some time in a forested location, or at a seashore or other
natural environments?

These desires are neither modern nor new or not even a complex concept to comprehend. It is a simple fact that
there is an innate inclination in every human being to have a shelter in a natural setting - full stop! The innate
desire for natural environment originates from million years of evolution. Remember, once humans were in the
woods and mountains, competing with animals for survival. Human neural networks contain these primitive
lifestyles as inherited genetic segments. This archaic archetypes and primitive symbols that are innate in the
neural system are unquestionably natural to humans and allow them to respond more positively to the natural
environment. Food, the biological need for survival instinctually attracted our ancestors to the woods, drive us
psychologically on the weekends.
Coming to the environment-friendly architectural style of ancient humans, constructing dwellings was intended
to cater to the innate need of the people and connect with nature through the design and materials. Locally
available natural materials protected them from weather and harsh conditions that reveal their intimate
relationship and oneness with the environment, even further the cooperation with the eco-system. Thus the
environment-friendly architecture was an expression of their self as well as harmony with the environment. The
constructions were though simple, look complex in today’s perspective because the designs, textures, patterns,
and geometry of the buildings, all originate from their daily functional living and part of their way of life. As
days passed, urbanisation, industrialisation and the so-called civilisation crept in; the use of coloured glass and
the painted doors, vivid carpets influenced the lifestyle, gave extra impetus to dwelling at the same time slowly
drifted them from nature.
Today psychologists propagate nature as a priceless stress reliever; explicitly emphasising the effects of
environment and its essential role in reducing stress; improving physical, mental, and social wellbeing. It is an
irony that humans who were one with nature, a basic feature that is ingrained in the inner system, needs
reinforcement, re-education and reminders. Is it not absurd to tell people that the natural environment is
attractive and, it provides positive vibes? Our industrialised city settings and the materialistic modern living have
clouded the fundamental intrinsic constructs in the human brain.
Health begins at home. Home becomes a place of healthcare, relaxation, happiness, and socialisation. A healthy
lifestyle requires a healthy housing too. Therefore, the architectural designs should match the individual
lifestyles of the people who live there, to lead them back to nature. Due to this reason, every housing scheme
should acknowledge the different people who would occupy the place: is the primary purpose intended for
elderly persons to have a peaceful time, adults to ventilate the vibrant energy, younger adults to promote
learning, children to provide developmental responsibilities, or to socialise regularly with friends and Well-
wishers. All these should contribute to the constructional concept; if not, individuals who live there will not feel
at home in their own homes and, the dwelling would fail to serve its purpose. It does not become a place of
health and happiness, relationship and support, comfort and relaxation, independence and functioning.
Tradition and pseudoscience: Taking into consideration the essential environmental factors, many ancient
architectural practices evolved. For example, Feng shui, a Chinese art form (literally wind-water in English).
Though not scientifically explained, it proposes ways and means to maximise the energy forces to harmonize
individuals with their surrounding environment by various geometric calculations. Traditionally Chinese people
used Feng shui since 3500 BC to orient buildings to bring positive energy extensively. This ancient art promotes
that rooms and buildings should be arranged in a specific way to please the senses as well as for healthy living.
Although Feng shui is looked down by the Western culture due to its lack of scientific credentials, modern-day
research findings propose similar concepts.
The ancient Indian Vastu Shastra is yet another example of the traditional application of essential need of
humans. Vastu or Vastu Shastra is a traditional Indian system related to architecture. It talks about the
principles of layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangement, and spatial geometry to integrate
the building with the geographical environment. Although it was practised in the ancient Indian society as a
science of building structures, today it has become a kind of superstitious concept, sometimes used for cheating
gullible people to extract money. Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations considers Vastu Shastra as
pseudoscience. According to Scientist Jayant Narlikar, Vastu Shastra is a pseudoscience that lacks any logic in
its proposals. One of the examples cited by Narlikar in his book Facts and Speculations in Cosmology (2008) is the
absence of a logical connection in the Vastu rules propagated by its exponents. For example, the rules regarding
the shape of the plot in which the house is to be constructed: triangle-shaped plot/site will lead to government
harassment; parallelogram-shaped sites can lead to quarrels in the family. Narlikar notes that sometimes the
building plans are changed and what has already been built is demolished to accommodate for Vastu rules.
Opposing Vastu as superstitious, Meera Nanda3 cites the case of the ex-chief minister of Andhra Pradesh N. T.
Rama Rao, who followed instructions from some Vastu gurus and demolished many houses in squatters to enter
his office from an east-facing gate. Kapoor4 (2017) sees a trend in India lately to popularise ancient Indian
superstition, pseudoscience, meaningless rituals, taboos as indigenous wisdom, having some scientific source. In
this national jingoism initiated by particular political parties to meet their power-hungry agenda, some educated
people also fall prey to these rightwing ideas without scientific considerations. Vastu Shastra today falls in the
category of giving meaning to some ancient traditions with new illogical connections. If some multidisciplinary
study initiated to establish the environmental connectivity in a better way, Vastu could be understood and
practised as an art. Until then it remains pseudoscience and superstition.
On the other hand, empirical researches highlight the application of psychology, especially environmental
psychology in space, design, and planning in construction. These studies affirm that appearance, distinct design,
shade, and the related architectural elements enhance cognitive ability among people who live under; also,

3MeeraNanda (born 1954) is an Indian writer and historian who is critical of current Hindutva activism in India and an open
opponent of organised promotion of pseudoscience and Vedic science in India in the name of nationalism.
4Ravi Shanker Kapoor is a freelance journalist. He is an agnostic Hindu who wrote an article Pseudoscience of Vastu to get legitimacy in
The Hindu Chronicle online paper when there was a move by Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (a premiere government
institute educating creamy layer students) to introduce Vastu Shastra in their syllabus.
facilitate health and wellbeing. Christian Jarrett (2011) a psychology journalist highlights the role of psychology
in understanding the architectural appeal of humans and quotes the experimental research on curvilinear and
rectilinear interior settings5. Likewise, psychologists at the University of British Columbia made an empirical
study on colour and cognition producing revealing results to stress the role of psychological principles in
defining human attraction and similar consideration in designing dwellings6. These studies reiterate that
environmental psychology is essential in designing and construction. To decide on a suitable environmental
setting that would enhance a particular task or profession is a complicated task that requires a specialised
professional. It is here environmental psychology and psychologists come to the forefront. The following pages
explore more on the role of environmental psychology.
Space consideration: While addressing habitat construction, one principal consideration is the proper usage of
resources. This includes natural light and ventilation, protection from climatic conditions, usage of local
materials, cost-effectiveness, distribution of space and finally, pleasing to the senses. These factors make a
habitat or residential architecture meaningful.
The primary function of a house is to satisfy the need for safety and security. Therefore, a house should keep
people safe from the scorching sun, pinching cold, the doggy rains and stormy winds; also, security from
unwanted intruders. As far as safety from the weather is concerned, the house should keep out as much heat as
possible in hot weather and keep adequate warmth during cold weather. Sufficient air circulation too plays a
crucial role in the healthy life of people, both physical and mental. If the house meets these basic requirements,
it lowers the chances of people getting sick. On a different note, safety also denotes health, wellbeing, and inner
happiness. Environmental psychology, therefore, plays a vital role in helping architects to design a space that is
very useful, healthy above all make people love the home to live happily.
There are some basic requirements proposed by environmental psychologists that would give health, happiness,
and wellbeing in a house. They are, size of the rooms, proper ventilation, waste disposal, safety from stray
animals, and poisonous creatures, leisure place to relax and, a garden and natural settings. Another important
aspect of contemporary housing is security. To avoid dacoits and intruders, the design needs security features
into the design. Therefore, a well-designed house is not providing extra space and the amount of money spent
on it, rather proper planning, and designing to protect the inmates from physical and psychological hazards to
bring wellbeing.
1) Size of the rooms: The rooms in the house should be large enough to have sufficient space for people to live
comfortably. Small rooms can lead to overcrowding and easy spread of diseases from person to person, also
make people irritated and depressed. Extremely small rooms can result in poor air circulation.
2) Ventilation and light: One of the significant considerations in a house is air circulation and light. Air should be
able to flow in and out of each room. Proper ventilation allows heat, odours (smells) to escape from the kitchen,
bathrooms, and toilets. The house is well ventilated and sufficiently lit by placing the windows and doors in the
direction of the wind. People should learn to keep the windows open when the breeze is blowing.
In properly ventilated cooking areas, smells are blown or sucked out of the house well. Toilets should have
windows with one part always fixed open, or have an air vent in the ceiling that opens to the outside air.
Similarly, windows placed based on the direction of the sun and the geographic and climatic conditions, let in
plenty of light inside the house. It is difficult for germs and insects to live and breed in brightly lit airy rooms.
3) Waste disposal: Most of the developing countries have inadequate waste management method in the house.
Taking into consideration the lifestyle of the people who reside there, appropriate facilities needed. Easily
accessible bathroom, at the same time without doubt isolated from the main functional area is the best planning.
Some families prefer a shower bath, some like bathtubs; however, proper water facilities depending upon the
usage style is highly recommended. Futuristic planning of bathroom, toilet, and sewage disposal are the major

5Sibel Dazkir and Marilyn Read (Environment and Behaviour, 2011) studied Pleasure and Approach reactions of more than hundred
participants toward curvilinear and rectilinear interior settings. The curvilinear settings elicited higher amounts of emotions
(feeling relaxed, peaceful, and calm) than the rectilinear ones.
6University of British Columbia study reiterates that colour boosts brain performance and receptivity to advertising, depending on a task opens
new linkage between marketing and psychology. The study gives a new interpretation for advertising and interior design, stating
that red is most effective at enhancing our attention to detail, while blue is best at boosting our ability to think creatively (Science
Express, 2011).
factors that affect the happiness of the inmates. Housing design and plan should have proper waste disposal
plan, for both perishable and solid waste.
4) Dining: Food plays an important role in daily family interaction, engaging guests, relatives and friends in
every culture. Well-placed dining area and the associated kitchen reduce considerably the habit of eating
outside. Smoke, dust, and odours from the kitchen can easily spread inside the house and ruin the mood of the
people. Therefore, the dining place is one of the important healing places of a house. Psychologists point out
eating meals together enhances family bonding and wellbeing. Based on a study in 2017, psychology professor
Robin Dunbar of the University of Oxford concludes that social eating has an important role in the facilitation
of social bonding. The more often people eat together, the more likely they are to feel happy and satisfied with
their lives. According to a Canadian study published in Journal of Developmental & Behavioural Paediatrics
(2017) Children who routinely ate their meals together with their family were more likely to experience long-
term physical and mental health benefits.
5) Removing venomous creatures: House construction must evade venomous and poisonous animals and insects
like rats, mice, insects or parasites from its premises. If a natural environment surrounds the house, there should
be provision for protection from venomous insects and other animals. Animal lovers plan in the beginning to
have a separate pet house and designed accordingly.
6) Home garden and hobby space: Having a garden and enjoy looking after it can make a person connected with
nature and become a great stress reliever. A kitchen garden is necessary today to get healthy food for the family,
which can reduce family expenditure; also can avoid buying contaminated vegetables. Flower garden and green
lawns, if properly planned, can add additional aesthetics to the building as well as giving extra energy to the
inmates.
7) Safety and security features: The contemporary housing element of safety and security features vary among
urban and rural setting. In the urban perspective, house security cameras and security personal are essential.
Unlike urban houses, rural do not need CCTV. However, in both cases, it is necessary to have well-secured
doors and windows. Another safety feature people fall to focus, particularly in seismic zones based on tectonic
plates, is earthquake-resistant buildings.
Materials and green aspects: Today architects are encouraged to design energy-efficient homes and commercial
structures. By carefully applying some principles in designing, architects can work on renewable and energy-
efficient homes. Building constructed in such a way to capture the natural breeze and regular wind, naturally lit
interiors, using solar water heating systems, energy use in buildings can be reduced dramatically. In this regard,
the choice of building materials is important in two aspects: they reduce the cost of construction; supply
sustainable energy elements in the construction. Efficient designs rendering low-energy requirements can reduce
the use of conventional energy elements to a greater extent. Here, the use of solar panels to reduce electricity,
proper ventilation to avoid air conditioning or the constant use of electric fans, avoiding refrigerator for storage
of vegetables and food materials provide not only healthy life but also reduce the use of conventional energy
elements. The choice of construction materials can play a crucial role in this regard. For example, sandstone,
natural stone, clay or terracotta bricks and tiles, gypsum and granite are known for emitting lower levels of
radiation. Less radiation generating materials can provide a healthy environment and also maximizes the
indoor comfort of daily living. Another aspect of the use of sustainable building material is to reduce
maintenance overtime at the same time conserve energy, and improve health and productivity among people.
Open brick walls or natural stone wall can reduce the use of cement as well as painting works. An exclusive
chapter is added in the last part of the book on green architecture for more details.
A home is a place where people tend to relax and retire from their hard daily labour and therefore expect the
environment at home to be a pleasant one. Unlike the ancient times where lived spaces were in the natural
environment, today houses are designed on some specific standards and patterns that are universally accepted,
using popular aesthetics, which the resident or client may or may not prefer. Since natural elements are less
involved, artificial beauty is added to the aesthetics. However, what is important in any architectural designing
is the elements and designs that are appealing to the human psyche, it is not only the residents but also everyone
who sees it admires; the residents also experience pleasant and rejuvenated experience spending time inside.
Today many psychological research findings conclusively reveal that structures and patterns inspired by nature
improve the human being’s cognitive and emotional, psychological and physiological functions. The ancient, as
well as indigenous architecture, helped the inmates to have increased survival potency as well as better mental
 health because they are one with nature, the shelters were very practically arranged. Staying connected to nature
and environment by their structures, they lead a peaceful life. Environmental psychology, through its various
research findings, guides people in building their residences to live physically, psychologically and socially
satisfied. Let architects understand this reality in assisting people in building homes for a healthy living.
Even the environment-friendly initiative has its controversies. The extreme right-wing environmentalists argue
that architecture as a human activity controls and interrupts nature and its serene ecosystem. The activists claim
that each time a new building takes its form, nature is destroyed and the ecosystem is confronted with
destructive challenges. It is not a religious viewpoint to affirm that the destruction of plants or microorganism in
every construction is the destruction of another life or working against the creative plan of God, rather more of
scientific truth. It is true, architecture is an unavoidable need that produces damage to the ecosystem. The
consequences of the rift created by constructions affect our wellbeing in different forms; climate change, global
warming, and major environmental disasters. The eco-friendly designs decrease the damage done to the
environment largely.

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