ARCHITECTURE INFLUENCING THE PSYCHE PT.2

 

SECURITY & CRIME

Spatial structures are also associated with safety and security issues. If spatial structures fail, measures such as alarm systems or surveillance cameras often come into play. Certain structures can therefore attract crime or vandalism, but can also help to improve security and provide security.

PERSONALITY & EVOLVEMENT

The living environment in which we dwell and are surrounded by, and thus also our surrounding built environment is fertile ground for our individual development and evolution. In a positive sense, spaces can contribute to strengthening our sense of self-esteem and satisfaction. Deficits in this area might cause dissatisfaction, restlessness, alienation and listlessness.

Many buildings, according to the Deinsberger-Deinsweger, have deficits of various kinds which are usually not immediately noticeable.

Housing and social policy researcher Danny Friedman also sees correlations between poor housing conditions/neighborhoods and individuals’ health, well-being, likelihood of criminality, and educational attainment. In a study he shows that poor housing conditions are strongly related to educational underachievement, the rise of health issues and criminal grievances.

USES & BEHAVIOUR

Spaces determine our behavior — for the most part without our conscious perception” (Dr. Deinsberger-Deinsweger)

Spatial structures promote certain patterns of behavior, and designs and equipment animate us to certain ways of dealing with and using them. Phenomena such as dilapidation, improper use or vandalism often have structural causes. If architecture promotes a positive and emotional attachment to places and strengthen a sense of responsibility, such consequences can be intercepted. Thus questions about the How?, Whereby? and Why? for all residential and construction projects be carefully studied and answered. Living or working environments can also become instruments of identification for our personality. If those processes occur, our sense of responsibility for the spaces we inhabit develops.

In conclusion, the arrangement, equipment and dimensioning of spaces and their design influence the human patterns of movement, actions and usage. If spaces are created in a way that runs counter to our patterns, it can hamper our movements and actions and cause anger or frustration. Or, conversely, support the structures of everyday life and make us feel comfortable.