LV EN RU DE FR

Environmental Psychology in Landscape Architecture

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Arhi1031, Digital Tools in Landscape Projects I

Arhi2063, Digital Tools in Landscape Projects II

Arhi2064, Digital Tools in Landscape Projects III

Arhi2065, Digital Tools in Landscape Projects IV

Course abstract

The study course examines the concept and role of Environmental Psychology in landscape architecture, its goals and objectives. The course examines human-environment interaction and its research methodology (systemic approach, field research, problem-oriented approach, interdisciplinary approach). Students learn about environmental psychology theories in the fields of architecture and landscape architecture.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge about the psychological aspects of interaction between human beings and the environment, ensuring a suitable environment for a particular person's psychological type. (Practical work).
Skills to notice psychological causes of environmental problems in landscape; select environmental organisation features in order to define the main aspects according to a psychological type (Seminar 1.).
Competence: students are able to define, describe and analyse the given examples in the context of environmental psychology, selecting the necessary information and using the theory for their definition (Seminar 2.).

Ability to analyse and describe the most important aspects of environmental psychology – theoretical knowledge testing (Exam).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Concept of Environmental Psychology, its interdisciplinary link and role in the industry of Landscape Architecture. Objectives, tasks and research methods of environmental psychology. (2h - lecture)
2. Theories of Environmental Psychology. K. Lewin’s Fields Theory. The importance of children's spatial experiences in the perception of the environment (2h – lecture, 2h – practical work)
3. The perception. Communicative and informative function of architecture and outdoor organization. (2h - lecture)
4. Information perception systems and environment. Environmental deprivation. (4h – 1st Seminar)
5. Physical aspects of psychological wellness. Associative perception and knowledge of physical properties of reality. (2h - lecture)
6. Linking the theory of environmental psychology with the development of architecture and landscape architecture. Marketing communication in architecture. (2h - lecture)
7. Psychological perception and object of landscape. Proxemics. (4h - lecture)
8. Environment as a tool for understanding and harmonizing the human world. Human and environmental interaction – biophysical environment/ psychological effects. Biophilia and biophobia. (4h - lecture)
9. Artificial environment and man. Systems of harmonic proportions and their role in harmonizing the environment. (2h - lecture)
10. Sociology of architecture as a society shaping factor. Human activities in changing the social environment to improve the quality of life. (2h - lecture)

11. Psychological wellness organization of artificial environment (relaxation and stress). (4h – 2nd Seminar)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Class visiting should be at least 75%. Assessment works have to be done in time. Works submitted after the specified time (unless there is a justifiable reason) will have their grade reduced in accordance with the assessment rules approved by the institute. To pass the study course, study work assessments have to be positive.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Practical work "The importance of children's spatial experiences in the perception of the environment". The use of knowledge in selecting environmental organization parameters to present the main aspects of the space according to the psychological type (Analytical visualization).
1st Seminar "Information perception systems and environment". Skills to see the psychological causes of environmental problems in the examples of recreation and stress environment (PowerPoint presentation).
2nd Seminar "Psychological wellness organization of artificial environment". The competence to formulate, describe and analyse suggested space examples in the organization of the organization of psychological wellness of the environment, using the theory in justification of choice of parameters (PowerPoint presentation).

Exam – theoretical knowledge testing. Students are able to analyse and describe the most important aspects of environmental psychology.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The final assessment of the study course (cumulative exam) is made up of the cumulative assessment of the final seminar and the exam – theoretical knowledge test.

Compulsory reading

1. Bechtel R. B. Churchman A. Handbook of Environmental Psychology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2002. ISBN 978-0471405948
2. Bell P. A., Fisher J. D., Greene T. C., Baum A. Environmental Psychology. 5th Ed. Routledge, 2005. ISBN 978-0805860887
3. Donald I. Environmental and Architectural Psychology. The Basics. London, New York: Routledge, 2022. ISBN 978-0367223687

4. Olszewska-Guizzo A. Neuroscience for Designing Green Spaces: Contemplative Landscapes. New York, London: Routledge, 2023. ISBN 978-1032280622

Further reading

1. Frampton K. Modern Architecture. A Critical History. London: Thames and Hudson, 1990. ISBN 978-0500203958
2.Kundziņš M. Dabas formu estētika: bionika un māksla. Rīga: Madris, 2004. ISBN 978-9984317564
3. Šusts V. Telpas uztvere un kompozīcija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2000.

4. Tabb P.J., Tatriele L. Wellness Architecture and Urban Design. New York: Routledge, 2025. ISBN 978-1032752013

Periodicals and other sources

1. Environment & Behavior [online] http://eab.sagepub.com/content/by/year

2. Journal of Environmental Psychology [online] http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02724944

Notes

Compulsory course in full-time studies of MVZF study program "Landscape Architecture and Planning" (Bachelor). The course exploitable in English.