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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 explores the concept of environmental psychology in landscape architecture. The focus is on the interdisciplinary link with landscape architecture, aim and objectives. The course deals with the interrelation between a human being and environment and research methods (systemic approach, field research, problem-oriented approach, eclectic approach, interdisciplinary approach). Students get acquainted with the theories of environmental psychology in architecture and landscape architecture and its practical application.

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

Course Content(Calendar)

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

Requirements for awarding credit points

Class visiting should be at least 75%. Assessment works have to be done in time. Works, that are handed in later (if there is no justified reason), evaluation is lowered by one mark. 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 use of knowledge in selecting environmental organization parameters to present the main aspects of the space according to the psychological type (Analytical visualization (A4; free technique) and justification of choice of parameters (3 min)).
Group work. Skills to see the psychological causes of environmental problems in the examples of recreation and stress environment (a 3 min PowerPoint presentation)
Seminar. The competence to formulate, describe and analyze suggested space examples in the organization of the organization of psychological comfort of the environment, using the theory in justification of choice of parameters (a 3 min PowerPoint presentation)

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

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Study course formal test assessment depends on seminar task assessment and study course practical work cumulative assessment.
Practical work and seminar is evaluated according to task evaluating form.

Compulsory reading

1. Arnheim R. Art and Visual Perception: A Psychology of the Creative Eye. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1974.
2. Bechtel R. B. Churchman A. Handbook of Environmental Psychology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 2002.
3. Bell P. A., Fisher J. D., Greene T. C., Baum A. Environmental Psychology. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publichers, 1996. Routledge, 2005.
4. Kundziņš M. Dabas formu estētika: bionika un māksla. Rīga: Madris, 2004. 167 lpp.

Further reading

1. Šusts V. Telpas uztvere un kompozīcija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC, 2000.
2. Frampton K. Modern Architecture. A Critical History. London: Thames and Hudson, 1990.
3. Koger S. M.; Winter D. D.N.. The Psychology of Environmental Problems: Psychology for Sustainability. Hoboken: Taylor and Francis, 2014. ISBN 9780805846300 Nav LLU FB .

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 VBF study program "Landscape Architecture and Planning" (Bachelor). The course exploitable in English.