Studying psychology of place

WE humans are a fascinating species. We evolved for millennia in grassland and forested landscapes that provided both sustenance and refuge and – despite endless attempts to excavate, fabricate, eradicate or relocate – it seems that desires for either safety or sustenance guide many of our decisions.

Environmental psychology deals with the interplay between environmental and interpersonal influences on behaviour. Aside from understanding at the broader, universal level, findings can provide useful guidance for the development of purpose-built spaces that can help to induce a desired outcome. To make the most of this, we need to consider the three Ps: person, place, and psychological processes. For instance, in healing environments, it’s important to understand what might help reduce stress to allow physiological healing to take place. Access to nature views provides demonstrable benefits through reduced perceptions of pain, lower blood pressure, and lower levels of perceived stress.

In learning environments, we might focus on providing optimal thermal and lighting conditions as well as some mechanisms to deliver respite from brain overload.

It’s useful if students can take time out in nature for a break to get some cognitive respite and allow attentional capacity to recharge. In work environments, we might need a combination of both, together with some consideration for personalised work spaces.

It’s important for people to feel a sense of autonomy in how they arrange their work space.

Ultimately, environmental psychology is the study of the ways in which the environment works on us as well as ways in which we can make choices that benefit both ourselves and the environments around us.