SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL

CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 SITE VALUES / SOCIAL IMPACT

4.2 BEHAVIOR SETTINGS
4.3 USER REQUIREMENTS
4.4 CULTURAL / HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Site values
 Values In Site Analysis
Values are thoroughly integrated into everyday life and it is
therefore challenging to come to grips with these concepts and
what they mean.
Values can be very practical and down-to-earth.
Values can also be very theoretical concepts.
 VIEWS TO SITE
It is how users experience the site and building from a distance first.

Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)

ACCESS TO SITE
It is how users will get to the site

Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)

 SITE CIRCULATION
Once on site it is important that all modes of transportation remain separated to improve the
experience while on site

Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)

 VIEWS FROM SITE
Just as important as what people see when they approach are what people see from the site and when leaving the site.
It is important to visit the site and take notes of what can be seen.

Sagada View Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)

 RELATIONSHIP OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SPACES
All sites have public and private space. As people enter the site they usually do so from a public access way and as they approach the
building the spaces become more and more private. All great buildings use their site to create great public spaces that draw people in.

https://vallikraftarea.wordpress.com/2017/12/25/fluidity-of-spaces-between-public-and-private/
 HISTORY OF SITE
This consideration often occurs with public buildings and renovations such as existing
monuments, plaques, or special areas that may need to remain.

Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)

 Diagram of Adjacent Buildings

ASSOCIATION WITH ADJACENT BUILDINGS

Adjacent buildings are considered in the site analysis whether it mutually benefit
from each other.

Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)

BEHAVIOR SETTINGS
Behavior studies in architecture include the systematic examination of relationship between the
environment and human behavior and their application in the design process.

Kuller, R. (1978). Architectural Psychology. McGraw-Hill Education.

 Environmental
psychology
(research aspect)
Knowledge from the
field enables architects
to shape solutions for
clients and users with
foreseeable,
measurable results.

Unknown. (1970, January 1). BEHAVIOR SETTING STUDIES. Retrieved from http://architectphilippines.blogspot.com/2016/01/behavior-setting-studies.html
 User needs study
(research aspect)
Part of the process of
developing a site that
will successfully meet
the needs of
prospective users.

Unknown. (1970, January 1). BEHAVIOR SETTING STUDIES. Retrieved from http://architectphilippines.blogspot.com/2016/01/behavior-setting-studies.html
 Social and
behavioral factors
(research aspect)
Social behaviors are
involved in settings
whose objective and
physical characteristics
have the potential to
affect the behavior
itself.

Unknown. (1970, January 1). BEHAVIOR SETTING STUDIES. Retrieved from http://architectphilippines.blogspot.com/2016/01/behavior-setting-studies.html
 Functional Aspect
(1) Circulation Flow (2) Proximity (3) Spatial Quality

After the research aspect, it paves the way for the for the analysis of functional aspects that involves
various technicalities known in the design process such as determining the circulation flow, the assessment through
Technical space analysis, as well as visualizing projected spatial quality for the users of the site.

Unknown. (1970, January 1). BEHAVIOR SETTING STUDIES. Retrieved from http://architectphilippines.blogspot.com/2016/01/behavior-setting-studies.html
 SURVEYING A BEHAVIOR SETTING
According to Barker (1968), conducting a behavior setting survey consists of the measurement of eleven key
descriptive attributes:
• Occurrence - the number of days in a year the behavior setting is capable of occurring.
• Duration - the number of hours the behavior setting functions during a year.
• Population - is the number of different persons who inhabit the behavior setting during the year.
• Occupancy Time - the number of person-hours spent in the behavior setting.
• Penetration - is the degree to which an inhabitant is involved in the setting and consists of six incremental
zones, ranging from onlooker to leader.
• Action Patterns - are the functional attributes of the patterns of behavior (e.g., religion, education, and
recreation).
• Behavior Mechanisms - are the modalities through which behavior is implemented in the setting, such as
gross motor activity, talking, or thinking.
• Richness - is a composite measure of the variety of behavior within the setting. It is computed from the
prior attributes using the following formula: (∑Pe + ∑AP + ∑BM)OT/100
• Pressure - is the degree to which external forces act upon a person to approach/enter or avoid/withdraw
from the setting.
• Welfare - is the relevance of the setting to a particular group of inhabitants.
• Local Autonomy - is the geographic level at which the setting's operations are determined (e.g., town,
district, county, state).

Ecological Psychology: Concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior, Barker, R. G. (1968), Stanford University Press, Palo Alto, CA
METHODS OF MEASURING PREFERENCES OF
STIMULATED OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS

BIPOLAR ADJECTIVES
Bipolar adjectives shows a
qualitative rating scale
wherein the endpoints of
which are defined by a
corresponding adjective with
an antonymous meaning.

Mikellides, B. (1980). Architecture for People. Paperback.

 METHODS OF MEASURING PREFERENCES OF
STIMULATED OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS
FIELD SURVEY
Consisted of Three Parts:
1. Data on the Social Background of the
Respondents
2. Their spontaneous preferences for the simulated
environments by a semantic differential
technique.
3. Some interlocking questions in which the
respondents among other things had to rank the
environments after their inclination to move into
them.

Mikellides, B. (1980). Architecture for People. Paperback.

RELEVANCE OF BEHAVIOR SETTING IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PROCESS
Greenfield district at Mandaluyong City by Greenfield Corporation
ACTIVITIES AROUND THE SITE:
USERS: Integrated Township
Leisure
Residents of Vertical Developments Fitness-related Activities
Working Professionals Presence of High Rise Offices
Private Vehicle Drivers Weekend Market
24-hour shifts of BPO Offices
Alternate Route for Private Vehicles
SITE DESCRIPTION:
Composed of open areas along with low rise infrastructures where businesses can dwell.

Bordered by the main thoroughfares EDSA and Shaw Boulevard, and stretching towards Reliance
Street and Sheridan Street, the 15-hectare Greenfield District sits at the heart of the new
Mandaluyong CBD, making it conveniently located near central business districts, schools,
hospitals, malls and lifestyle centers.

One example to further explain the relevance of behavior setting in site planning is how the site of
Greenfield District in Mandaluyong is planned, where it’s situated and how it is successful as a business
for the corporation. Mandaluyong City is a highly urbanized area, from residents living in high rise
structures to working professionals, adding up to the busy EDSA. It is apparent that the business is
triumphant as it fits the needs, wants, behavior and tendencies of its prospective users. The
establishment of the district is deemed strategic due to the presence of high foot traffic around the area
along with the behavior factors of its users being taken into account resulting to an effective business.

Greenfield Development Corporation. (n.d.). Retrieved February 9, 2020, from https://greenfield.com.ph/

User Requirements
 ANTHROPOMETRICS
Anthropometrics The study of human body measurement for use in
anthropological classification and comparison.

The use of anthropometrics in building design aims to ensure that

every person is as comfortable as possible.

In practical terms, this means that the dimensions must be

appropriate, ceilings high enough, doorways and hallways wide
enough, and so on. In recent times, it has come to have particular
significance for workplace design, and the relationship between
desk, chair, keyboard and computer display.

Margallo, A. (n.d.). Social and Psychological Considerations. Retrieved from

https://www.academia.edu/5736451/Social_and_Psychological_Considerations?auto=d
ownload
 ● The building regulations provide a range of standard
requirements and approved solutions for
designers to help develop suitable designs.

● However, it is important to consider the specific

purpose and requirements of end users. Attempts to
apply standardized dimensions may not reflect the
true need of the space requirements.

(n.d.). Retrieved from

http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoPROJECTS/PRI02/gradversion.html
 ● The figures of ambulant disabled people
shown on the right are tall men.

● The spaces shown for them are for

forward movement, although in practice
ambulant people such as these are as a
rule able with their mobility aids to
turn to the side to negotiate narrow
openings.

● In the context of universal design they

The term 'ambulant' is used to describe a
patient who is able to move around and is do not therefore have the same
not confined to a bed or wheelchair. significance as for example wheelchair
users, pushchair users or electric
scooter users.
Margallo, A. (n.d.). Social and Psychological Considerations. Retrieved from
https://www.academia.edu/5736451/Social_and_Psychological_Considerations?auto=download
 The common reaching zone is found to be between 3-4
2/3 ft.‘

A distance of 5-6 ft. is recommended around the pit for the

free turn of the wheelchair

Older people, children, people with mobility

issues, wheelchair users and so on may have
specific requirements.

In particular, good accessibility and easy

maneuverability around the building must be
considered when designing stairs, lifts, ramps and
other features.

● (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoPROJECTS/PRI02/gradversion.html

(n.d.). Retrieved from
http://ergo.human.cornell.edu/ErgoPROJECTS/PRI02/gradversion.html
 Hazards
● Examples of physical features
(gutter and stairs) which can
gives limitation to PWDs and
create hazard to them

● Protruding objects that are

hazardous for visual impaired
people

mohd hussain, mohd ramzi & Tukiman, Izawati. (2015). BARRIER FREE CAMPUS LANDSCAPE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. Asian
Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary. 2. 200-211.
 UD‟s targeted users are not focused on
specific people, but instead broadly on the
inclusion of all types of people in the
environment. A successful design can be
achieved once it can be used by all types
of people from normal to disabled people,
including the elderly and children, from
hierarchy 1 until 8.

Margallo, A. (n.d.). Social and Psychological Considerations. Retrieved from

https://www.academia.edu/5736451/Social_and_Psychological_Considerations?auto=download
 ● Row 1 - Fit and agile people▫ Can run and
jump, leap upstairs, climb perpendicular
ladders, dance exuberantly and carry
heavy luggage.

● Row 2 - Normal adult able-bodied people.

Not athletic, but can walk everywhere and
flights of stairs do not trouble them.

● Row 3 - Also normal able bodied people.

Not enough facilities are provided for
them in the public realm – the architect
fails them

● Row 4 - Elderly people, yet not

“disabled”& people with pushchairs.
Flights of stairs in way of access to
washrooms etc. pose a problem.
Mohta, N. (2013, May 11). Universal architectural design. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/flamingonm/universal-architectural-design
 ● Row 5 - Ambulant people with disabilities

● Row 6 - Independent wheelchair users

● Row 7 - Wheelchair users who need another

person to help them. Disabled people driving
electric scooters

● Row 8 - Wheelchair users needing double

help

Mohta, N. (2013, May 11). Universal architectural design. Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/flamingonm/universal-
architectural-design
 Building users: mobility equipment

Client’s Needs: The figure shows Abraham

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
The theory of self-actualization. He stressed the
importance of focusing on the positive qualities in
people, as opposed to treating them as a "bag of
symptoms”.

Verywell Mind. (2020). How Maslow's Famous Hierarchy of Needs Explains Human Motivation. [online] Available at:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760 [Accessed 28 Feb. 2020].
Verywell Mind. (2020). How Maslow's Famous Hierarchy of Needs Explains Human Motivation. [online] Available at:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760 [Accessed 28 Feb. 2020].
HISTORICAL
SIGNIFICANCE
 SITE HISTORY
FORMER SITES USES

HAZARDOUS DUMPING, LANDFILL, OLD

FOUNDATIONS, ARCHEOLOGICAL GROUNDS.

Baluarte De San Diego, Intramuros

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

 HISTORY OF EXISTING STRUCTURES

HISTORIC WORTH, AFFILIATIONS, OUTLINE,

LOCATION, FLOOR ELEVATIONS, TYPE,
CONDITION, USE OR SERVICE
IF A PROJECT IS TO BE EXPANDED, BUILDINGS
ON THE SITE MUST BE SHOWN GRAPHICALLY
AND THEIR USES AND FACILITIES STUDIED. SIZE,
FLOOR AREA, AND EXISTING CONDITIONS MUST
BE INVENTORIED.

THEY ALSO MAY DETERMINE THE CHOICE OF

FUTURE ARCHITECTURAL EXPRESSION IN
BUILDING TYPE, COLOR, FAÇADE, TEXTURE,
MATERIALS, WINDOW TYPE, AND ROOF STYLE
TO ENSURE COHERENCE AND UNITY IN DESIGN
Aduana Building, Intramuros

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

LAND USE, OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL
PRESENT ZONING OF SITE AND ADJACENT PROPERTY

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000) Retireved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Existing_Land_Use_Map_of_Manila_2017.jpg

ADJACENT SURROUNDING LAND USES
Present, projected, probable effects of development

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

TYPE OF LAND OWNERSHIP
private, communal, state, open access

Manila Post Office, Lawton

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

FUNCTION AND PATTERN OF LAND USE:
urbanize, farm type, grazing, public domain

Fort Santiago, Manila

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

LOCATION, SIZE AND TYPE OF PERTINENT COMMUNITY
SERVICES:
School, market, parks, municipal services, recreational facilities, banks, food services, health
services, access to highways and public transportation

Binan, Laguna

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000) Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bi%C3%B1an

DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
POLITICAL JURISDICTION:

Allocation for current water supply,

sewage disposal and solid waste
management

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

ACCEPTED TERRITORIES

Guides in planning and development in the

site to provide the future users with an
attractive, safe and efficient environment in
which to live, work and play.

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

 FUTURE POTENTIAL

The objective of planning land use is to

influence, control or direct changes in
the use of land, so that it is dedicated to
the most beneficial use, while
maintaining the quality of the
environment and promoting
conservation of the land resources.

New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac

Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000). Retrieved from https://business.inquirer.net/261895/a-new-city-takes-shape

 SIZE OF SURROUNDING LOT AND APPROXIMATE PRICE RANGES

Usually in cities where there is high density population,

land prices are much more expensive due to the demand.
Population trends in a local market area can identify
potential user or consumer. These characteristics include
population change by births, deaths, age, sex, family size,
occupation, income levels, housing accommodations, tax
rates, and assessments

Land Prices and Housing in Manila (Strassmann, Blunt and Tomas Urban Studies Vol. 31, No. 2 (March 1994). Retrieved from
https://www.ecomparemo.com/info/top-20-most-expensive-places-to-buy-residential-real-estate-in-the-philippines/
https://www.ecomparemo.com/info/top-20-most-expensive-places-to-buy-
residential-real-estate-in-the-philippines/
 Sources:
BOOKS/RELATED LITERATURE:
Architecture for People by Byron Mikellides
Architectural Psychology by Rikard Kuller
Values in Architecture (Black, 2014)
Before Building (Lestage, 2012)
Urban Planning Site Analysis and Selection (Lavz, 2015)
The Place of Architectural Factors in Behavioral Theories of Privacy (Archea, 2010)
Ecological Psychology: Concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior, Barker, R. G. (1968), Stanford University Press, Palo Alto, CA
Land Prices and Housing in Manila (Strassmann, Blunt and Tomas Urban Studies Vol. 31, No. 2 (March 1994)
Building Adaptation (Douglas,2000)

SITES:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Universal-Design-Pyramid-demonstrate-the-bottom-up-methodology-of-universal-design_fig4_283265622
https://www.academia.edu/5736451/Social_and_Psychological_Considerations
http://architectphilippines.blogspot.com/2016/01/behavior-setting-studies.html
https://www.ecomparemo.com/info/top-20-most-expensive-places-to-buy-residential-real-estate-in-the-philippines/