Ch.

2 – Literature Review

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter includes a detailed explanation of the term and terminology of the
current fields of study “Psychology of Architecture” and principles about
Productivity in office environment that will lead to a better understanding of the
problem statement and the research questions seeking an answer through this study.
To assist produce a clear strategy to the analysis work environments, and to help
manager’s choice making, this chapter examines, compares and synthesizes from a
different variety of resources, the discoveries of exploration that has researched
Psychology, Architecture and Productivity indicators in their workspace. The
outcome of this chapter will lead to a better understanding of the problem statement
and the research questions seeking an answer through this study.
The contents of this chapter is listed below;
2.1 Psychology
2.1.1 Environmental Psychology
2.1.2 Workplace Psychology
2.1.3 Personality
2.1.3.1 Personalization
2.1.4 Psychology of Architecture
2.2 Architecture
2.2.1 Architectural Elements
2.2.1.1 Colour
2.2.1.2 Lighting
2.2.1.3 Form and Furniture
2.2.2 Office Design
2.3 Office Productivity
2.4 Summary of literature review and the gap

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2.1 Psychology
Wilson (2005) determined another approach to define the relationship between
philosophy and Psychology. It was between truth and need and he concluded that:
 Psychology works with human need.
 Philosophy works with truth in the world.
Morgan et al. (2001) describe Psychology as the investigation of behaviour
and psychological procedures. They considered three ideas important to the
meaning of Psychology; science, behaviour, and psychological procedures.
Psychologists use scientific methods to observe, describe, estimate, and explain
actions and psychological procedures. An individual with a degree in psychology
will have the ability to apply the knowledge of actions and psychological procedures
to a wide range of job possibilities in business, service areas, and research.
Gordon (2004) indicates that Psychology is a science which studies mental
factors which affect actions performing, and psychologists apply psychology
towards the arrangement of issues in different settings in various configurations
such as educational institutions, medical facilities and companies. The
psychological issues have been recognized by behavioral, psychological,
psychodynamic, humanistic, and natural parameters. The points of view are
established in changed philosophical presumptions, and depict human instinct in
distinctive ways such as improvements in neurosciences, investigation of culture
and cooperation with different significant ways. All these developments will have
its own influences on interior design as the mood is often influenced by the settings.
According to Stangor (2011) a significant objective of Psychology is to
estimate behaviour by knowing its causes. Prediction of individual’s behaviour is
difficult because they differ and react in a different way in different circumstances.
Individual variations are is about the differences among individuals on physical or
emotional measurements. For example, many individuals meet at least some signs
of depressive disorders at some times in their lifestyles, the reactions differs
considerably among individuals. Due to this personal distinction factors that impact
behaviours, it is not possible to estimate who will become competitive or who will
execute best in graduate student school or on the job.
As reported by Bogdan (1993) Psychology describes and expresses the brain
in terms of the inner design and function of the brain. It provides a scientific

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explanation of the experience and human behaviour about a particular event. It

comes from the understanding of the individual’s thinking process which is shaped
by physical and non-physical condition in a particular setting. The science of
Psychology may be more intelligent than it appears to be about what makes
individuals functionally and socially helpful, and objective coordinated.
Augustin (2009) offered design professionals theories in scope of
environmental Psychology, which explains how components of the physical
environment impact human behaviours. She presented the general concepts of place
science and shows how parameters such as size of the space, design style and the
spatial structure of a room, as well as Personality and social identification, influences
the knowledge about a particular place. These guidelines are used for several
buildings, such as homes, office buildings, medical care features, educational
institutions, and retail areas.
Formal investigations into how humans interact with the built environment
began in the 1950s, when several research groups analysed how the design of
hospitals, particularly psychiatric facilities, influenced patient behaviours and
outcomes. In the 1960s and 1970s the field that became known as environmental
psychology blossomed.
Environmental Psychology is an interdisciplinary field concentrating the
transaction between people and their environment. The field characterizes the term
environment comprehensively, including common habitats, social settings, and
assembled situations, learning situations, and enlightening situations.
2.1.1 Environmental Psychology
The field of environmental psychology investigates the relationship between
people and the physical environment. It is a multidisciplinary research involving
psychologists, cultural geographers, architects, designers, and engineers began
exploring the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment,
which can be defined as either natural or human-made, urban or rural part
surroundings (Matthews et al. 2010).
According to Canter (1990), environment totally encompasses people, and it
is impractical to experience or see every last bit of it at any one moment. Individuals
can only convert their interest to distinct factors of the surroundings at subsequent
deadlines. He investigates people’s behaviour in different places at different times

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and determines that human’s behaviour will be appropriate, effective, or sufficient

in regard to the physical environment during time. Then it can be possible that
individuals can modify themselves with man-made areas like buildings.
Moser (2003) looked to the previous, current, and upcoming of this
developing and significant area of Psychology. He considered the environment as a
fundamental element of the individual activities. Environmental Psychology
concerns with people's houses, the office structures and enjoyment configurations,
the visible effect of structures on individual mind and the side results of places on
individual activities. The problem at the front line of the political and ecological
motivation toward the twenty's first century—human rights, prosperity and personal
satisfaction—should be tended to and handled by natural therapists in a manner that
consolidates both culturally diverse and temporal measurements.
As Stokols (1998) indicated health-related aspect of environmental
Psychology is revealed in the significant theoretical and medical progress.
Investigation in these regions has shifted beyond simple utilization of established
emotional ideas to the derivation of new ideas and models associated with
environment and behaviour. In addition, experimental developments have been
created in these places as well as in the statistic of environmental tendencies and
behaviour.
According to De Young (1999), environmental Psychology investigates the
interrelationship between surroundings and individual actions. The field of
environmental Psychology identifies the need to be problem-oriented and the
concepts and techniques of relevant professions (e.g., Psychology, sociology,
anthropology, biology, and ecology). There are a few repetitive components in the
analysis literary works that help to determine this relatively new field:
 Awareness about the environment - knowing how people find the
environment and pay attention to their activities.
 Conception maps – understanding how individuals image the natural and
build environment.
 Desired surroundings - People usually find and being in places where they
feel confident.
 Involvement - The situation is dedicated to improving resident participation
in ecological design, control, and recovery tasks.

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 Preservation Psychology - The field has likewise assumed a noteworthy part

in conveying mental learning to tolerate upon natural difficulties including
reacting to worldwide atmosphere disruption and the impending energy
descent.
A worldwide team of leading students discover the latest concepts, research,
and programs critical to environmental Psychology. Bechtel and Churchman (2002)
have offered five sections for a thorough summary of the concepts, research, and
programs in the area of environmental Psychology. Part I deals with sharpening
theories; Part I offers with improving theories; Aspect II hyperlinks the topic to other
disciplines; Aspect III concentrates on methods; Aspect IV features applications; and
Aspect V investigates the near future of the area. They are attempting to define the
continuous unrest in contemplating how environment and Psychology connect.
Bechtel and Churchman have given a clear process to understand the actions, values,
and behaviours that are ruining our environment and placing our lives in danger and
regarded the following:
 More healthy pattern
 Healing environments
 Links to community planning
 Contaminated environments
 Women’s issues
 Environments for aging
 Weather conditions, environment, and criminal activity
 The history and future of disaster research
 Children’s environments
 Individual range in a digital age
 Social arranging
There are different branches of environmental psychology; clinical
psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, evolutionary
psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, social
psychology and organizational psychology or Workplace Psychology which Studies
the performance of people at work and in training, develops an understanding of how
organizations function and how people and groups behave at work. The occupational

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psychologist aims to increase effectiveness, efficiency, Productivity and satisfaction

at work (Schein, 1970).
2.1.2 Workplace Psychology
As indicated by Campbell et al. (1976) the health and wellbeing of
individuals are to the greatest outcome of groups and organizations policies. The
office is an important aspect of a person's life that impacts his or her lifestyle and
the well-being of the society. The normal grown-up spends quite a bit of his or her
life working, as much as a quarter or maybe 33% of his cognizant existence in work.
As much as a fifth to a variety's quarter in grown-up life fulfillment can be
represented by fulfillment with work.
Fried et al. (2001) has analyzed the connection between workplace
compaction and worker attitudinal responses by analyzing the multiple moderating
effects of job compression and business time period on the connection between
workplace compaction and three attitudinal outcomes: business dedication, job
fulfillment, and co-worker fulfillment. They noticed that workers in offices are
unpleasant in open plan options (high density) and prefer a private surrounded
workplace, which may work better for individual projects but are less successful for
group interaction.
Somat et al. (1999) have confirmed a relationship between users’
psychological characteristics and their responses to the physical environment at
work. They deal with the consequences of users’ individual variations (Personality)
which impacts their understanding of themselves at work. Not only do employees’
intellectual and mental procedures impact their understanding and evaluation of
their workplace, but the perception of their workplace also impacts their view of
themselves as employees and of their professional efficiency.
Dewe and Cooper (2012) targeted on well-being in workspaces which is one
of the quickest increasing places of issue to business, community industry, and
government. They look at the aspects relevant to stress in the modern day offices,
and provides realistic guidance for developers on how to control and reduce pressure
for workers, and put in place techniques for creating a healthy office.
Tutton (2003) described that emotional convenience pertains to exclusively
individual needs, such as the capability to the management components of one’s
job, to customize one’s area, to set limitations, and to link with characteristics or

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elegance. In inclusion to managing one’s work, the capability to make a personal

area and to management having access to one’s immediate atmosphere is another
factor to emotional convenience. Territoriality is an individual need over which
conflicts are fought, both in the workplace and among countries.
Vischer (2008) revealed that how individuals perceive environmental
conditions at work. He mentioned that until the 1980's, there was inadequate
analysis on workspaces and on workplace surroundings in particular. He has some
study about the concepts relevant to environmental Psychology of workplace and
produced some guidelines for the future research.
HermanMiller (2008) targeted on the employee’s convenience and showed
that employee’s comfort straightly impacts essential predictors of functional
performance, such as job fulfillment, well-being, and at its most beginning, of
course, employee’s Productivity. Most people can recognize the comfort when they
feel it, but they tend to describe the feeling in similes and scowls, as “like lying in
bed on a rainy day with nowhere to go.” Comfort is a slick idea, having meaning
for many decades in professions, such as medical, that are all about providing
convenience.
Judge et al. (2001) declared that office satisfaction is connected with
occupation satisfaction. In the past few years, employee’s convenience on the job,
identified by office conditions and environment has been identified as an important
aspect for calculating their efficiency. This is particularly true for those employees
who spend a large portion of the day working at the work station. As more PCs are
being set up in office buildings, many businesses have been implementing
ergonomic office styles for workplaces and place set ups. Ergonomics, additionally
called biomechanics, has become popular because of demand of employees for more
human convenience.
Vischer (2007) described environmental comfort as the combination of three
types of comfort: functional comfort, physical comfort and psychological comfort.
Each of which can be calculated and which together determine tenant spirits and
well-being as well as process efficiency and Productivity. Group and individual
efficiency, and user fulfillment, are suffering from disturbance levels, Lighting
quality, heat convenience and ergonomic office circumstances. Significant
functional comfort variations are available among the structures analyzed, showing

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different levels of ecological support for the work being performed; Functional
comfort scores are suffering from building variations, as well as by the type and
location (situated on the floor) of performance.
2.1.3 Personality
Barry (2012) describes Personality as mixture of aware (voluntary) and
subconscious (involuntary) aspects of individual's inner characteristics. At some
level our genetics and environment and to some level our total freedom performs a
part. But most likely the biggest part is performed by the connections of these two;
how we learn to deal with life and using the sources we’ve got. From his viewpoint,
essentially recognizing the lifestyle of the spirit and totally freedom, the character
is the lower level while the spirit would be in higher level. Personality is the
‘costume’ used by the soul as it features in the content globe in individual type.
Personality is defined by Cubel et al. (2014) as the combination of
emotional, attitudinal, and behavioural characteristics which are unique to an
individual, and hence, are part of her set of productive skills.
Perceptions of selfhood obviously vary from person to person and one way
of categorizing these variations is by personality type. In 1921, Carl Jung proposed
a system of personality typing that now forms the basis of the Myers-Briggs Type
Indicator (MBTI) assessment tool. In this system there are four dichotomous
indicator sets: Extraversion-Introversion (E-I), Sensing-Intuiting (S-N), Thinking-
Feeling (T-F), and Judging-Perceiving (J-P) (Myers & McCaulley, 1985). These
combine to create 16 different possible personality types that can be differentiated
into four groups according to their mental function.The reliability and validity of
the MBTI instrument has been widely studied and documented in literature and the
instrument meets and exceeds the standards for psychological instruments in terms
of its reliability (Myers Briggs Foundation, 2010).
The present study investigates the interior design with the consideration of
individual’s Personality. In a similar study, Russ and Weber (1995) had a survey on
234 interior design student at 12 universities in the United States. The purposes of
this study were to explore students' career aspirations in interior design and identify
any relationship between their self-assessed curriculum strengths, career
aspirations, and personality types. They applied Myers-Briggs model of personality

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in their research. The results of this research indicated there was not a definite link
between personality and career aspirations in interior design.
Hammer (2010) states that different personality types are much better in
some career, which depend on their abilities, skills and creativities. With respect to
personality style, several researchers have found strong correlations between
creativity and personality style (Meneely and Portillo, 2005; Houtz et al., 2003;
Prabhu, Sutton and Sauser, 2008; Helson, 1999; Sheldon, 1995).
Portillo (2002) conducted an exploratory study to compare the personality
of interior designers, architects, landscape architects, and engineers. Results
indicated that each group were described with specific personality traits.
2.1.3.1 Personalization or Territorialisation
As outlined by Altman (1975) territory and territoriality refers to behaviours
that a person can personalize, mark, own and defend a geographic area. Marking
devices such as fences, furniture, and personal belongings and nameplates create
and show the human territories boundaries. Steele (1986) believes human
territoriality at work has psychological value represented both by space for one's
work and by one's place in the organization. It also affects employees' interaction
with the environmental milieu. According to the literature, territorialisation is a
broad concept which may lead to Personalization.
As reported by Sundstrom (1986, p. 218), the term Personalization comes
from environmental Psychology: “It describes the display of personal or work-
related items or the arrangement of the workspace to distinguish the occupant from
others. Personalization is an extensive issue which is not only about the temporary
items, sometimes it deals with the room’s physical aspects.
In private workstation Personalization would be applied to entire space, but
in open spaces, it would appear to the personal distance. According to a definition
by Noorian (2009) ‘personal distance is a distance which people feel comfortable
within to have interaction with other people that they know. The near phase (45-
75cm) is used by people who are familiar which each other. Also Personal space is
explained as physical distance from the others.’ For example, in a private office
employees can personalize their Workplace with some family photos on the wall,
but in open sector which the entire office can be perceived in one look, like a
pharmacy, pharmacists only able to apply Personalization in their personal space.

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So Personalization is verified in personal space or in worker’s privacy spaces,

depends on the Workplace measurements.
The significance of personalization can vary for people per company or
division. Wells, Thelen and Ruark (2007) state that the main predictors of
personalization are business rather than personal, for example, the company plan on
personalization, the chance for customization by having an allocated office and the
availability of space for customers and guests. Elsbach (2004) believes that “the
organizations’ strong stance against office personalization led to conflict,
subversive personalization of workspace, and apathy among employees – all leading
to decreased Productivity.” In a non-territorial office it is typical that personalization
is restricted, if not banned. It’s not easy to share the work desk with co-workers if
individual products indicate it as your own.
As Scheiberg (1990) indicated the part of availability of a place for clients
or guests. In work places that is only available for workers the level of
personalization is usually greater than in a place that is available for clients as well.
In these situations ‘public persona’ standardization and consistency is most desired.
Personalization is only used to venture the preferred picture, while personalization
in a shut place, applied more to enhance the quality and efficiency of work or living
place.
According to Haynes (2007), personalization allows to place yourself in a
workplace and can be connected to identification, feelings, job fulfilment, work
efficiency, control, territoriality, position and business aspects like a company plan,
having allocated office buildings and productive team. It is obvious that there seem
to be boundaries between the non-territorial office idea and the idea of
personalization. Companies can understand personalization as office mess, while
the individual can understand personalization as a way of developing his or her
identification in the office.
2.1.4 Psychology of Architecture
Philip (1996) attempted to identify the relationship between Architecture
and Psychology. He also mentioned about Louis Hellman’s idea which is about
unfulfilling marriage between Architecture and Psychology and introduces new idea
about this connection. The intention of his research is to focus on improvement of
the marriage, to demonstrate that it is not a complete failing, and to advice both

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associates new methods to create the connection more effective and fulfilling in the
future. This forms the pioneering thought of marriage between Architecture and
Psychology.
Mikellides (2007) evaluate the impact of research in Architectural
Psychology and human aspects in design and practice of Architecture. He believes
that Psychology is integrated within a design-based course and so many students
have studied different researches in this scope. Because the architect who had no
training in Psychology or human aspects of design as part of his/her education, can
never give out any livable space for human life which can be usable for a long time.
Popow (2000) in “a report on Psychology and Architecture” narrates that
environmental Psychology might also be employed by various components: interest
or knowing how individuals agree to their environment; Understanding and
perceptive applying or how individuals cognitively map what they encounter
centred on everything they might understand, feel and perceive about their
surroundings. His research was on the people’s inspirations showing that individuals
normally like to encounter locations where they will feel qualified, assured,
convenient or enjoyable.
Rush (2008) gave a psychological value to Architecture. He said that
Architecture is connecting with different feelings of humanity. A designer must
develop the spaces based on psychological principles of human’s mind which helps
to create more comfortable lives in regard to art, lifestyle, sociology and appearance.
He also describes Architecture as a creative perception enriched with the genuine
distribution in reaction to nature, history and behavior design.
Kopec (2012) investigated on how a room impacts an occupant's actions and
well-being and how does a building effect its residents' health. The author examines
these questions with an in-depth look at psychosocial reactions to the developed
environment. Kopec also examined the connections between surroundings and
human actions and well-being and demonstrated how individual variations relevant
to age, gender, and social qualifications effect that connections. Many practical
projects are also developed to reduce stress and increase customer fulfilment,
assisting to make more relaxed areas that will both fulfil the needs of the developed
citizens and increase the opportunity of design.

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2.2 Architecture
According to Anthes (2009), Architecture would be defined as a food for
thought. Where designer creates or changes the setting; effects not only how
individuals like and understand the world, but also, how they communicate within
it. The main concept is that the mind translates structure through the mind and
results in impacting the ideas and following actions. As Anthes indicated
Architecture is always delicate to making areas humane, by truly considering for
individual reaction.
As Šafránková (2006) indicated Architecture and urban space assume an
essential part in human's physical and non-physical life and their well-being.
Sociology and Psychology analyse the role of Architecture in the conscious shaping
of urban space in the 21st century. Sociological and psychological aspects of the
influence of Architecture are connected with human, his perception and needs. The
relationship between Architecture and sociology is also part of the topical idea of
Sustainable development of Architecture which has a positive influence on human
perception.
Ulrich (1991) described that there are two very primary and essential
concepts regarding to structural design:
 Function follows form: This idea indicates something designed according to its
features. We are not considering the Form at the preliminary level of structural
design.
 Form follows function: It indicates something is designed in a way, which allows
it to execute its function.
Gifford (2007) revealed that the principles of design manage the connections
of the components used and set up the structure as a whole. Effective design is
depended on use of the guidelines and components to provide the producer's aim and
visible objectives. There are no guidelines for their use but designers must keep
design purposes in minds and produce a proper result with balance between the
components. According to his study, the design principles are: Harmony, Contrast,
Repetition (rhythm, pattern), Balance, Proportion, Variety, Emphasis, organization
and harmonization of accessories, etc.
As Ayers (2007) indicated, Architecture can promote, restrict or minimize
public communication. The style and material of buildings and places can promote

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social identification and satisfaction in the community. It can also be an appearance

of social pleasure, social interest, or nationwide confidence. Research facilitates the
idea that components of design and quality of surface material, the quantity and
position of windows, and Lighting will impact people. Furthermore, structural style
has strong but changeable effects on social actions and users' feelings and efficiency
and, at some level, style features also impact wellness.
Joye (2007) believes that people have practical knowledge about the impact
of design, because their minds generally tend to bring in pattern and styles of space
and framework, which impacts actions. He assumed physical environment has an
important effect on individual actions. As people invest more time inside the
buildings, it becomes more valuable to design the spatial components with
consideration of building’s function. In this connection, architectural scenery must
meet the human-mind’s demands.
Stone (2011) focused on Architecture interior and explained that interior
spaces must be matched with the overall look of place, irrespective of its real
dimension. Since place impacts individuals thought and emotions, the connection
between inside and outside of the building should be considered. People would
experience feelings of control, when their atmosphere does not allow them to choose
connections or isolation with people, inside the building. The emotional results of
populating have been associated with excitement and pressure.
De Botton (2008) investigates the methods that Architecture talks to us.
When we are living inside the buildings, they can influence our real selves and
impact how we are connecting to our life. For this reason, he indicated; it’s the
architect's duty to design spaces that promote pleasure by embodying principles.
Along with elegance and beauty in design, he indicated some of the benefits a
building should have: order along with complexity; stability between distinct
elements; elegance that seems to be effortless; a consistent connection between the
parts; and self-knowledge, which requires an awareness about human mind-set,
something that designers all too often neglect. De Botton contains many apt
illustrations of structures that either integrate or neglect these features, he discussed
about them in methods that make apparent to their benefits or weaknesses.
As Heerwagen (1998) indicated, buildings have possibly far attaining effects
on human wellness and business efficiency. Customers need to move their focus

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from considering structures as source of costs to considering structures as a place to

live, that design of the buildings lead considerably to health, efficiency, wellness,
and job outcomes. Features promoting business wellness is also a factor in his study.
The design project must look at the structures from this viewpoint and also to type
of the building, with these big objectives in mind. Although appearance of design
project has always been an important objective, because always effects employees’
interest and motivations in workplaces.
Lew (2006) believes her study persuades people to look at their place and
surroundings carefully. According to her study, it is essential to assess how we are
connecting to our surroundings and analyse what role they play in our daily
activities. Our environment shape the way we live and how we feel. According to
Lew the same objectives can also be considered in terms of their emotional effects:
vehicles may affect our emotions of serenity and safety; density can make emotions
of nearness and belonging; mixed-use development can make an empowered
environment. Understanding the characteristics of the way we correspond with our
environment is just one more critical facet to consider in the pursuit to make our
places more liveable.
Roth (2006) has undertaken a survey on Western Architecture, describing the
structure, operation, record, and significance of structure, in a way that is both
available and interesting. The long-awaited second version includes: new protection
on Postmodernism and its connection to the Modernist era; a reorganization of
Mesopotamian and Ancient framework based on thematic lines of development; an
extended section on Ancient structure, such as improvements from the end of the
Roman Kingdom to the Renaissance; and an extended art program that contains over
500 pictures in grayscale and Colour. Knowing Architecture remains the only written
text in the area to analyse framework as a social trend as well as a creative and
technical accomplishment with its uncomplicated, two-part structure: (1) The
Components of Architecture and (2) The Background Purpose of Architecture.
Keedwell (2009) states that the earlier modernist researchers ignored
Psychology. Neglecting of user's psychological states in the growth of the
worldwide design causes a great public and emotional damage. Although these
mistakes would happen due to inadequate connection between spaces and occupants,
rather than poor structural design. In this connection, designers must be aware about

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the space users; for whom they are developing? Which type of design would make
them satisfied? They might end up with dangerous or ‘bad’ design outcome, when
they forget about principles of psychology. As design is a technology as well as an
art, for having a successful, functional and artistic design project, Psychology must
be considered as an intrinsic aspect of Architecture.
According to Brooker and Stone (2007) for developing a connection between
the current building and the new components that occupy it, the nice placements of
internal component are essential. With effective design of components within the
space, every part of internal structural planning is functionally protected. Brooker
provides an uncomplicated, easy-to-follow method for examining, knowing, and
using current structures to make new decorations that are architecturally appropriate,
efficient, and wonderful.
Haddad (2001) has statements about internal decoration. He believes that
interior design has to be significantly above the simple decoration of a particular area
of internal spaces. Internal decorators must have a wide qualification and be able to
perform with designers and field-related professionals engaged in internal areas. The
decorator must be aware of the purpose of design of internal areas, as a part of the
human environment. Many decorators today meet the requirements for professional
interior designers, and their performance is a good evidence of their achievements
and popularity. But an actual strategy to achievements needs from the internal
decorator to consider the consumer as the focus of the total process. Unless the
internal decorator is aware of the behavioural factors of his customers and the
restricted image of space, under which he must perform. Internal decorators must
apply the artistic factors with techniques that must be employed, and they should
reduce the possibilities of improper performing, both functionally and mentally, to
make satisfy their customers and space occupants.
2.2.1 Architectural Elements
The challenge of interior design lies in the task of resolving a wide variety of
functional and aesthetic requirements into a consistent, satisfying design. The
attempt to solve the different requirements would make use of certain design
elements by arranging the properties of these elements into a consistent whole
(Augustin, 2009). According to a report by Regents of the University of California

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(2006) design of interior spaces must enhance the function and quality of life and
increasing productivity.
Callari (2015) defined Elements of design as true building blocks. She
believes they never change but they help to accomplish the meaning and quality in
the room. According to her research these blocks are; line, Form, shape, space, Light,
Colour, pattern, and texture.
The following section reviewing briefly the earlier studies in the scope of
three elements of design; Colour, Lighting and Form, as the main concern of this
study.
2.2.1.1 Colour
Colour is applied in design of interior spaces, because of various reasons
since it is a multipurpose and effective design factor that works like a device of
interaction among individuals and the designed environment (Holtzschue, 2012).
Reported by Smith (2003) Colour performs a crucial part to the factors of
environmental design such as concept, atmosphere, perform, built shape, location,
and orientation. Therefore, the correct application of Colour can enhance users’
capability to communicate with their atmosphere effectively. In addition, Colour as
a design device is appropriate for introducing the aesthetical, representational or
cultural implications of the surroundings by the proper utilization of Colour mixture.
Based on an earlier study by Mahnke (1996) there are different requirements, and
design objectives for environment that require unique ambiences, provide for varied
functions. In addition, Colour can have powerful impacts on people’s feelings,
thoughts and choices. Thus, it has influence on individual’s views and very
subjective opinions regarding their physical surroundings. For example, it is revealed
that while red symbolizes energy and passion, blue symbolizes pleasure and
peacefulness.
English and stone (2002) believe that task type, poster presence, and
workspace colours have effects on mood, pleasure, and efficiency. Satisfaction and
efficiency are not affected by workplace Colour, although efficiency is reduced or
increased for the high or low quality of Colour contents over time. Posters make the
office enjoyable, and also improve recognized process requirement. Perceived
process requirement is also related to office colours. Perceived process requirement
may average the effects of posters and office colours on feelings and other views.

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Other data supports the idea that cool colours are soothing and warm colours are
exciting.
According to Guest and Van Laar (2000) structure of colours and the
application of their different shades influences spaces and their function. This data
confirmed the uniqueness of basic colours terms as compared with the non-basic
terms. Colour will make spaces more attractive, pleasant and efficient, when that
linked to the preferences of occupants of the spaces.
Gibson (2011) indicated most of the individuals can remember particular
things from areas with organized components, in a certain design. Identifying these
items can help designers to create spaces linked with the psychological and structural
functions. Colours cause different behaviours from one space to another because of
variety in their spectrum (Table 2-1).
Table 2-1: Colours and their Psychological Effects (Adopted from Johnson, 2005)
Black Colours of strength and power. It takes in light and dims an area usually
making the area less suitable to users.
White Mirrored light and makes an area lighter and usually more enjoyable to
be in.
Red Colour of love and romantic endeavours, Tends to cause a quicker pulse
rate and breathing.
Blue Is the Colour of the imagination and is primarily comforting; it
influences people psychologically, Even so, it can be recognized as cool,
unemotional and undesirable.
Green Green has the positive influences on our mental, emotional and physical
conditions. It’s also the Colour of Balance, refreshment, rest and peace.
Yellow A happy Colours, yet it is more common for people to reduce their self-
control in yellow-coloured areas and children usually cry more. Yellow
tends to improve metabolic rate.
Purple Colours of royals, violet implies luxury, prosperity, and complexity. It is
also elegant and loving. However, because it is unusual in nature, violet
can appear synthetic.
Brown Colour of qualities, Represents durability and reliability. It is a strong,
trusted colour and most people discover as lightly supportive.

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The study indicates that designer must be aware of the tendencies of space
users, then they can design for betterment of all interior spaces.
According to Eiseman (2006), there is no one in the business enterprise who
questions the impact of colours. Those involved in marketing, interior design,
advertising, and retail needs to be as advised as possible about the application of
colours as an important and impressive factor which helps to create proper
functional environment with appropriate Colour choices. This information describes
the emotional reaction to Colour and includes the latest guidelines for effective
Colour mixtures such as the incorporation of colours styles. With up-to-date
graphics and printing therapies to eliminate anxiety, this information encourages
and provides its users to create smart advised choices.
Birren (1984) provided a kaleidoscopic view of Colour information that has
been a source of interest. He considers that Colour and individual reaction offer
fascinating actual and theoretical findings on the impacts of Colours in life,
reinforced by traditional sources and the latest medical data. Birren examines the
medical, visible, emotional and intuitive reactions to Colour mentioning both to
ancient representational uses of Colour as well as its application in the modern
atmosphere. His requirements for colours in homes, workplaces, hospitals, and
educational institutions are designed toward reducing device stress and tensions.
Complete with sketches, Colour pictures, and personal significance of Colour
choices, colours and human response will, according to the specialist, captivate
anyone concerned with a person’s environment, such as psychologist and scientist.
In fact this work has become a basic reference for designers, instructors, interior and
commercial designers.
Reed (2010) offered concept in terms of design concepts such as variety,
unity, emphasis, proportion, rhythm and balance. He introduced few ideas with
respect to people understanding Colour, and helping the young interior designers
focus on the client experience of a space. The research has shown the Colour must
be planned in the process of design and relevant parameters like textures and light,
should be considered.
According to Meerwein et al. (2007) colours are a feature of both the natural
and the man-made environment. They express information of all kinds and perform
a wide range of functions, telling, planning, and caution. But they also serve a visual

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purpose, impacting the declaration, effect, and approval of things and areas. While
people’s responses to Colour differ widely, in design questions it is still possible to
set up generally legitimate Colour ideas to coordinate the objectives of the various
categories of users. This research is a guide based on a variety of medical results
and may be discussed as a a reliable referrals by the structure student and the
professional as well. (e.g. RGB -Red Green Blue- is very common, being used in
virtually every computer system as well as television, video etc. and HSL (Hue
Saturation and Lightness) represents a wealth of similar Colour spaces. Alternative
names include HSI (Hue Saturation Intensity), HSV (Hue Saturation value), HIS
(Hue Intensity Saturation), etc.
Despite the years of research on the Colour, we are often not aware that
stress, tension, visible problems, and a variety of other problems may actually be
due to a badly designed atmosphere. According to this analysis Colour is now
dealing with a rebirth in design. Used properly, Colour and Lighting can enhance
efficiency at the workplace, increase the protection of commercial facilities;
enhance greater attention covers in students; create more delectable food-service
establishments; and enhance the mood of medical centre sufferers. Developers,
designers, directors, planners—anyone enthusiastic about developing valuable,
glare-free surroundings—will find all the information, they need to advertise
physical, visual, and emotional well-being with Colour and Lighting (Mahnke,
1996).
As indicated by Vischer (1989) to enhance the quality of work, the physical
surroundings and the customers who take it up must be regarded together as a whole.
Colour is regarded as one of the ecological factors of organization area that may
impact the efficiency.
One of the research relevant to this issue has been performed by Ainsworth,
Simpson and Cassell (2002) about the consequences of red, white and green
coloured workplace on participants’ feelings and efficiency. The given process was
to type terms and the work efficiency was calculated by writing mistakes and the
rate of mistakes to terms entered. They discovered no important efficiency
distinction between the categories and recommended that this was because of the
short-term period of study.

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The other research was designed by Kwallek and Lewis (2003) to evaluate
the consequences of red, green and white-coloured workplace setting on workers’
efficiency and feelings. Users conducted an editing test in three configurations. The
results indicated that participants in the white-coloured workplace made
considerably more mistakes than the participants in the red workplace.
Küller, Mikellides and Janssens (2009) had analyzed the connection among
Colour, enjoyment and efficiency. They found that red shade and styles in the
internal space put the mind in a more thrilled state and introverted individuals, who
are also has damaging feelings became more suffering from the environmental
stimulation than others became, which triggered serious changes in their efficiency.
This research is designed to comprehend whether there are variations between
achromatic and chromatic colours of an office with regards to process efficiency and
also self-report of the process.
With colours individuals can set a feeling, entice interest, or create a
particular message or meaning. They can use colour to motivate, or just relax during
working hours. Since researchers couldn’t introduce guidelines and formula for the
use of Colour, others developed them. As Sloane (2002) indicates into the twentieth
century, many seekers appeared to believe that the arts, especially the visual arts,
could not be considered genuinely respectable unless law could be found that
explained them and defined their purposes. If Colour harmony and other forms of
beauty could be shown to have a rational basis, the arts would be revealed as more
than just aesthetic.
Lehrer (2011) in University of British Columbia analyzed on effects of
Colour application as a background screen. His research revealed how certain
background Colours affected efficiency in several psychological projects. According
to his study, test-takers in the red environments were much better at skills that
required accuracy and attention to detail, such as catching spelling mistakes or
keeping random numbers in short-term memory. Though people in the blue group
performed worse on short-term memory tasks, they did far better on tasks requiring
some imagination.
2.2.1.2 Lighting
The earlier research on the consequences of Lighting mainly targeted on
functional aspects like exposure and visible convenience. During the 1960’s and

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1970’s Lighting designers and scientists began to think that Lighting also affected
people’s subjective opinions of the environment around them. Consequently, besides
providing the appropriate classifieds of Lighting for visible efficiency, it became
important for designers considering substitute alternatives, which may provide
different ideas for very subjective reactions of occupants (Murdoch and Caughey,
2004).
In spite of the fact that offices are mainly work-focused, other results of
Lighting on long-time occupant's satisfaction and prosperity should be regarded in
the design approach. There is a body of literary works that focuse on the very
subjective reactions to Lighting. Flynn (1977) carried out an early study about the
consequences of Lighting circumstances on very subjective opinions. Four features
of Lighting have been found to be important in the design process, which are
overhead/peripheral, bright/dim, uniform/nonuniform, and creatively warm/visually
awesome. Modifications in strength, submission and shade i.e. overall tone of the
Lighting impacts on very subjective opinions about the surroundings such as space,
pleasure, visible quality and comfort.
Juslén et al. (2007) examined a controllable task Lighting system which can
improve efficiency under real working circumstances. They experimented for a
period of 16 months in a luminaire manufacturer in Finland in which such a task-
Lighting system was set up above 10 individual work stations. The illuminances
chosen by the customers and efficiency were documented. The improvement of
efficiency for the analyse team was +4.5% in comparison to a referrals team, and
mathematically important. The procedure for this improvement can be enhanced
visual comfort, biological impacts of light, or emotional results.
According to Izsó et al. (2009), humans may prefer dynamic over fixed
Lighting because they are biologically accustomed to responding to natural Lighting,
which is inherently dynamic. Accuracy and speed of task performance were not
significantly different between the “down” (decreasing luminance) or “up”
(increasing luminance) dynamic Lighting conditions, though speed was more
variable during the “up” than the “down” condition. Time and luminance were the
most important factors in determining speed and accuracy, indicating that biological
factors associated with time (e.g., habituation, fatigue) may result in worse

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performance over time. However, the “up” dynamic Lighting condition may offset
the effects.
As indicated by Oberascher (2002) Architecture is not features that can be
easily acknowledged. The perception of Colour and Lighting appear from the
continuous process of adjusting and are the result of a complicated mixture of
various features. Colour and Lighting are identified in the perspective of space, time
and movement; content, area and Form as well as attributes and actions of the
viewer.
Clements (2009) demonstrated that the variety of Lighting in one’s office
would make a very significant contribution to the overall satisfaction that a building
occupier and customer will experience. Visual comfort in a room will rely on the
Lighting of areas such as light sources inside the area of view. If areas are too shiny
or the contrast amongst lit areas is too high, it would cause glare. His research
revealed that personal control over an individual’s work table has a positive impact
on their convenience and inspiration. Individual control can be over shutters, the
illuminance level on the table and the air conditioning of that area.
Quality of Lighting concerns determination on the sufficient Lighting for an
effective visual performance of the workplace process (Table 2-2). Understanding
about visual projects, their importance in the function of the workplace and the age
of the users are essential for the requirements of the Lighting design (IESNA, 1993).
Table 2-2: Expected illuminance quantity for visual tasks (Adopted from IESNA,
1993)

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According to Philips annual report (2008) the computer screen has a great
role in case of light reflection. The computer screen additionally works like a mirror.
Reflectance Form the materials, bright surfaces, and any Lighting resource, all lead
to glare. Glare would result eye discomfort and force the individuals to an
uncomfortable situation, hence occupants attempt to stay away from having the
glare. These positions lead to discomfort and problems in the upper body that would
also worsen eye strain. It is more effective to handle the glare by appropriate
Lighting pattern and location of the monitor, utilization of an anti-glare monitor.
Many screens at present are accessible and well-equipped with lower reflective
monitors.
According to NTSP (2009) report, visual comfort is an important factor in
any workplace, and generally need proper Lighting to avoid eyestrain, enhancing
convenience, and improve Productivity. Appropriate Lighting design is important
for a secure and effective workplace. It is significant that the ambient Lighting gives
efficient illumination for employees in the work area. The optimal Lighting level
will depend on the task. Too much light can be as fatiguing as not enough.
Manav (2007) performed an empirical research on the impacts of Colour
temperature and amount of Lighting in the office environment. It was found in this
research that advanced Lighting level (2000 lux) was preferred to low stage
illuminance (500 lux) for the impact of convenience, spaciousness, saturation, and
brightness level. Moreover, 4000K Colour temperature was recommended rather
than 2700K for the impact of convenience and spaciousness, yet 2700K was
recommended for leisure and relaxation. Akashi and Boyce (2006) performed an
study in a modern office to analyze employee’s reaction to decreasing the normal
illuminance level and brightness conception related with Colour temperature. As
research indicated office personnel were generally pleased with the reduced level of
Lighting for work environment, after an initial variation period and they improved
the use of process Lighting at their process. Moreover, implementing 6500K light
improved the conception of Lighting, with the lower level of ambient Lighting.
Moreover, to the analysis relevant with the very subjective opinions of
participants in the offices, there are analysis particularly targeted on the impact of
Lighting on efficiency in the workplaces. Manav and Küçükdoğu (2006) performed

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a study motivated by the report that efficiency and performance at workplaces can
increase as long as conditions are convenient.
2.2.1.3 Form and Furniture
Prina (2009) in his study discussed about the main art elements from
concept, programs, and patterns to architectural components such as arches, domes,
and columns, to decorative items and construction supplies. Any wonderful Colour
images and in almost each page, identified with specific titles that targeted
significant features of every single image. Moreover he tried to present an
understandable and useful identical grammar of the almost endless range regarded
ccomponents of Architecture that utilized in buildings around the world from
Western Europe and Greece to the Americas, the Middle East, China, Japan, India,
and Africa.
Matthews et al. (2010) had some study about the influence of personality on
form in residential buildings. Their study revealed that there is a strong relationships
between personality type (MBTI) and three-dimensional form in design choices
made for the creation of personal home environments.
Ergonomic is an important concept which should be considered during the
process of furniture designing. Adams (2008) had focused on improving user's
productivity through developing more suitable and convenient objects in work
setting. Furthermore the ergonomics influences user's individual relaxation, so
would count it as a purpose of environmental impact on work Productivity. Based
on his study performing in a work room lighted by fluorescent lamps could influence
their hormonal development, particularly for females workers. Accordingly,
optometrist might recommend to wear eyeglasses to eliminate or minimize the
negative influences of any light source. As Adams indicated, in workplace every
parameter which dealing with user's comfortableness, should be considered as an
ergonomic factor.
In a survey study Dazkir and Read (2011) assessed the psychological
reactions to simulative and managed spaces, presenting curvilinear outlines in
comparison to a space furnished with objects being surrounded with rectangular
lines. Attendees of this study were scholars educating in art and design courses.
Nevertheless the attendees estimated these simulative environments as dull and
boring, but they determined curvilinear types much more attractive and satisfying

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rather than rectangular types. Entirely positive and calm feelings like happiness,
relaxing, comfortableness, quiet, and peaceful were existing in the environment,
while using the curvilinear configurations over the rectangular ones. The
uncomfortable and negative psychological expresses like feeling pressured,
frustrated, and madness was connected with the rectangular configurations in their
study.
About the importance of furniture, Grey (2006) illustrated that decorating
any places with furniture is a job greater than placement the chairs, rugs or tables.
It's an approach to create the quality with innovative mixture of creativity and
replacement in case of furnishing objects, with looking at the people’s feelings. A
traditional part of furniture would be sitting items that provides beauty and attraction
for spaces. In accordance with this study, the workplace furniture would have
significant influence on worker's efficiency. Work areas need to be secure and
convenient, in case of body posture and emotional states, for the individuals to
experience pleasure and Productivity.
2.2.2 Office Design
The present research is investigating the office interior design with respect
to the employees’ personality types. Portillo (1996 and 2002) found personality to
be an important indicator as well as embodiment of creativity in interior design and
related disciplines.
Gosling et al. (2002) gave specific attention to personal living spaces and
how the materials in offices and bedrooms contain clues as to the identity of the
occupant. They found that independent observers had similar impressions of
personal environments and could form, with some accuracy, valid impressions of
the occupant's identity.
In the field of interior design, Peggram (2007) used the MyersBriggs Type
Indicator to predict the success of interior design students. Peggram (2007) found
significance between Judging personality types, senior classification, older ages,
higher ACT scores, and higher high school ranks along with higher cumulative
GPAs. Peggram's (2007) study concluded that the four most common MBTI types
in college senior interior design students were:
 Introversion/Sensing/Feeling/Judging (ISFJ),
 Extraversion/ Sensing/Thinking/Judging (ESTJ),

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 Extraversion/Intuiting/Feeling/Perceiving (ENFP),
 Extraversion/Intuiting/Thinking/Judging (ENTJ).

This finding has potentially important implications for interior design education and
curriculum development
As outlined by Wineman (1982) the environmental conditions can be listed
as noise, temperature, air conditioning, ventilation and Lighting. Generally, these
conditions are considered as basic factors which are required to perform a particular
duty, but there are other relative specific elements that have to be taken into
consideration in design of spaces such as Colour, aesthetics and furniture. Colour
and other physical presentation items of space are elements extremely concerned
with aesthetic aspects of spaces. The issue of additional resources that may enhance
motivation and ability of work in spaces would be furniture, plants, presentation
items and audio systems, which are usually not included into charges. While
arguably these parts of design is dealing with performing progress and concentration
potential.
ASID (1999) had some study about design of physical environment of
workplaces and exposed that this issue is important because it is dealing with
comfort, happiness, efficiency and Productivity of workers. This research outcomes
revealed that 31 percent of individuals in study feeling great about their tasks and
are satisfied about their physical surroundings. Around 50 percent of individuals
who were looking for new jobs, mentioned that they would like to work in
workplaces with an attractive and appealing environment, which provides feelings
of pleasure and comfort.
According to HSE (2013) important concepts in office interior design are:
human factors, agronomics, environmental Psychology and human Psychology.
They had some study about human factor in offices. They defined human factor as
any aspect involving humans in their work. Human factors is grounded in
Psychology. According to their research, the worker’s physical and emotional
features in a work environment are listed as the following: body properties including
shape and size, physical fitness, position, the senses particularly vision, hearing and
touch, Psychological capabilities, character, awareness, abilities and practical
experiences. All of these factors should be considered as human factors of

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workplace, which impacts the overall satisfaction and Productivity in any

organization or office area.
Myerson and Ross (2006) explained that people are largely driven by their
needs and work can satisfy a large number of these, for instance mental condition,
popularity, interactions, incentives, values, freedom, confidence, and fairness. They
also illustrated that design of workspace has to be based on the psychological and
physical needs of workers. For this reason spaces need to be on a human scale to
create privacy, territory and safety, improving mood and job satisfaction.
Collaboration of spaces in combination with standard individual work areas,
comfortable environments are provided that does not cause discomfort or introduce
irritants to productive workers.
According to Danielsson and Bodin (2008) workplaces are generally
identified as sometimes classic type (direct to private offices for a single employee)
and open-plan type. Classic workplaces have a tendency to have individuals in
personal areas and private work spaces, surrounded by walls, furnished with proper
work furniture and containing the facilities necessary to accomplish a particular job.
Brennan, et al., (2002) in another study investigated the work condition and
properties in both open and private offices. They believed open offices are mostly
identified by a large open area without any interior partitions or any other barriers.
They generally consisted of regular lines of desks, seats and shelves, to contain
higher numbers of employees. Eye-contacts and interaction in open offices are
more, but in private offices employees have privacy and great opportunity to
accomplish the jobs, which required concentration and attention.
Laing (2006) in his research checked out the parameters involved with an
office interior design in both sectors of open and private. Office design, on the other
hand, has to be analysed because of the psychological factors involved in design of
work physical environment. He indicated that many companies are re-considering
the work services and features to make sure their offering workplace matches with
physical and psychological requirements of their employees.
Office design directly influence employee overall performance, satisfaction
and Productivity in the workplace. This encourage numerous studies in this field
which some of them are discussed in the following section.

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The link between personality and architectural form preferences is an area

that has received previous research attention as well. For example, Duffey et al.
(1986) studied preferences in nursing home design while Sebba and Churchman
(1993) assessed house form and territorialism. The results of these and other related
studies suggested that personality and the desire for a means of self-expression
significantly affected architectural preferences.

2.3 Office Productivity

Cubel et al. (2014) investigated the Big Five factors correlation with the
Productivity in workplace. Their study revealed that Productivity in office is
affected by the worker’s personality. More extroverted women, for instance, exhibit
lower performance, while more extroverted men earn a higher payoff than their less
extroverted counterparts.
As reported by Mohr (1996), to improve the quality and quantity of worker's
productivity, manager must make sure that the physical surrounding of workplace
is matched with business demands and assisting connections among employees and
workplace. It also should meet user’s comfort and satisfaction with consideration of
work protocol, efficiency and Productivity. Subsequently, the workplace physical
surroundings which is a significant and major factor, has to be utilize properly to
achieve organization success.
Drucker (2007) believes that without Productivity objectives, a business
does not have direction and without Productivity measurement, a business does not
have control. In fact, Productivity is dealing with quality and quantity of products
and resources, to obtain complex producing connections between inputs and
outputs. However, it would be defined as producing progress by converting goods
and materials in a scientific and pre-defined procedure, to services and values. He
defines Productivity as a measure of the effectiveness and efficiency of the
organization in generating output from the resources available.

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McGee (2002) defines three concepts efficiency, effectiveness and

Productivity by the following statements: Efficiency is the strong connection that is
present among sources and an action. Effectiveness is involved with "how well" one
thing operates (generates predetermined, favorite outcomes). This issue for "how
well" is concerned with a different principle identified as quality.

Figure 2-1: Efficiency, Effectiveness and Productivity Diagram (Source; McGee, 2002)

Efficiency demands this query, "How much?" Nevertheless, this is a

dangerous query to request. Productivity would be defined as determination of the
efficiency of an individual, device, manufacturer, technique, etc., in transforming
inputs to beneficial outputs (Figure 2-1). Productivity could also be calculated by
splitting typical output in a particular work interval through the overall prices
incurred or sources (funds, power, product, employees) taken in this interval.
Productivity is a significant determinant of cost efficiency.
As Duffy (1974) indicated any office workplace provides a proper physical
settings for personnel to conduct the job duties. To organize the human assets along
with this physical environment, they need to have a proper arrangement, with
professional view to physical and non-physical outputs. Value of output in any
organization followed the work procedure and the input features, in both case of
humanistic and non-humanistic part of office environment.
Veitch, et al (2007) in an independent study over the topic of Productivity,
demonstrated that this concept has a strong position in design of workplace,
physically and psychologically. Productive office could create a variety of positive
emotional and attitudinal results, as well as personal inspiration, job satisfaction and
would shape the pattern of employee's interactions.

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Leaman and Bordass (1999) experimented the impact of work physical

surroundings on employee's Productivity and job performance. At the end of the
study, these influences was approximated to be around 40%. As per their study,
along with managerial problems, difficulties regrading nature of work, individual's
unique mental patterns and cultural issues, physical environment is a significant
factor involved with Productivity.
As outlined by Duffy et al. (2003) improving existing office environments
depends on changing the phy sical surrounding according to employee's personal
preferences. Modifications of variables like the physical environment or workplace
layout, also arrangement of office features and services, would have consequences
on the employees or organizations’ overall Productivity.
Rodriguez (2012) searched for methods to increase Productivity of U.S.
companies’ employees. Many employees assume that any improvement in physical
layout of workplace, would direct the organization to greater overall effectiveness.
A number of them could possibly be capable to expand the work-hours and keep
working for a bit longer, due to the fact that the re-design and upgrade of the
physical surroundings make them happier. Some of the factors which can help are:
increase open space, use or allow adjustable furniture, increasing the privacy and
reduce the eye-contacts during working hours, etc.

2.4 Summary of literature review and the gap

A review of the literature relevant to Architecture, Psychology and

Productivity has been presented in this chapter. It can be clearly observed that the
literature establishes the fact that Psychology is an inherent feature of Architecture.
Architecture emerges based on human thinking and it has influence on mood,
thinking pattern, Personality traits, behavioral aspects, performance, state of mind,
stress and several such behavioral aspects. A large number of researchers have
related the psychological aspects to architectural designs and have proved their
interdependencies.
The literature delineates the fact that for meaningful outcome, the architects
should have:
1. Awareness about psychological healthful work places which need to be
flexible and enable individuals to feel safe and happy. Even with their

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personal differences and cultural variations, they should be able to obtain a

feeling of belonging.
2. Awareness about the basic concept relevant to human's physical and
psychological universal requirements, while agreeing to individual and
social dissimilarities.
3. An understanding that if designers are not able to create individual's perfect
spaces for calmness and pleasure, they must try out to reduce psychological,
physical and cultural damage through the appreciation of space meaning and
expectation.
Also, the researchers have clearly identified the architectural elements and
their significance in interior spaces. Although many researchers have clearly
investigated the psychological effects at the work environment, but there exists a
research gap between theories related to interior design and psychological issues,
since the Personality consideration has been completely neglected in studies
relevant to productivity improvement in interior design. Hence, there is a need to
attempt to the development of a model, which can connect psychological aspects
and interior design in Architecture to achieve the maximum benefit in terms of
comfort, Productivity, performance, peace, harmony, relaxation etc. Filling this gap
with particular reference to Colour, Lighting and Form in interior design will be the
main objective of the proposed research.

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