Architecture and Planning ETDs

Publication Date

12-4-1972

Abstract

The thesis first presents the concept of environmental analysis and user-input studies as it relates to architecture. Issues and problems that evolve from the concept are discussed. There is a need within the architectural profession to establish a system of analysis that will allow the architect to understand how people behave in and react to specific buildings or spaces he or someone else has designed. Understanding the behavioral implications within such spaces should be an important part of the architect's education and his professional knowledge. There exist however several basic problems when the issue of environmental analysis and user-input is applied to the architectural profession. Although the need has in general been defined, there still exists no adequate system of conducting environmental analysis and user-input studies nor is there an adequate system of presenting such a study to interested persons. There is a need to develop a specific system of environmental analysis and user-input studies that will, first, provide the architect with investigative methodology that is understandable and useful to his work and, second, to develop a system of presenting the studies in a way that will quickly and accurately allow all interested persons to benefit from the investigative findings. This thesis is concerned with developing a system that will provide for that need. The second chapter deals entirely with environmental analysis and user-input methodology. Methodology has been separated into two categories, environmental analysis and user-input. Environmental analysis deals with methodology that does not require a direct response from the user and includes a description of the physical and spatial features of the space, observation and tracking. User-input includes methodology requiring direct input from the user such as interviews, questionnaires and activity logs. The third chapter deals with a specific system of developing and presenting environmental analysis and user-­input studies. The system considers three basic factors: how the studies are to be developed, maintained and distributed, the overall organizational format of the studies and an indexing system that allows precise referencing and cross-referencing. The fourth chapter ties together the methodology, format and indexing system of environmental analysis and user­-input studies as developed. Seven case studies dealing with medical facilities are presented. The fifth chapter deals with the application and validity of environmental analysis and user-input studies. Because the studies were designed to assist the architect, architects were presented with the case studies and were asked to present their opinion of the issues, methodology and results. The opinions and attitudes of the architects are presented.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Architecture

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Architecture and Planning

First Committee Member (Chair)

Don Paul Schlegel

Second Committee Member

Illegible

Third Committee Member

Michel Louis Roger Pillet

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