Environmental psychology is an interdisciplinary course in the field of applied psychology and environmental studies. It can effectively explain the psychological state and behavior pattern of people in different space & environments，and help the designers predict the influence of space on users‘ activities in the future use. The course contents include the basic theoretical knowledge of environmental psychology and its application in urban design and architectural design. The course requires some previous study experience in building or environment design for a better understanding of those complicated theories in order to transfer the study results into practice quickly. Through learning this course, students will master multiple branches of classical environmental psychology theories and research tools, focus more on users experience in specific space, raise the abilities of environmental evaluation and improving design, be able to solve some practical problems independently or via teamwork, and set up the core values of “humanistic design” and consciousness of “local service”.  

1) Fully understand the law and application of environment-behavior relations. Learn the concept and research field of Environmental Psychology. Get familiar with the development of Environmental Psychology and its diverse theories. 

2) Raise data collection ability, behavior prediction ability, urban problem analysis ability and problem-solving ability. Master the environmental design methods on special circumstances, directing at the behavioral psychology of specific users.

3) Establish an architectural/urban design perspective based on Environmental Psychology. Set up people-oriented design concept; view the existing theories from a developing perspective in order to respond to future challenges. 

4) Train the ability of self-research and teamwork, to solve practical problems in local environments. 

The final grade that students receive is based entirely on the points earned or lost through final design, normal assignments, attendance, and their contributions in discussions. Weekly grades occupies 50% and the final design occupies the other 50%. 

Final assignment (a research report & improving design) assessment (50% in total): application of the course knowledge (15%), creativity of perspective / concept (10%), and other performance degree (25%, including research depth, diagram/schema language, problem-solving effects, etc.) 

Weekly score includes 30% weekly performance (e.g. online study, in-class interaction) and 20% homework. 

Basic knowledge of environmental design

1. Kevin Lynch. The Image of the City. MIT Press. 1960

2. Paul A. Bell, Thomas C. Greene, Jeffrey D. Fisher, Andrew S. Baum. Environmental Psychology, 5th edition. Psychology Press. 2005

3. 徐磊青，杨公侠．《环境心理学：环境知觉和行为》．同济大学出版社，2002