Evans, G.W, & J.M. McCoy, 1998, When buildings don’t work: the role of architecture in human health, in: Journal of Environmental Psychology, 18,
- Author : Evans, G.W, & J.M. McCoy
- Year : 1998
- Journal/Series : Journal of Environmental Psychology
- Volume Number (CONSECUTIVE: Counting all Volumes of this Journal ever published) : 18
- Pages : 85-94
- Contents in English : OUTLINE: This article develops a preliminary taxonomy of design characteristics that have the potential to challenge human adaptive coping resources. The authors acknowledge that stress is a dynamic process that depends heavily upon individual coping resources. However, until we understand more about how salient properties of typical, everyday interiors challenge human coping capacities, our understanding of environment and human health will remain incomplete. Some assumptions in the article are: lack of stimulation leads to boredom or, if extreme, sensory deprivation; Over stimulation makes it difficult to focus attention and interrupts ongoing, planned action patterns; too much complexity or mystery make interiors confusing and unanalyzable; too little renders prediction trivial. Fascination can be created by elements such as window views, burning fireplaces, and various displays; direct contact with natural elements as well as views of nature provides restoration.
- Comments/Notes : KEYWORDS: health, architecture, stimulation, affordances, coherence, control, nature, restoration.