Lecture 12 - Applying Environmental Psychology Principles to Urban Design

This lecture recaps several environmental psychology concepts and empirical research findings covered in prior lectures, and illustrates their usefulness as a basis for developing evidence-based guidelines for urban design. Several diverse and sometimes contrasting philosophical perspectives on urban design are discussed, including the perspectives of both anti-density (decentrist) designers (such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Ebenezer Howard) and pro-density (centrist) designers (such as Le Corbusier, Soleri, and Kenzo Tange). Jane Jacobs’ analysis of factors that contribute to highly vibrant, interesting, and safe urban neighborhoods is considered, along with studies of design features that enhance or diminish the human scale of buildings, neighborhoods, cities and towns. Closely related to these perspectives are Oldenburg’s typology of first, second, and third places and William Whyte’s research on design factors that contribute to the effectiveness and attractiveness of urban public spaces, also summarized in this lecture.