Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behaviour in Residential Spaces

CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION I hereby certify that the work which is being presented in the dissertation report entitled “EFFECT OF RECREATION ON HUMAN PSYCHOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR IN RESIDENTIAL SPACES” as a prerequisite for the award of the degree of Master of Architecture and submitted in the Jamia Millia Islamia University, Recreational Architecture branch , is an authentic record of my own work carried out during a period of December 2017- April 2018.

The matter presented in this report has not been submitted by me for the award of any other degree of this or any other Institute.

KASHISH SACHDEVA

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Date:

(AR. RUKNUNDDIN MIRZA) Supervisor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT It is indeed a great pleasure for me to thank all the eminent individuals who have been kind enough to guide me through the project work.

I wish to convey my gratitude to my respected guide AR. RUKNUNDDIN MIRZA who spent his valuable time and efforts all through in helping me for this research work. I am sincerely thankful to our thesis coordinators Ar. Roomi Gilani whose suggestions inspired and encouraged me to complete this project. Their enthusiasm was a constant source of inspiration for me.

I extend a heartily thanks to all my other teachers for their support and ideas throughout the reviews. Also, I would like to thank my family, friends & seniors Ankit Mittal, Dhisharika, Parkhi for all their constant support and companionship at every stage of my work.

Finally, I wish to thank my parents for their support and encouragement throughout my study.

Kashish Sachdeva

CONTENTS

Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

CHAPTER - 1: PERCEIVE

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Chapter - 1 : PERCEIVE 1.1 : INTRODUCTION “Architecture has a central position as a shaper of our own self image.” Our development history has attuned the observation typical for our species to observe the characteristics of our living environment. Neuroscience, which in recent years has developed in leaps and bounds, is a new field of science that is considered to have much to offer in our understanding of the inter-relationship between mankind and the built environment.*1 The architecture which surrounds you, influences your thought, and subsequently your behavior.

Understanding this relationship between the environment and your mind is important – particularly if you are a designer of such environments.

All in all, architecture is a type of “food for thought” where your designed surroundings impact not only how you perceive that world, but also how you interact within it.

The beauty of architectural design is that, it too, can be designed as interactive – embedded with sensors and actuators that allow it to respond as well. For example, occupants within a space that may need to have great focus and attention at one moment may later need to relax and meditate. As architecture gains greater and greater flexibility, it will get better at providing for such variations in occupant needs. In addition, architecture’s ability to coordinate with other surrounding elements, like nature, also makes architecture a wonderful way to feed your thoughts via your senses.

fig.1: Neuro-architectural design process source: http://www.worldhealthdesign.com

The neuro-architectural process informs design by correlating specific measures of the built environment (input) with quantified measures of the brain’s and body’s responses (neural, physiological and psychological responses), as well as sociological, behavioural and economic outcomes (output). This process gives weight to scientific methods of research, linking input, response and output. *1- Sarah Robinson, “Survival through design”. In Mind in Architecture, p. 7.

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces 1.2 : NEED FOR THE STUDY There is a connection between what we eat and how we feel. Few realize, however, that just like the food we consume, the buildings we live in, play a key role in both our physical and mental health and well-being.

The design of our built environment affects our health and well-being, and can have long-term implications for quality of life. The relationship between architecture and health has historically received little attention, beyond the design requirements of healthy buildings. Recent work has changed this and has established a more holistic awareness of the role of architecture in health.

Some of us actually spend more time at home than at work place, so it is natural that we want our environment to inspire creativity and be conducive to a healthy lifestyle. As long as we remain aware of the impact that our designs have on people – at a biological & neurological level – we can make a significant difference for people coming in contact with our spaces & buildings.

The co- relation between architecture and human psychology have deep routes together since earlier times. With the development of the science & technology, this field is getting much importance.

There are various factors which needs to be kept in mind while designing interior spaces for humans. The psychological aspects, the social sciences research and elements of design components are studied together to design a customized space for the user group. fig.3: Combination of Psychological & Achitectural factors to design

source: author

fig.2: Factors of environmental psychology

source: http://resovate.com/ environmental-design-and-psychology/

The relationship between creativity and design excellence is an accepted model that underpins the work of academics such as Bryan Lawson. As a result it is considered reasonable to assume that successful architectural practices must have creative design processes.

fig.4: Human Brain & Architecture relationship

source: http://www.designleap.org/159/

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Chapter - 1 : PERCEIVE fig.5: Human Senses & Perception

source: book: Rethinking Design and Interiors: Human Beings in the Built Environment

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

CHAPTER - 2: PLAN

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Chapter - 2 : PLAN 2.1 : RESEARCH QUESTIONS •

How the human health and its architectural environment have inter-relation?

•

What are the factors to be considered while designing an interior space of a residence fit for recreation?

•

Does the effect of space planning apply to all age group? How?

2.2 : AIM To study about the effects of recreational activities in residential spaces on human psychology.

This research aims to understand the effect of space planning and human behavior.

Primararly, the focus of the research would be to know the meaning of recreational activites, psychological human behavior and co-relation between the two. Then, the inter-realtion between human mind and its built environment would be understood by various theories.

2.3 : OBJECTIVES

Keeping in mind the sociological and architectural aspects together, an attempt has been made towards to achieve these primary objectives: •

To understand the daily needs of the user for a healthy and happy environment

•

To figure out the design parameters while designing the residence of a particular user group.

• To find out psychological needs

the of

inter-relationship a person

between in a

human behavior and residential environment.

2.3 : SCOPE & LIMITATION

SCOPE This study gives a challenge as it requires the architect to execute and incorporate the changing needs of occupants with architectural elements.

Studying and observing spaces of a residence with respect to recreation & human needs would be noted with following parameters: • Typology of activity • Age group needs • Indoor activities majorly LIMITATION I have restricted my study only to know the guidelines for designing an interior environment of residences. My major focus will be to understand exactly what kind of environment and spaces are needed in residential buildings and spaces.

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces 2.4 : METHODOLGY

2.5 : DISSERTATION STRUCTURE

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Chapter - 2 : PLAN fig.6: Aspects of Design given by Le Corbusier

source: book: Rethinking Design and Interiors: Human Beings in the Built Environment

fig.: Pscyhology & Recreation source: Author

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

CHAPTER - 3: INQUIRE

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Chapter - 3 : INQUIRE 3.1 : INTEND TO KNOW RECREATION & TYPES 3.1.1 : Meaning of Recreation • •

activity that refreshes; activity that renews your health and spirits by enjoyment and relaxation.

Example- days of joyous recreation with his friends.

• •

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates.

Example- for recreation he wrote poetry and solved crossword puzzles. fig.7: Meaning of Recreation

source: https://lalrecreation225.weebly.com/activities.html

3.1.2 : Types of Recreation Breaking recreation down into various areas, classifications, or types might be done in numerous ways. The listing below represents one of the ways that recreation could be categorized for individuals, groups, or leaders planning programs.

Physical activities

sports, games, fitness

Outdoor activities

plays, skits, puppetry

Singing, listening to day camp, backpacking, music Social amusement parties, activities picnins, occasion Dramatic Cultural activities Activities

Art & Craft activities

painting, ceremics, gardening

fig.8: Types of Recreation source: Author

i. Special Interest Clubs ii. Team Sports iii. Amusement Activities iv. Arts Activities

Music/ Singing .i Reading/ Blogging .ii Creating Handicrafts .iii Cooking .iv

School/ Home College Maker

Job i. Theatres/ cinemas ii. Cafes/ Restaurants iii. Travel iv. Social activities

Senior Citizen Music/ Singing .i interaction with family .ii Making handmade stuff .iii Gardening .iv

fig.9: Types of Recreation (age-groups specific) source: Author

3.1.3 : Need of Recreation particularly at our Home

While caught in the rut of hectic jobs and routine chores, everyone needs some time to rejuvenate their minds and bodies and indulge in these activities. ‘Recreation’ is a subjective thing, what might be my idea of fun, might not sound fun for everyone else, and vice versa.

Recreation at home is important so that people working for long hours all through the day, need a place to relax, have a secure and cozy environment to get refreshed for the next day.

Live survey has been conducted to prove that the urban life of people has led to conclude that maximum people like to stay at home on holidays and even during non-working hours.

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces 3.1.4 : Importance of Recreation

3.1.4 : Characteristics of Recreation • • • • • • •

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Recreation occurs during leisure.

Recreation is as different as people are different; it is extremely wide and varied.

Recreation is activity; it is some sort of action as distinguished from rest.

Recreation must be voluntary; it cannot be ordered, imposed, or forced.

Recreation has no single form; it offers a variety of choices with endless possibilities.

Recreation is necessary in order for an individual to have balanced growth.

Recreation and work are not the same thing; although an individual may be very happy in his job, it is not possible for that individual’s work to be his recreation.

Chapter - 3 : INQUIRE 3.2 : LITERATURE REVIEW 3.2.1 : Human Behavior & the Interior Environment This research helps to understand the relationship between individuals and their environment— how they perceive space and how they react to it. Perception of one’s environment is affected by sociological needs, psychological state, and individual differences. The environment itself also influences human behavior. Both mental and physical stimuli affect behavioral responses.

perception, cognition, and spatial behavior.

Environmental expectations, another determin ing element to be considered by the interior designer, are developed over time through experience and interaction with the environment.

Sensations, in combination with expectations of the environment, define one’s perception of a space.

PRIVACY Interaction Levels INTIMATE SPACE Personal Space SOCIAL SPACE Public Place TERRITORIALITY Crowding

A person’s experience in the environment is very complex. The designer must take into consideration the COMMUNICATION individuality of various occupants of an Comfort Furniture environment, their likes, dislikes and VISUAL PRIVACY personal histories.

Acoustical Privacy Physical attributes like Lighting, Color, ILLUMINATION Texture, Furniture, Aroma, Temperature Safety & Health Comfort are some interior aspects ANTHROPOMETwhich influence the RICS mood of the user.

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces 3.2.2 : How Interior Design Components Influnce our Subconscious “Tailor your design so it pleases your body and mind.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Usually when we discuss interior design, we talk about the aesthetic aspects – how to achieve a specific look, which decorating style we should emulate, new design trends that we should check out. That’s only one piece of the puzzle.

An area that’s not always taken into consideration is the philological effect of interior design on our subconscious. Believe it or not, the choices that we make when deciding how our home will look have a documented effect on our emotions and perceptions.

There are enlisted considerations which should be taken along while planning for interiors.

These are: 1. Color Choice Affects our Mood 2. Our Processions Reveal our Personality 3. Perception of Space helps give the Illusion of More 4. Utilize Feng Shui To Give Your Home Good Energy By adhering to these concepts, your design will be aesthetically and psychologically pleasing.

fig.11: Calming Living room source: Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

fig.12: Serene Bathroom source: Klein’s Custom Countertops

COLOR CHOICE AFFECTS OUR MOOD It’s no surprise that color is a main component of how we experience the world around us.

But, what may be surprising to some is the fact that that the colors in our environment have a definitive effect on or moods and emotions. Modern color psychology dates its origins to the early 19th-century when Johann Wolfgang von Goethe published his book, Theory of Colours.

fig.13: Behavior Information & Dimensions of Home Comfort source: The Psychology of Learning Environment (First ed.). Winona: Winona State University.

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Chapter - 3 : INQUIRE fig.13: Color Theory & its Impact in Interiors

source: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in his book, Theory of Colours.

Red: Symbolizes power and passion. It can be used to warm up spaces and make them feel more intimate.

Orange: Offers a jolt of energy and innovation. It’s best used as an accent because too much can leave people feeling overwhelmed.

Yellow: Associated with happiness, creation, and creativity. It works well in combination with a calming neutral and in rooms with lots of natural light to create a peaceful environment.

Green: Known for its soothing qualities. Green is the perfect choice for a foyer or entryway because it eases the transition from the outdoor

Blue: Perpetuates feelings of calm and freshness. It’s a good fit for high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Purple: Connotes royalty and luxury. Purple is a great choice for formal living rooms or master bedrooms because it adds an air of lush sophistication.

Gray: Gives a sense of relaxation and serenity. Use gray in spaces like home offices or bathrooms.

Brown: Like green, brown’s natural roots give it a relaxing touch. Choose it for rooms where the family gathers and furniture groupings that will incite conversation.

White: Relates a sense of cleanliness and purity. It is great for defining a space, but use white in conjunction with other colors since too much reads as sterile.

Black: An assertion of power. Use black for statement pieces that you want to draw the eye.

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces OUR PROCESSIONS REVEAL OUR PERSONALITY Once you put color on the walls, it’s time to decide how to fill the space. In his book, The System of Objects, sociologist Jean Baudrillard argues that every object chosen to fill a space helps to inform its function. But, beyond that, the combination of every item that fills an interior – from the seating arrangements, to the wall hangings, and down to the coasters that sit on your coffee table – act as an expression of our personalities and desires.

Function: Will this item fit your needs? Is the kitchen table big enough to seat your whole family? Will this flooring cover the entire area of the room?

Exchange: Is this item worth the price? Would you rather have this singular high-end couch for 10,000/- or a whole bedroom suit for the same price?

Symbolic: Does this item have an emotional attachment? Did you choose a collection of family photos for your décor or a print of a painting?

Sign: Does this item have a particular or status symbol? Is it a name brand or a generic?

Our design choices unconsciously show your personality.

fig.11: High end Kitchen source: Peter Salerno, Inc.

fig.12: Colorful Living Space source: Laura Casey Interiors

fig.12: Space Perception

source: Deakins Design Group

PERCEPTION OF SPACE HELPS GIVE THE ILLUSION OF MORE To make room appear larger, choose furniture that is scaled to size and slimmer, place a large mirror on the back wall, and create depth with wall hangings.

Their space to feel inviting should should have warm color pallet, create intimate groupings with furniture, and offer plenty of ambient lighting.

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Chapter - 3 : INQUIRE IMPORTANCE OF LIGHTING IN INTERIORS How the space is lit is also very important for the overall ambience. The best lighting source is, of course, the sun, so the number and size of the windows in the room can boost one’s happiness, increase sadness or enhance anxiety.

A 2002 study concluded that the presence of daylight was one of the most important factors in increasing sales volume, thus telling us that natural light improves human performance too.

According to a survey published in A Journal of the Association for Psychological Science, certain rooms can produce very tangible emotions. The size and the spaciousness of the room also influences occupant’s mood. It is proved that people are more creative and focused in rooms with higher ceilings, and their mood is significantly improved.

Many studies pointed out that the proximity of plants can especially improve one’s mood, concentration and even memory retention, since the sight and the presence of natural elements reduces stress.

Besides of the

colors, spaciousness and natural elements, furniture in the house can also produce

• The ancient practice of Feng Shui represent natural elements (earth, •

– the water,

the textures and shapes certain emotional responses.

shapes wood,

and textures metal and

should fire).

The rich texture of a shaggy rug will enhance the sense of comfort and happiness.

• The decorative metal strength and independence.

elements,

such

as

wall

clock,

vase,

etc.

will

promote

•

Wooden elements are linked to health and personal growth.

•

Some of the techniques used are persuasive design (including persuasive elements into physical objects, such as seating around the table to boost communication, instead in front of the TV), spatial perception (opening up some space to create a sense of freedom), and stimulation of natural environments (bringing in elements of nature to create an optimal atmosphere for relaxation and health).

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces 3.2.3 : Interdependence of Recreation and Happiness Participation in leisure activities is associated with various components of successful aging, including physical health and well-being. Leisure activities are broadly defined as activities, such as exercise and socializing, individuals take part in during free time. It has been argued that leisure activities and psychosocial factors (e.g., well-being) are antecedents of successful aging. However, aspects of successful aging may also precede participation in leisure activities and experiencing well-being: those who age successfully remain healthy enough to engage in leisure activities and in turn likely to experience more positive psychological outcomes.

Thus, models of successful aging should account for constraints imposed by disease and disability. Furthermore, there has been a recent push to consider the extent to which individuals have access to successful aging-promoting measures (e.g., quality health care) given social inequalities.

“Whether people are healthy or not, is determined by their circumstances and environment. To a large extent, factors such as where we live, the state of our environment, genetics, our income and education level, and our relationships with friends and family all have considerable impacts on health …”

fig.12: Wheel of Life source: Author

PERCEPTION OF SPACE HELPS GIVE THE ILLUSION OF MORE In the field of sustainable development, effort is made to the ‘triple bottom line’ of physical, economic and social. The health and well-being triple bottom line could be summarised as health, comfort and happiness. In order to draw more direct parallels with the built environment, we can use three elements required for a well-designed building: 1. “firmitas” or firmness (health) 2. “utilitas” or commodity (comfort) 3. “venustas” or delight (happiness) The notion of well-being consists of two key elements: feeling good and functioning well…

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Chapter - 3 : INQUIRE

fig.16: Understanding on the effects of the physical environment & its relation in producing a better interior ambiances design

source: http://psychologytomorrowmagazine.com/aesthetics-and-well-being-how-interior-design-affects-your-happiness/

fig.17: The main four categories of space source: the hidden dimension, 1990

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Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

CHAPTER - 4: EXAMINE

Chapter - 4 : EXAMINE 4.1 : SURVEY A survey was conducted in order to get a better understanding about the recreational needs of different age grouped users. There are questions by which I can do justice with the objectives of my research. The survey questions & results are as follows:

Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

As the survey results in varied answers by multiple user group, we would analyse the choices of the factors in accordance with three different aspects, they are: a. b. c.

Age Group Occupation based Interior Elements

Chapter - 4 : EXAMINE 4.2 : ANALYSING THE SURVEY RESULTS

Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

CHAPTER - 5: INFER

Chapter - 5 : INFER 5.1 : CONCLUSION 5.1 : Inferences on the basis of the Survey Observations

As the survey was conducted with total of 71 respondents, the conclusions were recorded with the understanding of different aspects of human psychology and interior spaces of the residence.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sight is our most potent sense.

Well-Designed spaces bring us peace.

Humans appreciate beauty, even in small doses.

Color can affect our mood.

Good design gives us ownership over our space and our Life.

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITES

PSYCHOLOGICAL HUMAN BEHAVIOR 5.2 : NEW APPROACH TO CREATE HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Architects and interior designers agree that space has a very real impact on how we feel.

Neuroscientists and psychologists are not far behind with new research that discusses the way aesthetics affect our decisions, emotional responses and the way we feel about ourselves.

While we may not be able to create spaces that aesthetically please every user, we can certainly create spaces that consciously manipulate aesthetic elements to encourage more meaningful, satisfying and joyful experiences.

Effect of Recreation on Human Psychological Behavior in Residential Spaces

CHAPTER - 6: LACUNAS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Chapter - 6 : LACUNA & RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 : LACUNAS OF THE STUDY Level of awaresness about the importance of this relation between the architectural interior design and the human psychological behavior has not gained much importance in ancient times.

But nowadays, as the development is taking place in all the fields of human sciences, this field of Neuro-Architecture is gaining momentum for better built environment.

The following points which have been noticed in our daily life which are the loopholes about the study are: 1. Lack of awareness need of applying

in architects and designers about understanding the human psychological behavioral patterns while designing.

2. Most of the times, the aspect of considering this field of Neuro-sciences in design is ignored.

3. There is a myth about high economic investments involved in creating such spaces at home.

4. There where

are such

numerous recreational

options need

available of a

outside human can

the be

home fulfilled.

6.2 : RECOMMENDATIONS 1. As a designer & an architect, we have to be the master for all traits. And when its comes to deal with the client and a restricted budget yet fullfilling the choices of the interiors with the innovation of your knowledge, we have to play smart.

2. Few spaces design suggestions are enlisted below which can make our residence , our very own recreational hub in itself with minimal of the finances required at most spaces.

3. Creating a Bay window, with ed glazing. The space can be converted 4. Dream catcher indoor plant or a

hanging green

a bean bag with low heightto a moody corner as like a cafe.

on the wall gives a

window, theraupatic

A corner feeling in

with home.