Informal education in museums is structured through movement in space. This article summarizes a range of research that examines the role of spatial layout in shaping the ways in which visitors explore, engage, and understand museums and museum exhibitions. It is demonstrated that behavior patterns are systematically linked to spatial…

This study of almost 600 students examines the relationship between sense of community and college dormitory architecture on the campus of a small residential liberal arts college in the Northeast. Respondents of all class years completed an online survey that included the Sense of Community Index and the Relationship dimension of the University…

The purpose of this article is to explore spatial orientation and wayfinding behavior of newcomers in an unfamiliar environment and to emphasize the importance of landmarks and spatial differentiation in the acquisition of environmental knowledge. One setting with a symmetrical layout and regularly organized, monotonous units on different floors…

The previously recognized right-left asymmetry in aesthetic balance was applied to preferences in architectural design. Preferences for right-and left-oriented apartments in apartment floor plan layouts were noted in sophomore psychology students. Data examined from preferences of 67 right-handed and 5 left-handed students revealed that…

The effects of different types of participation in planning dormitory environments was surveyed using sample populations of students at Cornell University. It was concluded that users want to participate in decisions concerning environments important to them. Participants, it was concluded, want also to work with experts. (RE)

Describes results of a study of the work activities, priorities, and degree of satisfaction with the office environment of faculty at a California university. Implications for office design are discussed. (Author/WB)

Taking the position that every possible role for the evaluator supports some type of social perspective, the authors examine three available advocative roles: technician, facilitator and instigator. These roles are discussed in relation to evaluation in general and built environment evaluation in particular. (WB)

The relationship among architectural characteristics, organizational structure and functioning, and the social environments of 87 university student living groups were investigated. The social environment was found to be an important mediator of the effects of architectural and organizational characteristics of student living groups. (Author/MA)

The nature of architectural programming of resident behavior in college dormitories is discussed. Design factors contributing to student dissatisfaction with dormitory living are explored in relationship to student activities, needs for various, purposes, and intellectual and emotional needs of young people who are students. (JP)

This study sampled 198 studentsin seven dormitories and 55 suites in an effort to elucidate the relationsh ip between social environment as measured by the University Residence Environment Scales, and subject mood states, friendship patterns, and perception of the architecture of dormitories. (JP)

Examines the status of postoccupancy evaluation, which is the study of the effectiveness of designed environments for their human users. Issues addressed include generality, breadth of focus, applicability, sponsorship, methodology, and future directions. (WB)

Reports findings of a two-part study on the influence of dormitory architecture on patterns of social relations among college undergraduates. The first part investigates how dormitory architecture affects patterns of freshman acquaintance, while the second part studies changes in these relationships over the college years. (Author/WB)