7.6 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY

Patrick Geddes explained an organism’s relationship to its environment as follows- “The environment acts, through function, upon the organism and conversely the organism acts, through function, upon the environment. “(Cities in Evolution, 1915)

Social and cultural psychology are branches of psychology that examine the role of social and cultural factors in shaping human behaviour and experience. They focus on the ways in which people are influenced by the social and cultural context in which they live, including the norms, beliefs, and values of the society they belong to.

Social psychology is concerned with how people think, feel, and behave in social situations, and how they are influenced by the presence and behaviour of others. Social psychologists study topics such as social influence, group dynamics, social cognition, and intergroup relations. For example, they might study how people conform to group norms or how prejudice and stereotypes can influence behaviour and decision making.

Cultural psychology, on the other hand, is concerned with how cultural factors shape human thought and behaviour. Cultural psychologists study how people's cultural backgrounds influence the way they perceive the world, and how cultural differences impact communication, attitudes, and beliefs. They also explore how cultural norms and values can influence behaviours, emotions, and motivation.

Social and cultural psychology help to explain why people behave and think the way they do, and how these behaviours and thoughts can be influenced by the social and cultural context in which they are embedded. Understanding the role of these factors in shaping human experience and behaviour can lead to more effective communication and more inclusive and equitable social and cultural systems.

8. UNDERSTANDING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

We plan and develop our lives based on the experiences we have, and as a result, we make significant contributions to the built environment. Based on these experiences, the elements of the built environment are produced by human wants, ideas, and deeds. The purpose and necessity of humans are met by every part of the built environment. Depending on their physiological, social, and psychological needs and demands, the components' complexity will change. Its size will also determine how intricate it is, and size can occasionally change from place to place, point to point, or area to area. This diagram (the six stages of human need) makes it simple to comprehend the many kinds of human wants, their severity levels, and how they emerge in

8.1 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SPACES

The polarity of internal-external spaces is continually demonstrated by the fact that both places are controlled by some shared principles, both in terms of their functions and their aesthetics; Internal areas have a setting that effectively represents seclusion rather than being unhindered and open to everyone, are protected from the weather rather than being exposed to the sky; On the other hand, outside places, such as public, semi-public, and private zones, provide the impression of a sizable geographical domain. All of the aforementioned may be seen as a geometric combination and permutation of spaces.

8.2 FORMAL AND INFORMAL SPACES

The impact of formal and informal spatial properties on inhabitants refers to the ways in which the physical features and attributes of a space, such as buildings, public spaces, or residential areas, can influence the behavior, attitudes, and experiences of the people who use these spaces.

Formal spatial properties refer to the planned and intentional design elements of a space, such as the layout, shape, and organization of buildings and public spaces. For example, the design of a building's entrance or the arrangement of seating in a park can influence how people feel and behave in that space.

Informal spatial properties refer to the unplanned and often emergent features of a space, such as the ways in which people use the space, the activities they engage in, and the social interactions that take place there. For example, the presence of street vendors or the use of a park for informal gatherings can have a significant impact on the character and atmosphere of a space.

By observing the impact of formal and informal spatial properties on inhabitants, it is possible to understand how physical spaces can influence behavior and experiences. This knowledge can be used to design and plan spaces that promote positive behaviors and experiences, such as creating environments that foster community, encourage physical activity, or support mental health and well-being.

Going through a city from the viewers' mind is an " image of the city". by Kevin lynch-American urban planner and author.

Gaining a far perspective via seeing the horizon is similar to seeing the possibilities. The view from a mountaintop conveys the impression of expanse and distance. Numerous psychological studies have shown that colour may have a significant impact on how certain emotions are evoked. In contrast to red, which is connected with anger and strong focus, blue, the colour of the ocean and sky, represents creativity, problem-solving, and dependability. Green frequently represents harmony, stability, an abundance of natural resources, and wealth.

A metropolis filled with dreary darkness devoid of colour and condos that lack any style have an uninspired, sleepy effect on the brain. Collin Ellard conducts research on the psychological effects of urban planning at the University of Waterloo in Canada. People's reactions to building facades are one of Ellard's most recurrent observations. People are favorably affected by complex and intriguing building exteriors, and adversely by basic, boring exteriors devoid of features. According to several studies, growing up in a major city doubles the likelihood that someone would acquire schizophrenia and raises the risk of other mental illnesses. This is due to a tragic lack of social connection. Numerous studies have revealed that certain people's brain biology can alter as a result of urban life. Using a technique, he coined "triangulation," sociologist William Whyte once suggested to urban planners that they should place items and artefacts in public areas in such a manner that they physically pushed people closer together. Any large metropolis has the startling potential to leave you feeling perpetually lost or confused. The mindful city is a theory that suggests putting more emphasis on health and wellbeing than efficiency in the built environment. Bringing together neuroscience, architecture, and technology is one of the main focuses of aware cities. It operates under the premise that everything in your surroundings is really an extension of your nervous system basically, an expanded mind.