Course

Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Psychology and Human Behaviour in Space

Definition, scope, and relevance to interior design; understanding person-environment relationships; human needs and Maslow’s hierarchy in spatial design; concepts of personal space, territoriality, crowding, and privacy; proxemics and behavioural mapping

Module 2: Sensory Perception and Spatial Experience

Role of the five senses in interior spatial experience; visual perception: light, colour, scale and proportion; tactile, acoustic, olfactory, and thermal comfort in interiors; psychology of ambience and atmosphere; emotional responses and memory associated with interior environments.

Module 3: Cultural, Social and Identity Factors in Spatial Design

Influence of culture, gender and social roles on spatial behaviour; designing for diversity: age, ability, and neurodiversity in interiors; cultural symbolism in interior elements; rituals, habits, and lifestyle in domestic and communal interiors; interior spaces and identity construction (home, workspaces, personal areas)

Module 4: Psychological Strategies for Interior Design Applications

Stress-reducing and healing environments; biophilic design principles and human-nature connection; design for mental health and emotional well-being; way-finding and spatial cognition in complex interiors; designing for interaction, creativity and productivity

Course Objectives

§ To introduce foundational theories of environmental psychology and explore how human behaviour is influenced by interior environments in terms of space use, privacy, territoriality and social interaction.

§ To explore how interiors are perceived through the senses and how sensory elements such as light, colour, texture, sound and smell impact comfort, mood and spatial experience.

§ To examine how social norms, cultural practices, and identity influence spatial needs and design decisions in interior environments.

§ To apply psychological principles in designing interiors that promote well-being, reduce stress, enhance productivity and support user needs in various settings.

Course Outcomes 

After completing this course, students will be able to:

CO1 : Analyse spatial layouts and identify behavioural patterns such as privacy needs, circulation conflicts and crowding effects in interior spaces.

CO2 : Evaluate the multisensory qualities of interior environments and design spaces that enhance user experience through thoughtful sensory integration

CO3 :  Interpret how cultural and social dynamics shape interior space usage and apply culturally appropriate design strategies for diverse user groups.

CO4 : Students will be able to formulate interior design solutions that incorporate biophilia, healing design, cognitive mapping and behavioural intent to improve spatial quality and user well-being.

Evaluation Pattern

Reading Material

1. Juhani Pallasmaa. (2005). The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. Wiley.
2. Rachel Kaplan and Stephen Kaplan. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
3. Steen Eiler Rasmussen. (1962). Experiencing Architecture. MIT Press.