Architectural Sociology

Sociological research on architecture and the architectural profession, its education and its impact on society. Architecture expresses the structure and principles of a given society.

Architectural sociology is the study of how designed physical environment influences and is also influenced by society and human behavior.

Sociological theories that focus on cultural patterns, social relationships, and social psychology are especially used to explain and interpret architectural design.

Buildings are designed to fulfil the needs of society, social institutions and social requirements in compliance of social aspects in architecture.

Architectural sociologists apply their theories and research methods to all phases of the architectural design process from predesign to post-construction evaluation with the ultimate goal being that of humanizing designed physical environments. - Ron Smith and Valerie Bugni

What is the relationship between the individual and his or her designed environment or social setting? What is the relationship between an organization and the building wherein it resides? Architectural sociology approaches these questions in examining how architectural forms both influence and react to sociocultural phenomena. A large proportion of our human experience and social interaction occurs in the buildings in which we live and work. Therefore, architectural sociologists use sociological perspective to enhance building design. - Jean Beaman.

Key Centre for Architectural Sociology - Garry Stevens conducts sociological research on the architectural profession, its education and its impact on Australian society. archsoc.com/

Regional Planning and Regional Science, Landscape Planning and Nature Conservation, Open Space Development and Planning related Sociology, Open Space Planning and Garden Architecture. laum.uni-hannover.de/welcome-engl.html

Paul Jones, The Sociology of Architecture: Constructing Identities, Liverpool University Press 2010.
Guy Ankerl, Experimental Sociology of Architecture. A Guide to Theory, Research and Literature, Mouton de Gruyter (The Hague, Paris, New York)
Anthony D. King (ed.), Buildings and Society: Essays on the Social Development of the Built Environment, London 1980

Centre for Architecture and Urban Studies - mk.dmu.ac.uk/depts/benv/cause/research.cfm

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