Citation

Pennartz PJJ. J. Environ. Psychol. 1986; 6(2): 135-153.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1986, Academic Press)

DOI

10.1016/S0272-4944(86)80014-7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of atmosphere, specific to pleasantness in the home area. Information was collected during in-depth interviews with households living in public housing projects. Five themes in the experience of pleasantness were identified from a systematic, qualitative analysis (communicating with one another; being accessible to one another; relaxing after having finished work; being free to do what one wants; being occupied, absence of boredom). These themes were applied in an analysis of the way three spatial characteristics of dwellings (arrangement of and relationships between rooms; size of rooms; shape and physical enclosure of rooms) are related to the experience of pleasantness. It is argued that a potential-effective environment scheme is helpful in elucidating the way in which design characteristics contribute to such seemingly irrational phenomena as the experience of atmosphere in and the character of places.