APPA Library

"Using Behavioral Research to Assist in the Redesign of University Plazas"
Author: Amsden, Daniel J.
Published In: Facilities Manager
Date: March/April 2006

Reprinted from the 33(2) issue of Planning for Higher Education. Planners, designers, and decision makers constantly strive to create public gathering places within the built environment that respond to people's needs and aesthetic values and promote social interaction. By understanding the interactions between people and designed spaces, better plazas can be designed. Focuses on the behavioral research that was conducted at University Union Plaza at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo when it was decided to revise the plaza, which was considered by many to be unattractive and underutilized.  Discusses use of behaviorial and cognitive mapping research, administering the surveys, and conclusions. Includes figures and references.

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