Topic 5 - Psychological effects of the built up environment

Question 1

Key Research

Answer 1

Ulrich (1984) - View through a window may influence recovery from surgery

Question 2

Aims

Answer 2

This study aimed to find out if the view that hospital patients have through their window might affect their their recovery from surgery

Question 3

Sample

Answer 3

46 patients in a Suburban Pennyslvannia Hospital, all of whom had undergone gall bladder surgery

23 pairs were made - one had a brick wall view, the other a tree.

Question 4

Method

Answer 4

Records of patients obtained 1972-1981
All rooms were identical except the view (tree vs wall)
All records were from gall bladder surgery patients
Between 1st May - 20th Oct (trees had leaves)
Patients were matched (ie. smoker, sex, weight)

An experienced nurse gained info regarding

• Length of hospitalisation
• number of analgesis needed
• number of anxiety meds needed daily
• minor complications
• any other notes

Question 5

Results

Answer 5

Lengths of hospitalisation shorter is the view was trees (7.96 days) than if it was brick wall (8.70)

less analgeses if trees
No difference in anxiety meds
More negative comments in brick wall

Question 6

Conclusions

Answer 6

Views of a natural scene give patients therapeutic benefits
Findings cannot be extened to all built up views, brick wall is especially monotonous
Cannot be extended to all patient groups eg. long-term

Question 7

Cohen et al

Answer 7

Investigated the relationship between the floor level that a child lived on and their reading ability (NYC)

The higher levels of the bridge appartments (32 floors) experienced lower traffic noise levels

Significant correlation between auditory discrimination and MAT score.

Question 8

Bickman et al

Answer 8

Measured helping behaviours in low / medium / high density student dormitories

Helping behaviour was measured by the % of letters posted by the students

Highest proportion of letters were posted by the low density dorm (88%) compared to the high density dorm (58%)

Question 9

Newman

Answer 9

Newman suggests that 4 factors should be considered in order to create defensible space;

1. Zone of territorial influence
2. Opportunity for surveillance
3. Image
4. Milieu

Question 10

Armitage

Answer 10

Investigated whether cul-de-sacs are less likely to experience less crime than through roads

Property developments in Manchester, West Midland + Kent, 2007-2009

Sinous true cul-de-sacs (ie. curvy + no footpaths) have the lowest crime level

Footpaths can be included if they are short, well-lit, direct, wide, overlooked and frequently used.

In general, developments should limit connectivity + through movement to reduce crime.

Question 11

Application - Housing estate designed to benefit residents

Answer 11

1. Reduce the number of ‘leaky’ footpaths - Armitage
2. Property is defensible - Newman
3. Reduce aircraft noise - Black +Black