How can Behavioral and Cognitive Science inform architecture? In this project-oriented course, students are introduced to cognitive and analytical methods to evaluate their design projects. Existing theories are introduced and complemented with hands-on sessions, in which students learn how to implement a range of methods. The course is tailored for students from relevant design studios.
Learning objective
Taking the perspectives of the end user (occupants and visitors) is vital for a human-centered design approach. Students will learn about relevant theory and methods in cognitive science and environmental psychology that can be used to address human cognitive and behavioral needs in built environments. The foundations of environmental psychology and human spatial cognition will be introduced. A focus of the course will be on how people perceive their surroundings and orient in space. Students will learn about a range of methods including real-world observation, and methods of architectural analysis such as space syntax. Students will also be exposed to behavior simulation in design, virtual reality experiments, and eye-tracking. Students will reflect the roles of designers and other stakeholders with respect to human-centered design as well as an evidence-based design perspective. The course is tailored for students from a relevant design studio. Upon registering, students should send an email about their design studio to b.emo@gess.ethz.ch. As an alternative to obtaining D-GESS credit, architecture students can obtain course credit in "Vertiefungsfach" or "Wahlfach".
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course