Environmental Psychology for Design [Hardcover]

David Kopec (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2006 | ISBN-10: 1563674246 | ISBN-13: 978-1563674242

"Environmental Psychology for Design" introduces the discipline of environmental psychology in different and more meaningful ways to design students and does it in a way that encourages students to embrace the concepts as well as incorporate them into their daily practices. The book will consider the historical context of human habitation, scientific research on the interaction between environments and human behaviours, as well as individual differences related to age, gender, and cultural background. Through concise discussions of research, philosophical perspectives, and illustrations of design in practice, the author integrates fundamental environmental psychology theories into the applied art of the design fields.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

DAK Kopec has a Ph.D. in Environmental Psychology with a concentration in Perception and Design, an M.S. in Community Psychology, B.S. in Community Health, and studied the principles and design practices of Feng Shui in China. Dr. Kopec is also certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC), and the International Feng Shui Guild (IFSG). In addition to being an Associate Professor of Design at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, and regular instructor at the Design Institute of San Diego, Dr. Kopec is an independent consultant, and author. He consults on issues of environmental health, environmental design, cultural diversity, and leadership development. In addition to software technology firms, the biotech industry, and many hospitals throughout California, Dr. Kopec has provided services for prestigious home and garden clubs, such as the San Diego Chameleon Society, the annual San Diego Home and Garden Exposition, and the annual leadership retreat for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Dr. Kopec is the author of the first textbook on environmental psychology specifically for the design professional, 'Environmental Psychology for Design', published by Fairchild Books, and he has also authored a monograph, 'Cultural Diversity in The Long Term Care Setting' published by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 383 pages
• Publisher: Fairchild Pubns (May 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563674246
• ISBN-13: 978-1563674242
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars has potential but ultimately left me wanting more, January 9, 2008

By 

junanipo "designer" (US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Environmental Psychology for Design (Hardcover)

This was a required school text which I was very excited to buy, but I found the level of information was more general than I wanted. The author has certainly pooled together great amounts of research in each chapter (eg. children, elderly, commercial space) and admittedly gives plenty of references to delve further into, which I did. As an interior design senior with children and aging parents who has worked in corporate and retail spaces, the information provided seemed more in the common sense arena. Maybe it's just me.

I also found the repetitive nature of the text a little tedious, and the core information could have been compressed considerably. The review sections and then further questions to ponder after each chapter struck me as more high school than senior level, or maybe the book is the culmination of powerpoint slide shows the author delivers in class?

I'm sure readers will find it interesting but in the end I was disappointed at the value added versus book cost. Ouch.

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is an eye opener, October 10, 2011

By 

Nkechinyere - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Environmental Psychology for Design (Hardcover)

This book was an amazing book. I only like to read material in which I take interest. Psychology was not a favorite subject for me (I actually dreaded it). After taking this class and reading this book I want to minor in this course. Easy read! Even better, the author was my professor so I had the best of both worlds. Its not a book you'll use one. I often refer to it.

3.0 out of 5 stars Good for Undergrad, Not so much for Grad Level..., January 25, 2011

By 

Maureen Soules (Twin Cities) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Environmental Psychology for Design (Hardcover)

I purchased this book as required text for a graduate level class and I'm a bit disappointed. I thought the information was very generalized and more appropriate for undergrad level work. This book focuses heavily on interior design; our class had multiple design disciplines represented, and those students are probably more disappointed than I am. Also, due to the nature of design and how it is continually evolving, the graphics are already looking dated. If you are in an undergrad student in interior design, then this is a really good book. If you are a grad student or have been practicing for any length of time, you'll already know what this book is covering.