By Dr. Lamiaa Adel Shaheen

Today, human progress relies heavily on the generation of successful and fertile ideas, which are dynamic, effective, and represent the highest forms of human thought. Creativity is a key factor in the creation of architecture, and its development through training has gained significant attention. Innovative design creation, without a doubt, serves as a critical parameter for measuring an architect’s success in the field. Having a clear understanding of the nature and potential future evolution of architectural creativity can be highly influential. One effective way to nurture creativity is through the learning environment.

As we know, learning environments and spaces must be appropriately designed to support the required human behaviors. A major drawback of the current education system is that it often fails to effectively teach students how to harness their intellectual capacity and capabilities. This issue is largely due to the confined spaces in which learning takes place, which are not conducive to the structure and function needed for optimal learning. With the advancement of technology, changes in the education system, and a lack of focus on educational psychology in architectural space design, the academic community has encountered numerous challenges.

The concept of human behavior and the environment is multifaceted, making it challenging to arrive at a unified definition. According to the Oxford Dictionary, the term “environment” refers to everything surrounding a phenomenon, living being, or working entity. It encompasses all that exists around an individual, influencing their actions and experiences. In psychology, the environment is understood as the space in which human behavior and activities occur, often seen as the physical context where people interact. This perspective emphasizes that human behavior and experience cannot be fully understood without considering the surrounding environmental conditions.

The environment consists of a series of interconnected behavioral settings, with each providing a common ground for human activity. These settings involve two key components: a typical behavior pattern and the physical environment. The physical structure of space comprising interrelated elements such as open and closed areas, buildings, rooms, and spatial layouts plays a significant role in shaping human behavior.

Ultimately, individual experiences and professional skills are closely tied to environmental conditions, and the interaction between a person and their surroundings plays a crucial role in influencing behavior. The environment offers opportunities and exerts a direct impact on human behavior. In spaces where people engage in various activities, there is a mutual relationship: people affect their environment, and the environment in turn influences the people within it. Understanding how the environment shapes spatial activities is key to recognizing its role in human behavior.

The environment has the potential to shape and influence human experiences and behaviors. The fundamental process of human interaction with the environment is illustrated in the following figure.

Educational facilities and environmental psychology play a key role in shaping a community. Education spaces are shared by individuals with different social roles, making their design essential. Social behavior is closely connected to the physical environment, and interactions in these spaces often reflect behaviors influenced by the environment.

The learning environment is both a cultural and social context that impacts the educational process. Understanding how these spaces function is vital for effective design.

Washburn, an education expert, suggests that identifying factors influencing learning is crucial for creating an effective learning environment. These factors are illustrated in the following diagram:

In conclusion, the impact of the physical environment on creative spaces in architecture is undeniable. The design of educational and professional spaces plays a pivotal role in shaping human behavior, fostering creativity, and enabling effective learning. By understanding the relationship between environment and human activity, we can create spaces that not only serve their functional purpose but also encourage innovation and growth. As we move forward, it is essential for architects, educators, and designers to continue exploring how the physical environment influences creativity and human potential. With thoughtful design and an understanding of environmental psychology, we can shape spaces that inspire and empower individuals, ultimately driving progress and success in both educational and professional settings.

Dr. Lamiaa Adel Shaheen is an accomplished Architect, Academic, and Researcher. Her expertise in the field has been recognized internationally, as evidenced by her prestigious UAE Golden Visa in the “Qualified Professionals and Exceptional Talents” Category also recognized as Columnist 2024 Abayomi Academy, and Ambassador of Quality of Life UAE 2024, got 2nd place in the Abayomi Academy international Award for Physical space category 2024. With a Ph.D. in Architecture, she has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of Design and Innovation. Currently, Dr. Lamiaa serves as an Assistant Professor at Amity University Dubai, specializing in the Architecture and Interior Design Department. With Focus on Sustainable Design and Human-Centric Spaces, Dr. Lamiaa continues to make a significant impact in the world of Architecture and Interior Design.