Environmental Psychology

Environmental Psychology was a fascinating subject to study at University. I find the principles apply to my own life and I'm interested in the magnitude and impact it has on other's lives. Environmental in the sense of physical environment, built environment, colour, aesthetics and so on. There are some colours for example that inspire, smells that bring memories flooding back, materials that calm ...and the reverse of course. When we work and live in physical environments that don't reflect our personal style we can disengage or even become irritated. It seems that individuals who are passionate, successful and authentic know this intuitively and their 'environmental style' is quite obvious - it flows from their car choice, to their homes, to their clothing, their holiday destinations etc. Having studied at different educational institutions I was amazed at the difference the classroom and general surroundings made to the way I engaged with the lecturer, the information and the students. Adelaide University had beautiful buildings and grounds (in hindsight one of the reasons I wanted to go there) but as an undergraduate we were stuck in dark, dank, cold lecture theatres. At postgraduate level the new facilities at Swinburne University had natural light flooding into the smaller, more personalised lecture theatres which were a joy to attend - the coffee cart downstairs made great flat whites which added to the experience. It's worthwhile considering the impact the envrionment has on our psychology - do we feel relaxed where we need to? Comfortable and cosy in our bedrooms. Inspired where creativity is required? Energised by our boardrooms and meeting spaces. Patient and calm under stressful situations. At the dental surgery!