The psychology of architecture originates from the broader field of environmental psychology and emerged in the United States in the 1950s-1960s, later spreading to Europe. It is a discipline that investigates the relationship between the environment and people, proposing an innovative design approach based on the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and motivational characteristics of users. Places, indeed, contribute to the development of personal identity, social relationships, and physical and mental well-being. Current neuroscientific evidence demonstrates that interdisciplinary intersections of specific skills allow approaching clients by offering an architectural project that, starting from the individual's emotional experiences, can create the right harmony between functionality, usability, and aesthetics.
The training course in Psychology of Architecture, lasting a total of 18 hours, includes: synchronous online lessons with the instructor and a final practical activity that puts into practice all the acquired knowledge through the study of cases and the development of a final architectural project.
Module 1: Architectural Psychology
Psychology of Architecture (two hours): Psycho-geography from the 1950s to today; exploring the relationship between environmental characteristics and emotional responses of individuals. The built environment as a place of evaluation, interaction, and behavior. Urban morphology in relation to ethics, aesthetics, and creativity. Proxemics and the theory of colors.
Lecturer: Claudia Minenna
In-depth Seminar: Neuroscience and Architecture (two hours): The perception of the external environment, emotions, and other mental functions dependent on human-environment interactions. Long-term changes in the human-environment relationship. Environment and the autonomic nervous system, well-being or discomfort, and the immune system. Environment and opportunities for socialization. Human evolution and new environments.
Lecturer: Arturo Bevilacqua
Architectural Psychology (two hours): Inhabiting physical spaces: reflections on anthropology, sociology, and psychodynamics of physical spaces as narrative containers. The perception of the quality of work, healthcare, recreational, and educational environments and their emotional states. Psychology of living: How the environment and urban spaces can influence health: environmental stress, individual and collective psychophysical well-being, needs, and happiness.
Lecturer: Claudia Minenna
Architectural Psychology (two hours): The psychology of dwelling: the relationship between the house and its inhabitant. Thinking, imagining, and dreaming about one's own dwelling and physical spaces. The importance of building an equal relationship with the client: co-constructing the client's desires and needs to facilitate the design phases of the spaces. Storytelling: How important it is to feel at home.
Lecturer: Claudia Minenna
Seminar of in-depth analysis: Giving the floor to architects (four hours) Most of our lives are spent indoors, and the spaces we occupy play a crucial role in our psychological behavior. Environmental psychology or psychology of space focuses on the interaction between individuals and the spaces they inhabit. Lighting, colors, layout, scale, proportions, acoustics, and materials all appeal to the senses of individuals and evoke a spectrum of emotions and behaviors. From inducing warmth and security to defining well-being or creating a positive and efficient work environment, space can have a significant impact on how we act or what we feel.
Testimony of interior designer Sarah Ghadiri
The perception of designed space and how it influences the emotional responses that arise from it. The professional realities of the Architect in today's society, the "academic study" and the impact with the concrete needs and budget limitations of the first commissions. The working contexts and professional experiences of approach and interaction with the main figures of a design commission: the client, the company, and the worker.
Testimony of Arch. Francesco Stendardo
Module 2: Financial Project Management (4 hours):
This module focuses on the economic and financial aspects of managing a professional project. We will cover the development of the project budget and pricing models for professional consultancy based on project costs, revenues, and timelines. Participants will learn how to define and calculate project profitability, including the break-even point and target margin. We will distinguish between the economic aspect (costs/revenues) and the financial aspect (cash inflows/outflows) of the project.
Moreover, the module will address cash flow planning and the management of working capital, including accounts receivable and payable. Participants will also gain insights into capital budgeting, which involves evaluating investment returns. Finally, we will explore the creation of entrepreneurial projects, including startup ventures.
Lecturer: Fabio Scognamiglio
Workshop: Presentation of a Project Design (2 hours)
At the end of the training course, participants will be required to develop an architecture or interior design project, which will be evaluated by the instructors based on the methodological parameters taught during the course. The projects will be assessed by all the instructors, and feedback will be provided to help participants further enhance their skills and understanding of the subject matter. This practical exercise aims to consolidate the knowledge acquired throughout the course and provide participants with valuable hands-on experience in the field of architecture and interior design.
The course provides in-depth and up-to-date knowledge on various theoretical and practical aspects of psychology of architecture from a multidisciplinary perspective. It enables participants to offer consultancy services to public administrations for projects aimed at creating safe, healthy, and welcoming environments in schools and urban settings, as well as to private individuals for offices and residences. Additionally, participants will gain the ability to design evaluation, implementation, and post-intervention verification interventions. The course equips participants with the skills to contribute to the realization of projects that prioritize the well-being and comfort of individuals in their built environments.
The training course in Architectural Psychology is designed for Psychologists, Architects, and Engineers holding a bachelor's and master's degree or an equivalent qualification under the old academic system. It is also suitable for young professionals and surveyors involved in project design.
At the end of the course, a certificate of attendance will be issued.
Arturo Bevilacqua – University lecturer
Sarah Ghadiri – Interior designer
Claudia Minenna – Psychologist
Fabio Scognamiglio - Financial Consultant
Francesco Stendardo – Architect
The cost of the course:
450€ for professionals
430€ for recent graduates
400€ for members of affiliated organizations (including: Order of Psychologists of Puglia)
Payment methods:
Upon registration: payment of 50% of the total cost;
Remaining 50% of the total course before the start of the course.
Minerva Srl – Società unipersonale
Viale Giovanni Dusmet, 3 – 00046 Grottaferrata (RM)
P.IVA 13835941009
Iscrizione REA 1476889 – Registro delle imprese di Roma
CS 15000 i.v.