Image: Borya | Flickr

We all have similar urban spaces that we don’t like to hang around. Train stations, bus stations and just outside retail stores after hours. I’m sure when you have to pass through these places, you like to move quickly. And why is this? This is probably because it isn’t so safe.

So, what does this have to do with architectural design?

THE AFTER-HOURS BUILDING “PULSE”

The next time you are involved in a design for these types of places, you really should consider what goes on there after hours. You should design for what you would like to encourage during those off peak times. Your lighting, acoustics, material selection, window placements and site design all play a part.

As you design, don’t forget that your building occupant’s needs may be different at night compared to the day. Often, built environments need a pulse after hours and you, as the architect, play a role in making sure that whatever that “pulse” is yields an architecture that is pleasant and safe.

AN EXAMPLE: CLASSICAL MUSIC WARDS OFF CRIME

In many subway stations and bus stations there are often loiterers that disrupt the public, bring down the social climate of a place, vandalize the built structures or even engage in crime. In one project, decision-makers came up with a win-win solution that drove away delinquent behavior and improved passenger comfort and mood. This is what they did… Read more

Image: justHugo | Flickr

Richard Whitehall is an industrial designer and partner at Smart Design where he works to design what he calls “responsible behavior”. I found this great article, here, where you can see exactly what goes on daily at this industrial designer’s desk.

I like this article because within it are some gems that might help you design places for better occupant interactions. Here are some of his ideas that I think make his designs successful — really promoting green human behavior…

1 — Persuade people through cues. (1)

2 — It’s important to observe people using a product or design. The way they say they use them is often not how they use them. Plus, your view as a designer may be entirely different than their view. You should consider both. (1)

3 — Go for changing “small practices” with Read more