An Environmental-Behavioralist Case Study for an Education facility

(COPYRIGHT © 2009 MIKAEL POWELL. All Rights Reserved)
Cherulnik (1993) reports on the Jones dormitory redesign case study for Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. It was conduct by Andrew Baum and Stuart Valins, researchers who have studied crowding behaviors in human populations. Over a period of three years, they studied two areas of one floor in the existing dormitory at the university. The spaces varied in social density within their residential units. The researchers incorporated observation, questionnaires and discussion groups to obtain their data. Results were used to influence the re-design. Cherulnik reported:
The project succeeded in demonstrating a promising approach to environmental-design research, one rooted firmly in the traditions of social science. It began with a sophisticated conceptual analysis bringing together several separate theories and extensive supporting research from such diverse traditions as ethnology, laboratory experimentation, and naturalistic quasi experimentation. It continued with dedicated research in the context for which new design solutions were sought, research that was conducted using state-of- the-art methods. Finally, the design inferred from that research was evaluated with the assistance of careful arrangements that provided experimental comparisons in a natural setting. (Cherulnik 1993, p.129)
Much like the architectural case study model for academics, the purpose of this case study is to inform the new redesign and it was essential in the theory supporting design of the new space. Likewise, this study goes beyond simply documenting existing fact. For the architectural practitioner, the case study is specific and comprehensive, delivering research information without inspirational appeal. In addition, unlike tenets of the architectural case study model for practitioners, the physicality of the layouts is illustrated in one simple line drawing.
However, the Jones dormitory redesign case study is a good example of Environmental-Behavioralist research in that it is detailed in context, description of place, method, and results. It goes on to provide favorable comments from students after the dormitory had been renovated. Directly, results of this study were incorporated into the six-stage research that culminated in a post-occupancy evaluation, but a greater audience of professionals will find this work beneficial.