An operational framework relating generic activity patterns in the residential open space environment to physical design

Behavioral research is providing meaningful information with respect to the relationship between human activities and physical design of the residential environment. While the appeal among professions and social scientists for its input into the design process seems unanimous, the failure to pool, simplify and constantly update such data, continues in it being accessible to, and usable by, only a small, enlightened and privileged minority. On the other hand, a large share of today's housing in Canada is produced by individuals and organizations, many of whom are generally familiar and concerned with neither human behavior nor basic design principles. Resultant projects invariably betray an almost single-minded approach, that of realizing a maximum number of dwellings at a minimum expenditure on amenities. This study attempts to narrow the gap between the researcher and the practitioner. It proposes a communicable, organized approach to designing and evaluating physical components in the residential open space environment, as to their responsiveness to generic human activities. A Frame of Reference (activities and components) is developed, which generates the context and the problem for Patterns, which, in turn, suggest solutions or platforms for discussion. The principle evolved, is then applied to site plans of three recently completed housing projects. Variables, in this model, include age of users and climate of the location. The benefits of this approach, include prevention of the worst of open space planning, while encouraging good work to proceed. Avenues for implementing such a process are briefly explored and its application, by money-lending agencies, held as feasible.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofGraduat