Environment- behavior research and the practice of architecture: paradigms and paradoxes

Practice of architecture relies heavily upon "architecture as an art paradigm" and nurtures its aesthetic theory base as the fundamental postulate upon which design is founded. In contrast, Environment-Behaviour1 research as a discipline that has emerged from within the academic field of architecture examining the interface between environments and people has evolved into a major scientific endeavor conducting research and teaching 'advance theories of architecture, environments and people'. However, the influence of environment-behaviour research on the real practice of architecture seems surprisingly modest. This is evident in the many discourses on contemporary buildings acclaimed in architecture magazines, design tutoring sessions as well as design juries both in schools as well as in international architectural competitions. This paper examines the bi-polarity of theory versus practice that exists within the field of architecture manifested very clearly in the way the environment-behavior research and architectural practices have evolved.