Environmental psychologist: Job description and activities

Environmental psychologists investigate the relationship between people and their physical environment. They apply this understanding to the planning, design and operation of a range of areas, such as public spaces, social settings and built environments.

Environmental psychology works across the disciplines of psychology, social science and geography, as well as the design specialisms of architecture, landscape architecture and planning. Environmental psychologists usually work as part of a multidisciplinary team with other professionals, such as architects, urban planners and designers. With a growing recognition of the key relationship between human behaviour and attitudes and the physical environment, the scope for academic research and commercial applications in this field is broadening.

Typical work activities include:

investigating the challenges and responses arising from the interaction of people with their natural or built environment;
reviewing and dealing with issues such as noise, pollution, building design and energy conservation;
assessing how environmental factors affect individual attitudes, physiological reactions and health;
undertaking field research, for example, interviewing people or observing the interaction of people in specific environments;
observing workplaces in order to improve organisational performance;
assessing systems, such as public waste resources, to improve their use for members of the public.

For more information see Ergonomist.

Advert disclaimer

AGCAS