The influence of the environment on behaviour

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between two different inner-city environments and behaviour of visitors in those environments. Scientific literature shows that especially the quality of an environment has an influence on activities taking place, as well as more obvious factors like street furniture. Social factors also play an important role in the way people move about in spaces. Surveys and observations were held in two areas of Utrecht's inner-city: Vredenburgplein/Achter Clarenburg and Mariaplaats/Zadelstraat. These showed that an area that is appreciated more, evokes more behaviour like standing still, looking around, and windowshopping. Pedestrians also tend to slow down more in those areas. Motives for visiting are not influenced by direct environment. Someone who is in an inner city to shop for fun, for example, will visit a shopping street no matter the quality of the environment.