INFLUENCE OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ON HUMAN BEHAVIOUR CASE STUDY ON TEMASEK HALL

Abstract

The theory that a relationship exists between the physical environment and human behaviour has been proven in various studies set in numerous environments. However, the relationship between the physical environment of a local university Halls of Residence and the social behaviour of undergraduate hall residents has not been studied. This dissertation attempts to fill this gap by studying the relationship between the physical environment of the Halls of Residence in the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the patterns of social interaction of the undergraduate hall residents, using the case study of Temasek Hall (NUS). More precisely, this dissertation seeks to find out whether the physical environment of Halls of Residence encourages social interaction between hall residents from different blocks. The findings of the study reveal that there is a high level of interaction between hall residents from different blocks. The number of friends hall residents have in the different blocks is high with most residents having more than ten friends in each block. Facilities provided in the hall have encouraged hall residents to meet up with each other and thereby giving them chances for social interaction to take place. However, the proximity of residence still comes into factor in disencouraging social interaction; the further the distance between two residents, the less likely are the chances of social interaction and close friendship. The layout of the various blocks also affect the level of social interaction, as the residents at the two ends of the hall are less likely to meet up with one another.