The Shaping of Us

How Everyday Spaces Structure Our Lives, Behaviour, and Well-Being

By: Lily Bernheimer

Narrated by: Beth Frieden

What makes everyday spaces work, how do they shape us, and what do they say about us? The spaces we live in - whether public areas, housing, offices, hospitals or cities - mediate community, creativity and our very identity, making us who we are.

Using insights from environmental psychology, design, and architecture, The Shaping of Us reveals the often imperceptible ways in which our surroundings influence our behaviour. Wide-ranging and global examples cover the differences between personalities and nationalities, explore grassroots and mainstream efforts to build environments promoting well-being, and look ahead to what will become of us if we don't listen closely to what we know is good for us.

You will learn whether you are a natural 'prospector' or 'refuge' in the office environment, what roundabouts and stoplights say about British and American culture, whether you are guilty of Nimbyism or being drawn to 'ruin porn', and how the half-house may be a common sight in the near future. The environments we inhabit define our identities - from the earliest moments of our evolution to the worlds we build around ourselves.

©2017 Lily Bernheimer (P)2017 Audible, Ltd.

Fun to listen book on Environmental Psych

Covers much of the best known literature on Environmental Psychology related to the built environment. It's easy to follow and fairly entertaining. Pruitt-Igoe is mispronounced, but the narration is good.

Reshaping the concept of space

I enjoyed the narration and presentation of concepts and how we can benefit from understanding the impact of effective spacial solutions,

Opened a new door

Starting off from the evolution of our species, Bernheimer takes us on a journey that will change how you think about our modern day habitats. Our built environment is not just about buildings, but about culture and illusions and we have yet to learn how to build for people.