Advisor: Prof. Mohammad Al-Maani

Abstract:
It is the ultimate aim of architecture to create a built environment that promotes human welfare. The integration of environment-behavior studies in architecture reflects the efforts of designers, including architects, along with environment behavior researches to create an environment that better responds to human needs, values and aspirations.

This thesis aims at investigating the role of substantive theory, in drawing the attention of designers and architects to issues of importance to the function of the built environment. Thus, substantive theory can help architects in better understanding their problems and areas of concern by integrating environment-behavior research on issues concerning the nature of man, the nature and affordance of the environment, and their interrelation in the design process.

The thesis concluded that the performance of the built environment depends on the interaction between the physical characteristics of the environment with the needs and characteristics of the users. The conclusions were along the lines in which environment-behavior research can contribute to architecture. It can build up a solid positive base of design information that can contribute to the design of a better responsive built environment. It can show the desired characteristics of a built environment, as well as increasing the interaction between architecture and other related fields.