Control Theory

There are many things we control in our lives, even though sometimes it feels as if we can’t control anything. There are many things that can give us a sense of control: our morning routines, going where we want when we want to, and the ability to get ourselves there. But even if we can’t physically control all these things because life gets in the way, there are other factors affecting our sense of control that we generally aren’t aware of. The studies of James Averill teach us that there are three types of control we can have over our environment; behavioral, cognitive, and decisional control. These explain our ability to change our environment, to change the way we conceive it to be, and to choose a response. From an architectural perspective, the design of a space can have either positive or negative effects on how we perceive the environment around us. When you’re in a space, be it public or private, the ability to have a sense of control over what happens to you there is important. Designing with control theory in mind can help relieve feelings of overstimulation and anxiety inducing situations and create a space in which everyone is comfortable.  

SCAD, Photo by me

We can see control theory being implemented in our daily environments. In your favorite coffee shop for example. If you people watch at all you can see control theory playing out, especially if it’s crowded. If this is the case, you’ll most likely see people either try to adapt to the fact that they’ll have to wait in line in a crowded shop, or they will leave. The people that attempt to adapt to the crowded situation are expressing cognitive control. They are making the most of the situation, they might say, “well this isn’t so bad as long as I get my drink”. The people that aren’t willing to wait, either because they are impatient or just don’t have the time, are expressing decisional control. They can choose a response to the situation.  

source on cognitive theory 

Another factor that affects whether they decide to wait in line can depend on the space they have to wait in. If the shop is aesthetically pleasing, with high ceilings and a bright open space, customers might be more likely to wait and think differently about that long line. If the space is small and dim and overall cramped, customers are more likely to have a worse experience standing in that line- unless the coffee is just that good. The same goes for a library or office space and in the home as well. 

Source

Now, you might be thinking, “it’s my house of course I have control over the space.”. And while that is true, the way that space is built determines the way you use it and whether you feel comfortable doing so. As a designer, there are ways to make the space a pleasing place to be rather than one you constantly want to leave. For example, soundproofing in apartments. It’s important. No wants to come home to relax and be bothered by arguing neighbors. Of course, in this is situation you could use cognitive control and say it isn’t that bad, but does anyone really want to put up with that? No! Designing with the end user in mind may not always be what the designer thinks about first but it should be, how could you design a space that you yourself wouldn’t want to live in? 

Sketch by me