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Domain Analysis: A Behavior Setting Approach
Purpose: This analysis method is designed to identify and document
territorial behavior in space. It is based on methods developed by Barker and Wright
(1955) and their followers in the field of "ecological psychology."
Definition:
A "behavior setting" is a standing pattern of behavior
that occurs over and over again in a given place at a given time. You can go to a specific
place-time and see the expected behaviors occurring. The setting will change as
individuals drop out, new individuals participate or as the goals and motivations of the
participants change. Examples include this class, a design studio, a private office, a
shared office work area, a lunch room, etc. An uninhabited space is not a behavior setting
since human behavior does not occur there. One place may house several different behavior
settings that occupy it in turns.
Characteristics of behavior settings:
- bounded in space and time
- there is a regulating system (informal or formal social controls)
which may have different degrees of effectiveness and different modes of operation in each
setting
- components include moveable physical objects, people, open space, and
relatively immobile building elements
- a varying degree of stability on a continuum from constant change to
permanently fixed with many points in between,
- links or relationships to other behavior settings
Patterns of territorial behavior to consider in the analysis:
- types of territories include primary, secondary, public and
individual or group
- purposes of each type of territory
- resources (objects, space, views, etc.) available
- resources controlled by participants
- priorities for participants
- stability of pattern
- influences over other objects and spaces in the vicinity
Analysis steps:
- select a bounded area to study, e.g. a building, a street, a room, a
"department",
- by observation and informal interviews, identify a preliminary list
of behavior settings within that bounded area,
- identify the boundaries (space and time) and links
- confirm by follow up visits using continuous observation or
"time sampling" starting well before and ending well after the time period of
the setting
- identify participants (individuals, categories and how many of each
category)
- identify the standing patterns of control over objects and spaces by
each participant or category of participant, e.g. space utilization rates
- identify resources of the various spaces and make comparisons
- identify the pattern of territorial or personal space invasions from
outside and/or within the setting
- identify the regulatory mechanisms used to control invasion
- identify links with other settings (movement of people and/or
information)
Documentation:
1. plan with coding that maps the pattern of space use and who has
claims/control over which spaces and objects
2. statistics on the mix of participants, e.g. proportions, total
numbers of each
3. statistics on types and quantity of territorial behaviors, e.g.
proportions, total numbers of each
4. description of how the regulatory system supports and/or fails to
maintain territorial patterns
5. descriptions of the resources provided in each territory
6. description of the functions of territorial behavior in the
overall behavior setting
7. conclusions on findings and implications for design/management
Note: Statistics can be presented in coded form on the plan and/or
graphically as charts of various types. Photographs or sketches can be helpful in
communication as well.
Click Here to See an
Example
Analysis #1:
Complete a domain analysis on a principal space in your case study
building where territoriality is a critical issue. Prepare 2-5 overhead transparencies
showing your findings and conclusions.
Be prepared to discuss the following questions:
- Whose territory is this space?
- What architectural features of the space contribute to the claiming
of space?
- How would you have designed the space differently?
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