Unit 1 Housing—Human Factors and Infl uences
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gardens or making fl oral arrangements to display
around the house (Figure 1.9). Creative people look
to many sources of inspiration, including nature,
music, books, and other creative people.
Review & Assessment
1. What is housing?
2. Distinguish between the near environment and
total environment.
3. Identify three physical needs people have.
4. What are four psychological needs that
people have?
5. Given the chance, how would you change your
housing to better meet your need for
self-actualization?
6. Give an example of how housing can help you
meet each of the following needs: (A) self-
expression; (B) creativity.
Factors Affecting Housing
Choices
There are many factors that infl uence choices in
housing. These include values, family relationships,
space needs, costs, roles, and lifestyle.
Values
Values are strong beliefs or ideas about what
is important. They can be views, events, people,
places, or objects you prize highly. When you choose
something freely and take action on that choice, you
are acting on a value. This gives meaning to your life
and enhances your growth.
All the values you hold—such as family, friendship,
money, status, religion, and independence—form
your value system. Your value system is different from
anyone else’s. You form your value system as a result
of experiences you have. The people you know and the
activities in which you participate all infl uence your
value system.
Whenever you decide between two or more
choices, you use your value system. The choice
you make depends on which items you desire most.
Suppose you have a choice between sharing an
apartment with a friend and living alone. If money
is not an issue, your decision depends on how highly
you value privacy versus interactions with others.
If you share a home with others, you will fi nd
that some of your values differ from theirs. The
values that household members have in common
will control the thinking and actions of the group.
Shared values infl uence your housing decisions.
How Needs and Values Relate
Your needs and values are closely related. For
example, you need a place to sleep. A cot can satisfy
this need. However, the cot may not meet your
value for comfort. If you have a choice, your value
for comfort may cause you to choose a bed with a
mattress instead of the cot.
You may also need space in your bedroom for
activities other than sleeping. Your values determine
whether you choose a large or small bed for the room.
While the large bed may provide more comfort, the
smaller bed will use less fl oor space. Some people may
want to devote a corner of a bedroom to a play area,
desk, or exercise equipment (Figure 1.10).
Space
People have spatial needs. While too much
space can make people feel lonely, they need a
certain amount of space around them to avoid
feeling crowded. They create invisible boundaries
around themselves. Others can sense those
boundaries and, therefore, know whether they
have permission to enter.
Hobbies and activities can infl uence the need for
space. For example, people who like to garden need
space for a garden. People who enjoy spending time
with friends need space for entertaining.
The way people use space also infl uences the
amount they need. In places where you cannot add
or remove space, the right furnishings can make the
space seem larger or smaller. For example, reducing
the number of furniture pieces in a crowded room can
make it more spacious and airy. Likewise, by adding
furniture a large room can become warm and cozy.
Simone van den Berg/Shutterstock.com
Figure 1.9 This woman, who enjoys gardening, created
this space to arrange fresh-cut flowers and repot plants.