Architectural sociology is the study of how designed physical environment influences and is influenced by society and human behavior. Sociological theories that focus on cultural patterns, social relationships, and social psychology are especially used to explain and interpret architectural design. Architectural sociologists apply their theories and research methods to all phases of the architectural design process from predesign to post-construction evaluation with the ultimate goal being that of humanizing designed physical environments.

Below is a list of links to articles and online resources that explain more about architectual sociology.

In AIA Las Vegas Forum Newsletter:

• "Getting to a Better Future Through Architecture and Sociology" (May 2002)
• "The Role of Architecture and Sociology in Organizational Development" (June 2002)
• "Combining Architecture and Sociological Research Methods" (July 2002)
• "Architectural Sociology and Post-modern Architectural Forms" (August 2002)
• "A Look at Programming" (September 2002)
• "Architectural Sociology Resources" (October 2002)
• "The Symbolic Approach to Physical Environments" (December 2002 & January 2003)

In Symbolic Interaction:

• "Symbolic Interaction Theory and Architecture" (Summer 2006)

In Humanity and Society:

• "Designed Physical Environments as Related to Selves, Symbols, and Social Reality: A Proposal for a Humanistic Paradigm Shift for Architecture" (Spring 2003)

In the American Sociological Association's Footnotes:

• "Architectural Sociology" (December 2002)

In the American Sociological Association's Student Sociologist:

• "Using Sociology in Architecture" (Spring 2003)

Sociology 488/688 Architectural Sociology, Prof. Ron Smith

• course syllabus (Spring 2006)

Feel free to contact the authors at ron.smith@unlv.edu.