PUBLIC LIBRARY DESIGN FROM AN ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY PERSPECTIVE: CASE STUDY OF BIBLIOTHECA ALEXANDRINA, EGYPT

Abstract

Physical environments are a combination of social rules, conventions, and expectations in a particular behavior setting. Although there are many aspects within environmental psychology, human spatial behavior is one of those aspects in which individuals' privacy, personal space, and territoriality are discussed. Therefore, studying the environmental psychology basics was important to understand how users behave in built spaces. This research aims to contribute a better understanding of the users' needs and expectations toward the library's environment. Highlighting the complex relationship between users and their environment by evaluating the UEIF framework variables on the library environment, emphasizing Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Evaluating of Bibliotheca Alexandrina's setting through the UEIF framework by using a self-report questionnaire and observation techniques. Results had indicated the validation of the hypothesis that the successful library environment had a direct positive impact on user's behavior, internal responses, and expectations.