Built Environment : The built environment refers to the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, including buildings, parks, and infrastructure. It actively influences our behavior, relationships, and well-being. Quick answer: The built environment shapes our behavior and well-being by influencing our interactions and sense of agency. Key takeaways The built environment is not just a backdrop; it actively shapes our experiences and behaviors. Designing urban spaces should consider psychological needs such as agency, growth, and connection. Observing interactions within the built environment, like children playing, reveals its profound impact on learning and social connections. Imagine watching a child on the beach, building a sandcastle. It seems simple, right? Yet, as Dr. Leidy Klotz points out, this is a profound demonstration of how our surroundings shape us. In today's episode of Building Better Cities, host Kate Gasparo dives into the complex relationship between our environment and our psychological needs with Dr. Klotz, a behavioral scientist and engineering professor at the University of Virginia. Dr. Klotz challenges us to redefine the built environment not just as a mere backdrop to our lives but as an active player in shaping who we become. His work suggests that our environments do more than just surround us—they engage with us in ways that fulfill our needs for agency, growth, and connection. What is the Built Environment? To define the built environment, let's first consider its traditional perception. Often, it's seen as the physical spaces we inhabit—our homes, workplaces, and public areas. But this definition misses the deeper, more dynamic interaction between these spaces and our daily lives. Dr. Klotz highlights compelling evidence that our physical surroundings significantly impact our behavior and well-being. For instance, a study involving nursing home residents showed that those who could personalize their space had a higher survival rate over eighteen months. This finding underscores the profound influence our environment has on our health and psychological resilience. Beyond Beauty: Agency, Growth, and Connection While aesthetic appeal and functionality have traditionally dominated built environment definition, Dr. Klotz's research sheds light on more intrinsic aspects. He argues that these spaces must also cater to our psychological needs. Agency, growth, and connection aren't just abstract ideals—they're foundational to our well-being. The beach analogy comes into play here. A child building a sandcastle isn't merely playing; they're exercising control, learning through experience, and connecting with others to achieve a common goal. Similarly, our built environments can empower us to take control, learn, and connect in meaningful ways. Can Cities Fulfill Our Psychological Needs? Dr. Klotz poses thought-provoking questions: Can a city give us a sense of agency? What do our public spaces reveal about societal values? These questions invite us to ponder the unseen yet critical roles our environments play in our lives. During the pandemic, discussions about ventilation and air quality highlighted how physical spaces affect our health. But Dr. Klotz encourages us to look beyond these factors, focusing instead on how spaces fulfill deeper psychological needs. The Role of Environmental Engineers In this context, environmental engineers have a unique role. Their work isn't just about creating efficient systems but designing spaces that nurture human needs. This approach bridges technical expertise with an understanding of human psychology, leading to environments that support holistic well-being. Key Takeaways The built environment is more than just the physical spaces; it actively shapes who we are. Meeting psychological needs like agency, growth, and connection is crucial for well-being. Environmental engineers can design spaces that fulfill these deeper needs.