Symbolic Interaction Theory and Architecture

Abstract

Architectural sociology is receiving renewed attention but still remains a neglected area of investigation. As a major theoretical perspective within sociology, symbolic interaction helps us understand how the designed physical environment and the self are intertwined, with one potentially influencing and finding expression in the other; how architecture contains and communicates our shared symbols; and how we assign agency to some of our designed physical environment, which then invites in a different kind of self‐reflection. This article discusses numerous instances of symbolic interaction theory–architecture connections, with applied examples showing how symbolic interactionists and architects can collaborate on projects to the benefit of each, and to the benefit of humanity.

An Empirical Investigation of Architectural Heritage Management Implications for Tourism: The Case of Portugal

“…The empirical evidence of this study adds to the literature on destination architecture and supports the theory of Smith and Bugni [9]; the theory of symbolic interaction backs up the connection between architecture and visitors' emotions towards a building. The perceptions of visitors demonstrate the effect of architecture on the emotion, thought and performance of visitors [10].…”

“…Knowing that tourism has had a tremendous negative impact on some vulnerable historical buildings, it is an imperative to have a clear policy regarding this aspect, which has been neglected in the consideration of numerous destinations [71]. Empirical evidence from this study adds to the literature on destination architecture and supports the theory of Smith and Bugni [9] regarding the symbolic interaction between architecture and visitors' emotion towards the building. The perceptions of visitors demonstrate the effect of architecture on the emotions, thoughts and performance of visitors.…”

“…The framework of this study is based on Smith and Bugni's [9] theory of symbolic interaction. They clearly show that symbolic interaction theory is one of the theoretical sociology perspectives that support the connection between architecture, visitors' impressions, and their emotions towards the building.…”

“…Designing the physical environment is a way to transfer messages to human beings. Arday declared that where design and physical shape affect human emotions, architecture can come into the visitor's soul [9]. To begin with, based on the work of Tait and While [11], the actor-network theory 'has been influential in recent work that seeks to offer a new perspective on how buildings are defined, categorized, and shaped in complex networks over time' [11].…”

Urban Regeneration of GCC Cities: Preserving the Urban Fabric’s Cultural Heritage and Social Complexity

“…Urban sociology, a specialized field defined as the study of how human behavior and/or activities are projected onto the spatial form of the built environment, emerged during this time 42,43 argue that the built environment and occupants human behavior and/or activities interact continually. Additionally they stress that human behavior is influenced by culture as a way of life because behavior and culture interrelate repetitively throughout development.…”