People who remodel their homes: A study in environmental psychology

The basic framework for this paper is as follows. In Chapter II, I briefly cover the literature that contributed to the research and explain the methodology. Next, I argue that it is man's nature to shape his environment. We are biologically programmed to modify the natural environment and shape it to our own ends. I am strongly convinced that building our own shelter is an activity that has an instinctual basis. By working on our own habitats, we begin to make contact with our “natural selves.” I will discuss this instinct to build more fully in Chapter III. Our cultural, social and psychological heritage creates in each of us a slightly different way of relating to our houses. What one person finds inspiring may have little meaning for the next person. In Chapter IV, I explore some of the types of visions of houses that my subjects have and show how their conceptualization of their housing and building can shape the kind of experience they have. In Chapter V, I show how the work is most likely not the sort of work that people do for a living today. It has become somewhat rare in the post-industrial era. We invest this work with special meaning: we become involved in it, we utilize our whole selves in it, we relate to it from conception to completion, we provide the management, capital, skills and labor. Chapter VI, explores how we change the meaning of the house. The dynamic interchange between man and his environment becomes manifest as we go to work on that environment and shape it. As we transform our space, we begin to articulate its meaning for us with greater clarity. In the area of relationships to others, significant others, acquaintances and possibly even relative strangers, which I discuss in Chapter VII, the job of remodeling poses the challenge of mobilizing the cooperation required to get the work done. The building will alter close relationships, at least for the time being, since this very large task demands so much of our resources and restructures life within the house.