Description
The evolution of the city - from the Greek polis to the modern conurbation - has provided man with both a source of beauty and inspiration, and a set of social, economic and organizational problems that increase as the population swells.
Charles Mercer attempts to clarify the effect that environment has on man and the ways in which man, in turn, influences the environment. As an environmental psychologist, he adopts a different approach from the geographer, architect or sociologist and asks such questions as 'to what extent are people shaped by buildings and towns?' ", 'is overcrowding damaging?' and 'how do different environments foster or hinder community?'. These he relates to the conclusions drawn from studies carried out in laboratories and cities and builds up a composite picture of how men and women react to the pressures of living in cities.
The psychologist working alone cannot provide the answers, but he can supply valuable data. If we use this knowledge to control our destiny in a rational manner we will be progressing towards a better society
