General Theory for Designing Physical Environments Incorporating Spatial and Temporal Factors

Abstract

We have evolved in a universe, which can be measured using the dimensions of time and space. Consequently, the dimensions of the “inner universe” – an individual’s subjective model of the universe – must correspond in some way to those of the physical outer universe. This chapter suggests a general theory of planning physical environments, accounting for time and space as they are specialized in human cerebral hemispheres and as such have been shown to influence our perception. An approach to design, blending human biological rhythms, and distinct “eigen” periods of natural physical environments is proposed. For the purposes of achieving optimal environments for the three stages of human life (body, mind, and personality), we shall discuss design procedures based on a sort of matrix where the mutual influence or independence of each matrix element representing discrete periods and spatial ranks is illustrated.