Responsible Architecture (RA) as a term was proposed by the European Union of Architects in 2001 but is yet not explored deeply in research and practice. This PhD is a theoretical and practical exploration of what it means to practice Responsible Architecture and in which values is it based. This study emerges from two central understandings: First, that the ecological and social issues are entangled, and therefore should be addressed together in architectural projects. Secondly, that architecture highly impacts sustainable human behaviour; consequently, the understanding of environmental psychology and human behaviour should be part of the architect’s competency.
This study uses environmental psychology to address human behaviour from the premise that behaviour is impacted by our values and attitudes, which are central parts of the belief system that compose our world view. Based on this understanding, RA’s worldview explores a design process that is focused on five central values:
Architecture for equality, based on ethics of care. Architecture for togetherness, based in co-creation, building trust and deep listening. Architecture for shared values, based in building community and a common goal. Tangible architecture, which fights alienation, is easy to understand and practice, affordable and for all. And lasting architecture, based on long term effects of projects on society and the environment.