ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides an overview of various theories and research focused on human–environment relationships. It focuses on various populations and the research relevant to their use and experience of outdoor environments. The book also provides an overview of the influence of culture on the physical form of places and the artifacts within them as well as why understanding culture is important to the creation of contemporary places. It presents examples of how a person's age or role in life influences their spatial needs. The book also focuses on how designers can create places that welcome people with different abilities and ages, and from diverse backgrounds and economic classes. It introduces the various ways in which gender and gender identity have shaped environments and how they can influence a person's use or perception of a place.
