Solis-Arias, Juan Ignacio.Sharkey, David Michael.2013-06-202013-06-2020122012http://hdl.handle.net/10413/9170Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.The urban architectural environment in modern day life places a variety of additional unnecessary stresses upon people which affects social interaction and well-being. This dissertation is aimed at developing an understanding of what social interaction and well-being is in architecture and how important it is to design architectural environments that enhance these two principles. The research investigates the benefits and design tools of a more appropriate approach to the built environment through the exploration of the theories of Biophilia, Image Of The City and New Urbanism. The theories seek to provide architects and the designers of the built environment with tools that can be used to create architectural environments that enhance social interaction and the well-being of building users. It further endeavours to highlight the destructive qualities that affect well-being and social interaction in the architectural environment on both a macro (city context) and a micro level (the building) to create an awareness in those responsible for the design of these environments and the impact they have on society. The designers of the built environment should consider the social and well-being needs of the people as this will convert architectural environments into spaces that have physical and physiological benefits to its users.en-ZAArchitecture and society.Architecture--Human factors.Architecture--Psychological aspects.Buildings--Environmental engineering.Sustainable architecture--Designs and plans.Theses--Architecture.Thesis