DISSERTATION

Year: 2017-18
Batch No. 15

PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS LIVING IN HIGH-RISE

BUILDINGS

Undertaken by:
Kratika Kanoongo
13E1AAARF4XP056
V Year B.Arch (B)

Prof. GIRIRAJ NAGAR Prof. A.S.RATHORE

GUIDE COORDINATOR

Aayojan School of Architecture

ISI-4, RIICO Institutional Block,
Sitapura, Jaipur-302022
 APPROVAL

The study titled “Psychology Of Humans Living In High Rise Buildings.” is

hereby approved as an original work of Kratika Kanoongo., enrolment no.
13E1AAARF4XP056 on the approved subject carried out and presented in manner
satisfactory to warrant its acceptance as per the standard laid down by the
university. This report has been submitted in the partial fulfillment for the award of
Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rajasthan Technical University, Kota.

It is to be understood that the undersigned does not necessarily endorse or approve

any statement made, any opinion expressed or conclusion drawn therein, but
approves the study only for the purpose it has been submitted.

December…..2017
Jaipur

Prof. K.S. MAHAJANI

EXTERNAL EXAMINER 1 PRINCIPAL

Prof. A.S. RATHORE

EXTERNAL EXAMINER 2 COORDINATOR

i
 DECLARATION

I Kratika Kanoongo here by solemnly declare that the research work undertaken by
me, titled ‘Psychology Of Humans Living In High Rise Buildings’ is my original
work and wherever I have incorporated any information in the form of photographs,
text, data, maps, drawings, etc. from different sources, has been duly acknowledged
in my report.

This dissertation has been completed under the supervision of the guide allotted to
me by the school. Further, whenever and wherever my work shall be presented or
published it will be jointly authored with my guide.

Kratika Kanoongo
V Year B.Arch (B)
Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the research titled, Psychology Of Humans Living In High
Rise Buildings is a bonafide work by Kratika Kanoongo of Aayojan School of
Architecture, Jaipur. This research work has been completed under my guidance
and supervision in a satisfactory manner. This report has been submitted in partial
fulfillment of award of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE degree from Rajasthan
Technical University, Kota.

This research work fulfills the requirements relating to the nature and standard laid
down by the Rajasthan Technical University.

Prof.Giriraj Nagar
Guide
Aayojan School of Architecture

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Passport Size
Photograph

This study would not be complete, had it not been for a lot of assistance from a lot of
sources. I take this as an opportunity to extend my gratitude to all of those who have
contributed to the completion of this report in any manner large or small.

I am grateful to my dissertation guide, Mr GIRIRAJ NAGAR for his able guidance

and providing valuable tips and directions from time to time. I am thankful to him for
giving patient hearing to me as and when I approached him with any problem

Kratika Kanoongo
V Year B.Arch. (B)
Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur

iii
 CONTENTS
Page No.
Approval i
Declaration ii
Acknowledgement iii
Contents iv-v
List of illustrations vi
List of tables vii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1-5
1.1 Background of the study
1.2 Criteria of selection
1.3 Hypothesis
1.4 Aim
1.5 Objectives
1.6 Scope
1.7 Methodology
CHAPTER 2: HIGH-RISE APARTMENT 6 -9
2.1 Definition
2.2 Evolution of High-Rise Apartment
2.3 Need of High-Rise Apartment
2.4 Types of Income Groups
CHAPTER 3: IMPACT OF HOUSING ON RESIDENT 10-11
3.1 Experiencing the Dwelling
3.2 Residential Satisfaction in High-Rise Apartment
CHAPTER 4: HOUSING AND LIVABILITY OF HIGH-RISE
APARTMENT 12-15
4.1Children in High-Rise Apartment
4.2 Adults in High-Rise Apartment
4.3 Impact of High-Rise Apartment on Older People

iv
CHAPTER 5:EFFECTS OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENT ON
RESIDENTS 16-20
5.1 Strain
5.2 Mental Health
5.3 Human Behavior
5.4 Pro Social Behavior and House Form
CHAPTER 6: SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT EFFECT
RESIDENTS 21-24
6.1 Crowding
6.2 Social Relation
6.3 Suicide in Tall Building
CHAPTER 7: CASES 25-35
Case Studies
CHAPTER 8: ANALYSIS 36-39
CHAPTER 9: CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 40-42

BIBLIOGRAPHY viii
ANNEXURES

v
 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
S.No FIGURE TITLE PAGE SOURCE
No.

1 2.1.1 Evolution of high-rise 7 www.outline-world-map.com

apartment

2 4.2 Capacity for 13 The Journal of Sociology & Social

environmental appropriation Welfare
through the life span.

3 5.1.3 Strain 17 https://www.google.co.in/search?tbs

4 5.2.4 18 Shuttlestock.jpg

5 6.3.5 24 Shuttlestock.jpg

6 7.1.6 Location Map 26 www.googlemaps.com

7 7.1.7 Site Plan 26 www.googlemaps.com

8 7.1.8 Floor Plan 27 www.google.com

9 7.1.9 Layout Plan 27 www.google.com

10 7.1.10 Elevation 27 Author

11 7.2.11 Location Map 28 www.googlemaps.com

12 7.2.12 Site Plan 28 www.googlemaps.com

13 7.2.13 Floor Plan 29 https://www.google.co.in/search

14 7.2.14 Layout Plan 29 https://www.google.co.in/search

15 7.2.15 Elevation 29 Author

16 7.3.16 Location Map 30 www.googlemaps.com

17 7.3.17 Site Plan 30 www.googlemaps.com

18 7.3.19 Floor Plan 31 www.googlemaps.com

19 7.3.19 Layout Plan 31 https://www.google.co.in/search

20 7.3.20 Elevation 31 Author

vi
 21 7.4.21 Location Map 32 www.googlemaps.com

22 7.4.22 Site Plan 32 www.googlemaps.com

23 7.4.23 Floor Plan 33 www.googlemaps.com

24 7.4.24 Layout Plan 33 www.googlemaps.com

25 7.4.25 Elevation 33 Author

26 7.3.16 Location Map 34 www.googlemaps.com

27 7.3.17 Site Plan 34 www.googlemaps.com

28 7.3.19 Floor Plan 35 www.googlemaps.com

29 7.3.19 Layout Plan 35 www.googlemaps.com

30 7.3.20 Elevation 35 www.googlemaps.com

LIST OF TABLES
S.No TABLE TITLE PAGE SOURCE
No.

1 Methodology 5 Author

2 Table 2.3.1 9 http://moud.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles

/files/10CLSS_EWS_LIG_English_G
uidelines_wb%242017Mar27225018
.pdf

3 Analysis 37-39 Author

vii
 CHAPTER 1

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

1 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY-

Simultaneous with the growth and development of science, technology, trade and
commerce there has also been an enormous explosion of human population in modern
society. Such a high growth in population vis-à-vis the changes in the life styles of
human beings have turned people to be city oriented and agriculture which was
previously the main engagement of people has gradually given way to occupations in
the fields of industry, trade and commerce. All these factors have made a large section
of the populace rushing to the cities creating thereby tremendous and unmanageable
space problems. Dwelling space getting scarcer, there is little possibility for horizontal
expansion in the cities to facilitate accommodation of such perennial flow of people. As
remedial measures, a two-fold planning has been contemplated and is being acted
upon. The first way out has been the expansion of city limits and inclusion of the
contiguous suburbs within the ambits of the cities. The other remedial measure has
been the vertical expansion of the available spaces providing maximum possible
accommodation to as many numbers of people as possible through the construction of
high rise buildings. In the developed countries of the world like the United States,
Canada, The United Kingdom, France, Germany, China , Japan and others construction
of high rise buildings started from the early twentieth century while in a developing
country like India it began in the later half of that century. For this, researches in the
field of various aspects of the living conditions of high rise dwellers were started in the
developed countries much earlier which highlighted the beneficial aspects as well as the
physical, psychological and social problems of the habitats of high rise buildings.

High rise buildings can be praised not only for providing accommodation to a large
number of firms and families but also for saving precious land which can be utilized for
agricultural and industrial purposes and for lowering the cost of facilities like water
supply, transport, electrification, drainage etc but by the seventies some adverse
opinions were being raised criticizing high rise living in many contexts. These buildings

2 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

have often been accused for causing many unpleasant consequences, namely, fear,
dissatisfaction, stress, behavior problems, suicide, poor social relations, reduced
helpfulness, and hindered child development. Some researchers have found high rise
buildings causing increases in crime, suicide and neurosis, of isolating people in
depersonalized living spaces, causing loneliness and anxiety, of lowering their interest
in community affairs and so on.

Another study conducted in India (Chatterjee, Dasgupta and Dasgupta, 2003) reported
that high rise living in its common design and form, notably lacking open space or play
area, was considered by the respondent housewives as detrimental for the physical and
mental health of their young children. Furthermore, the housewives residing in the upper
floors had their mental states being grossly engulfed with a feeling of being ‘disturbed’,
‘irritated’, ‘depressed’, ‘impersonal’, ‘uncomfortable’, and ‘boring’.

1.2 CRITERIA OF SELECTION-

As the population in cities is increasing, the demand of residences is also increasing.

Due to which land resource is getting scarcer. To overcome the shortage of land high
Rise buildings are constructed to cater large number of population. This leads to the
physical, psychological and social problems on the habitats of high rise buildings.

3 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

1.3 HYPOTHESIS-

“High rise dwellers perceive their housing environment as unfavorable while comparing
with non high rise dwellers.”

1.4 AIM-

This paper provides a formal relationship between Health and High Rise Apartment and
is limited to residential areas in particular.

1.5 OBJECTIVES-

 To understand Low-Rise and High-Rise buildings.

 To study the behavior of humans living in high rise buildings.

 To study the effect of high rise building on human health living in them.

 To compare the built environment in high rise and low rise buildings.

 To analyze the factors causing problems.

1.6 SCOPE AND LIMITATION-

This study is limited Jaipur region due to limitation of resources and time. And MIG
group only.

4 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

1.7 METHODOLOGY

SELECTION OF TOPIC

(Identify issues and opportunities about the matter of concern)

INTRODUCING THE TOPIC

(Study the already existing data and theories of high-rise apartment)

FORMULATION OF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

(defining the direction of study and specifying the scope and limitations of study)

COLLECTION OF DATA
(collecting data through literature study about high-rise and low-rise apartment and
identifying the issues)

IDENTIFICATION OF CASE STUDY

(high-rise apartment with minimum 5 storey high)

ANALYSIS
(analysis the effect of high-rise apartment and low-rise apartment through surveys)

CONCLUSION

5 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 2

HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

6 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

HIGH RISE BUILDING-

 A high-rise building is essentially a building with a small footprint, small roof area,
and a very tall facades.
 The International Conference on Fire Safety in high-rise Buildings defined a
high-rise as "any structure where the height can have a serious impact on
evacuation."
 In India, a building greater than 75ft (23 m), generally 7 to 10 stories, is
considered as high-rise. Also a building is considered to behigh-rise when it
extends higher than the maximum reach available to fire fighters. According to
the building code of India, a tall building is one with four floors or more or a high-
rise building is one 15 meters or more in height.

2.1 EVOLUTION OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENTS-

Fig.2.1.1 1

7 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

2.2 NEED OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENT-

 Industrial Revolution - As business began to boom and the national markets

grew, more people began to move to the city because they wanted jobs. Most
people lived in the "slum". Five to nine people lived in a single room which was
as big as an apartment. Not only was there not enough room, but more people
got sick as well.
 Over population- Due to increase in population in urban cities, it is often found that
there is very less scope for making available extra space to absorb the additional
population. In such cases, a large population is seen packed into a smaller space.
 Migration- The growth and development of science, technology, trade and commerce
factors have made a large section of the populace rushing to the cities creating thereby
tremendous and unmanageable space problems. Dwelling space getting scarcer.
 Lifestyle- A high growth in population vis-à-vis the changes in the life styles of human
beings have turned people to be city oriented and agriculture which was previously the
main engagement of people has gradually given way to occupations in the fields of
industry, trade and commerce.
 Lack of Space – As more and more people move in cities, the space for living is
getting scarcer. As more land is require to fulfill the needs of people.
 Cost – Due to limited land resource, the land prices are increasing as people are
migrating in cities for better jobs.

As dwelling space getting scarcer, there is little possibility for horizontal expansion in the
cities to facilitate accommodation of such perennial flow of people. As remedial
measures, a two-fold planning has been contemplated and is being acted upon.
The first way out has been the expansion of city limits and inclusion of the contiguous
suburbs within the ambits of the cities. The other remedial measure has been the
vertical expansion of the available spaces providing maximum possible accommodation
to as many numbers of people as possible through the construction of high rise
buildings.

8 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

2.3 CATEGORISE OF INCOME GROUPS IN WORLD

As of 1 July 2016, low-income economies are defined as those with a GNI per capita,
calculated using the World Bank Atlas method, of $1,025 or less in 2015; lower middle-
income economies are those with a GNI per capita between $1,026 and $4,035; upper
middle-income economies are those with a GNI per capita between $4,036 and
$12,475; high-income economies are those with a GNI per capita of $12,476 or more.

INCOME GROUPS IN INDIA

S.NO INCOME GROUP HOUSEHOLD INCOME

1. EWS UPTO 3LAKHS
2. LIG 3LAKHS - 6LAKHS
3. MIG-I 6LAKHS – 12LAKHS
4. MIG-II 12LAKHS – 18LAKHS
5. HIG ABOVE 18LAKHS
Table 2.3.1
EWS – Economically Weaker Section LIG – Lower Income Group
MIG – Middle Income Group HIG – High Income Group

9 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 3

IMPACT OF HOUSING ON RESIDENT

10 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 IMPACT OF HOUSING ON RESIDENT

3.1 EXPERIENCING THE DWELLING –

Before residents are satisfied or not with a dwelling, they perceive or experience its
features or qualities. For example, a study of dormitories found that residents of higher
floors experienced their rooms, which were all the same size, as larger (Schiffenbauer,
Brown, Perry, Shulak & Zanzola, 1977). A similar investigation in another college
dormitory complex found different experiences for men and women: the women found
higher rooms more spacious, but the men found higher rooms less spacious (Mandel,
Baron & Fisher, 1980).
3.2 RESIDENTIAL SATISFACTION AND PREFERENCES IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING –
Satisfaction or (the lack of it) obviously is an important outcome of living in one’s
dwelling. Of course, neither all high-rise residents nor all low-rise residents are satisfied.
Among high-rise residents, for example, presumably most wealthy denizens of tall
expensive apartment buildings in desirable locations are quite pleased with their high
rises, and we know that many residents are miserably unhappy with their broken-down
ghetto high-rise dwellings.

The research work conducted by Bordas, Moch and Hermand (2003) focused on the
perception of human density in apartment houses, looking at residents’ satisfaction with
their homes in terms of space and their perception of density both inside the building
and outside of it in the surrounding neighborhood. The feeling of overcrowding was
most often mentioned by those living inthe tallest among the three chosen high rise
buildings. They compared their building to “a real city”, spoke of “huge, immense” areas
and of “high concentrations of people”.

In moderate-income subsidized housing, high rises are less satisfactory than row
houses and walk-ups: turnover was greater and attachment was lower in the high rises
(franck, 1983).

11 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 4

HOUSING AND LIVABILITY OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

12 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 HOUSING AND LIVABILITY OF HIGH-RISE
APARTMENTS

Graph. 4.2. Capacity for environmental appropriation through the life span.

1. The assumptions (1) and (2) could in a simple form be illustrated by a diagram.
Individual capacity for environmental appropriation is indicated on the Y-axis. On the X-
axis, time (age) is visualized. The capacity of environmental appropriation is best when
the individual is between 5 and 20 years old and the most intensive period is probably
between eleven and fifteen years of age. Afterwards the capacity decreases and in the
last part of the life cycle it is very low. If the environment changes fast and radically
when the person has passed the peak of her capacity, her relation to the new
environment will be correspondingly reduced. The older the individuals are the more
they will became strangers in a changing environment.

13 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

4.1 Children In High Rise Apartments-

For families with children, the actual height of the dwelling seems to have little effect on
attitudes to the play problems; those living very high being no more dissatisfied than
those living on or near ground. However, attitudes to play appear to be different from
attitudes to living off the ground and the causes of play problems are not the same
factors which influence attitudes to living off the ground.

Two specific concerns can be detected regarding dwelling level; first, whether the child
can play outdoors and second, the effect of being indoors (inside the dwelling).

Starting with low-rise dwellings, observation indicate that a higher proportion of under
eleven’s play outdoors in a low rise setting. This phenomenon may exist because even
small children are more frequently allowed to play outside alone if they are within the
view of the dwelling.

“proximity to the ground means the mother and young child are less likely to treat the outside as a special outing but
rather as part and normal home life and a continuation of the home environment.”
- Great Britain 1973

Learning to read may be affected by the floor level on which children live (Cohen, glass
& singer, 1973). The researchers measured sound levels, ability to discriminate auditory
stimuli, and reading skills in children who lived in high rises built above a major highway
in New York. Children in lower-level apartments, which had higher sound levels from
traffic, were less able to discriminate sounds and had poorer reading skills, than
children who lived in higher floors. Apparently, where traffic noise is a considerable
factor, high rises may be good for children who live higher up in high rises.

4.2 Elderly People In High Rise Apartments-

Elderly people seemed relatively unaffected by whether they live in a high-rise or a

garden apartment. They engaged in the same number of activities, had as many
friends, and were equal in general morale. However, some of them persistently were
more satisfied and more likely to traverse their neighborhoods.

14 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

A study\ conducted in India (Chatterjee, Dasgupta and Dasgupta, 2003) reported that
high rise living in its common design and form, notably lacking open space or play area,
was considered by the respondent housewives as detrimental for the physical and
mental health of their young children. Furthermore, the housewives residing in the upper
floors had their mental states being grossly engulfed with a feeling of being ‘disturbed’,
‘irritated’, ‘depressed’, ‘impersonal’, ‘uncomfortable’, and ‘boring’.

When living close to the ground (Lawton and Cohen 1974). People are afraid of
becoming trapped in their apartments in case of fire. Many seem to find the argument
that the building is completely fire proofed and consequently there i no need for fire
escapes or other precautions unconvincing (1975, New York Times interview).

4.3 Impact Of High Rise Apartment On Older People

Old people prefer the urban, suburban, or rural locations in which they already find
themselves; building height does not affect these preferences.

From a wide range of social, behavioral, and psychological variables in only one area
did the high-rise building type have an unequivocal impact. Three indices of social
satisfaction- knowing other people, degree of boredom, and the amount of activity-
appear to be negatively affected by the high-rise configuration.

For housing older citizens, the high-rise may be suitable in most ways. Because social
life is extremely important to a person who no longer has work and its routine contacts,
the high-rise form can best be used when all planning parties involved are assured that
the initial physical design and the follow-up social services will be elaborate and rich in
the communal areas.

15 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 5

EFFECT OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENT ON RESIDENTS

16 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 EFFECT OF HIGH-RISE APARTMENT ON
RESIDENTS

5.1 STRAIN –
The effect on a person of overexposure to stressors—has many determinants. Whether
high rises contribute to, or ameliorate, strain probably cannot be answered in a definitive
manner because of the numerous social and physical factors that may play a role. For
example, teens who live in public housing high rises report experiencing high degrees of
exposure to violence and concerns for their personal safety, but obviously this is
connected with socioeconomic conditions as much or more than with housing form.
Dasgupta, Bhattacharyya and Asaduzzaman (1992) disclosed that the tall buildings had
the stress generating elements in them as perceived by the selected elderly inhabitants
of the high rise buildings of Kolkata and Dhaka.

Fig.5.1.3

Nevertheless, the evidence, on balance, suggests that high rises do cause strain or
mental health difficulties, at least for some residents. More typically, studies report some
form of strain associated with high-rise living. In a study with essentially random
assignment, British military families in walk-ups (3-4 storey’s) had about three times the
rate of neurosis as those who lived in detached houses walk-ups seem to act as a
stressor for residents with neurotic tendencies.

17 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

5.2 MENTAL HEALTH

More serious mental health problems have tenuously been related to building height.
Although the natural environment’s effect on the mental health of adults has been well
documented, Wells suspected that nature’s moderating influence on stress might be
even stronger in children. Her research has shown that having nature close to a home
protects the psychological well-being of children. And the impact is strongest for
children with the highest levels of stressful life events. In addition, having green space
around the home boosts their cognitive functioning.

In a study of 337 children in five rural upstate New York communities in grades 3
through 5, Wells and Evans (2003) found that the impact of life stress and adversity was
lower among children who lived close to nature and vegetation than among those with
little access to natural settings. To gauge how the children were dealing with stress,
Wells used parents’ reports of their children’s psychological distress and children’s own
ratings of their feelings of self-worth, using standard measurement tools.

Fig.5.2.4
Many studies have shown children’s affinity for nature. It follows, then, if people tend to
prefer environments in which they function most effectively, natural settings would
promote children’s well-being. And that is exactly what Wells found.

18 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

Not only did the study reveal that nearby nature buffers the impact of stress on children
and promotes their resilience, it suggested that higher levels of access to nature had an
even greater buffering effect for children dealing with stressful life events. The buffering
effect was greatest for the most vulnerable children—those experiencing the greatest
life stress, such as family relocation, or being picked on or punished at school.

In an English study, mothers who lived in flats reported more depressive symptoms than
those who lived in houses. Rates of mental illness rose with floor level in an English
study. Psychological symptoms were more often present in high rises. When residents
moved out of high-rise dwellings, they reported fewer symptoms of depression. In India,
a study of 100 elderly male residents suggested that the residents failed to cope with
the stress produced by living in high-rise building. Among the negative influences cited
by the authors were noise, gloomy and depressing conditions, inadequate size, lack of
security and lack of a friendly atmosphere.

The emotional health of 271 elderly African - Americans who lived in high rises in
Nashville were compared with that of 373 elderly African - Americans who lived in low-
rise neighborhoods in the same city. The high-rise residents showed a higher incidence
of depression, schizophrenia and phobias than the community residents (Husain, Moore
& castor, 1991; Husaini, castor, whitten- Stovall. Unfortunately, the high-rise group was
poorer, less educated, less likely to be married, reported more medical problems and
had fewer social contacts, so conclusions are difficult to draw from this study

5.3 HUMAN BEHAVIOUR-

Human behavior generally results from many influences, and it is difficult to

unequivocally attribute it to any one source. Thus, the following studies are merely
suggestive. Children who resided in high-rise (versus non-high-rise buildings) were
reported to manifest twice as many behavior problems, such as bedwetting and temper
tantrums (Ineichen & Hooper, 1974). Juvenile delinquency has been shown to be
predicted by living in multiple-unit (as opposed to single-unit) dwellings, and predicted

19 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

even better than by population density, which has often been associated with social
pathology (Gillis, 1974). Yet another study in the same year found no differences in
behavior problems among children who lived in high-rises, low rises, and single-family
dwellings (rich man, 1974), so the results are not consistent in this case, and perhaps
for other outcomes in this review, the variation in results may be explained by
differences in the physical quality of the residence, regardless of housing form. A recent
study demonstrated a strong connection between the physical condition of dwellings
and behavior problems among children (Gifford & Lacombe, 2006).

5.4 PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND HOUSE FORM

Pro social behavior includes actions that help others. Interviews of residents performed
also indicated that the high-rise building was perceived as having the least amount of
resident cooperation. The latter was also reported in a different college dormitory study
(Wilcox & holahan, 1976), one that added that perceived social support and involvement
declined with height within buildings. Social support also was lower among elderly
African -Americans in a high rise than among elderly African -Americans in nearby low-
rises (husaini et al., 1990), although the two groups were dissimilar in other ways, too,
which may have had an influence.

20 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 6

SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL FACTORS

21 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL FACTORS
6.1 CROWDING-
Crowding is generally considered as more of a threat to mental than physical health,
although the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and scabies is also
associated with overcrowding.
Population density is related to, but not isomorphic with, crowding, the psychological
sense of overload from too many proximate others. The research work conducted by
Bordas, Moch and Hermand (2003) focused on the perception of human density in
apartment houses, looking at residents’ satisfaction with their homes in terms of space
and their perception of density both inside the building and outside of it in the
surrounding neighborhood. The feeling of overcrowding was most often mentioned by
those living in the tallest among the three chosen high rise buildings. They compared
their building to “a real city”, spoke of “huge, immense” areas and of “high
concentrations of people”.
High indoor density has been associated with many negative outcomes, including the
strain of crowding (Gifford, 2002, chapter8). A study of working-class and lower-middle
class residents of high rises and low rises in the Bronx found that high-rise residents felt
more crowded and reported a lower sense of control and less social support than low-
rise residents (McCarthy & Saegert, 1978). This occurred even though the groups were
not different in various demographic measures, except that residents of the low rises
had slightly larger families but also one extra bedroom, so dwelling density probably
was about equal.
Crowding may vary with floor level within high rises; in another study, those who lived
on higher floors felt less crowded than those who lived on lower floors (schiffenbauer,
1979). However, a separate study reported that crowding did not vary with floor level
(schiffenbauer, brown, Perry, shulak & zanzola, 1977). In Parisian high-rises, residents
reported being more crowded, so that relationships within the building were worse, the
building and dwelling felt too densely populated, acoustic isolation was poor, and
residents believed there were too many dwellings on each floor (bordas-astudillo, moch
& Helmand, 2003).

22 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

6.2 SOCIAL RELATIONS
May be divided into two main domains, relationships within a dwelling and relationships
among neighbors in the building. One review concluded that high-rise residents have
poor social relationships, both among themselves and toward outsiders (korte &
huismans, 1983). In one within-dwelling study in a building in which residences were
equal in floor area and supplied furniture, roommates on higher floors got along with
one another better than roommates on lower floors (schiffenbauer, 1979). However, as
reported earlier, Edwards, booth, and Edwards (1982) concluded that high rises are
associated with greater marital discord than low rises.
High-rise residents may have more acquaintances but fewer friends because residents
of high rises simply encounter a larger number of people in their building than residents
of low rises (Churchman & Ginsberg, 1984). More of these people are strangers,, but
one gets to know some of the strangers, over time, at least superficially. In a study
conducted in Israel, women who lived in higher floors knew more of their neighbours,
but women who lived on lower floors had closer relations with their neighbours.
Consistent with the notion that lower levels are associated with more friendships,
garden apartment residents reported having three times as many friends in the building
as did high-rise residents(Boyd, Morris & Peel, 1965).

6.3 SUICIDE IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENTS-

The substitution hypothesis has been most frequently debated in the context of the gun
control issue, but can also be applied to high rises; certainly some people do commit
suicide by jumping from tall buildings. A different view, the availability hypothesis, holds
that tall buildings, to some extent, encourage or facilitate suicides that would not have
otherwise occurred (Clarke & Lester, 1989). Greater access to lethal means is expected
to increase the overall suicide rate. This hypothesis implies that tall buildings give some
people the notion and a means of killing themselves that would not otherwise have
occurred to them.

23 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 Fig. 6.3.5 Boy trying to jump from his apatment
A subsequent study conducted in Singapore also supports the availability hypothesis
(Lester, 1994). From 1960 to 1976, as the percentage of the population who lived in
high-rises climbed from 9 to 51%, the per capita suicide rate by leaping increased from
1.43 to 5.71 per 100,000, a fourfold increase. Over the same period, suicide by all other
means declined from 7.17 to 5.49 per 100,000. Thus, although the overall suicide rate
increased by 30 %, the rate of suicide by leaping increased many times faster,
suggesting that more tall buildings leads to more suicides by providing opportunities to
leap from them. One is tempted to speculate that dissatisfaction with the high-rise form
itself is a contributing factor.

24 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 7

CASE STUDY

25 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

CASE 1 – BALAJI TOWER V

Location – Located on Mahal

Road, Jagatpura,
Jaipur

Introduction –
Building type – Mixed use
Apartment Building

No. of Floors – G + 8

Total Building Height – 31.8 M

Fig.7.1.6 Location Map of Balaji Tower V

Site Plan -

Lotus Paradise
Barren land

Fig.7.1.7 Site plan of balaji tower V

26 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 No. of dwelling units per
floor – 10

No. of rooms per

dwelling unit - 2

No garden is provided in
the apartment for
children to play.

Two fire staircases are

provided in case of
emergency.

Main doors flats are

facing each other.

Two core areas are

provided at the corner of
each flat.

Each flat has balcony.

Fig.7.1.8 Floor plan of balaji tower V

Fig.7.1.9 Plan of 1 dwelling unit Fig.7.1.10 Elevation

27 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

CASE 2 : VENUS PLUS OKAY

Location – Located on Mahal

Road, Jagatpura,
Jaipur

Introduction –
Building type – Apartment
Building

No. of Floors – G + 10

Total Building Height – 34.3 M

Fig.7.2.11 Location map

SITE PLAN

Fig.7.2.12 Site Plan

28 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 No. of dwelling units per
floor – 10

No. of rooms per

dwelling unit - 2 & 3

Garden is provided in the

apartment for children to
play.

Three fire staircases are

provided in case of
emergency.

Main doors flats are

facing each other.

Three core areas are

provided at the center of
floor.

Each flat has balcony.

Fig.7.2.13 Floor Plan

Fig.7.2.14 3BHK Layout Plan Fig.7.2.15 Elevation

29 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

CASE 3 : OKAY PLUS GREEN HEIGHTS

Location – Located on Sirsi Road

Introduction –
Developer – Okay Plus Group
Building type – Apartment
Building

No. of Floors – G+8

Total Building Height – 28.7 M

Fig.7.3.16 Location Map

SITE PLAN -

Fig.7.3.17 Site Plan

30 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 No. of dwelling units per floor – 8

No. of rooms per dwelling unit -

1&2

Garden is provided in the

apartment for children to play.

Swimming Pool is provided.

Two fire staircases are provided in

case of emergency.

Main doors flats are facing each

other.

Two core areas are provided at the

center of floor.

Each flat has balcony.

Fig.7.3.18 Floor Plan

Fig.7.3.19 Layout Plan Fig.7.3.20 Elevation

31 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

CASE 4 : UDB SOUTHERN HEIGHTS

Location – Located in Jagatpura,

Jaipur

Introduction –
Developer – UDB Group
Building type – Apartment
Building

No. of Floors – G+8

Total Building Height – 28.7 M

Fig.7.4.21 Location Map

SITE PLAN –

Fig.7.4.22 Site Plan

32 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 No. of dwelling units per floor – 8

No. of rooms per dwelling unit - 2

&3

Garden is provided in the apartment

for children to play.

Swimming Pool is provided.

Two fire staircases are provided in

case of emergency.

Main doors flats are facing each

other.

Two lifts are provided at the corner of

floor.

Each flat has balcony.

Fig.7.4.23 Floor Plan

Fig.7.4.24 2BHK Layout Plan Fig.7.4.25 Elevation

33 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

CASE 5 : SDC KEYSTONE

Location – Located in Prata Nagar,

Jaipur

Introduction –
Developer – SDC Group
Building type – Apartment
Building

No. of Floors – G+8

Total Building Height – 28.7 M

Fig.7.5.26 Location Map

SITE PLAN –

Fig.7.5.27 Site Plan

34 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 No. of dwelling units per floor – 8

No. of rooms per dwelling unit - 2 & 3

Garden is provided in the apartment

for children to play.

Two fire staircases are provided in

case of emergency.

Main doors flats are facing each

other.

Core area is provided at the center of

floor.

Each flat has balcony.

Fig.7.5.28 Typical Floor Plan

Fig.7.5.29 2BHK Layout Plan Fig.7.5.30

35 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 8

ANALYSIS

36 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

S.NO PARAMETER HIGH-RISE APARTMENT BUILDING LOW-RISE APARTMENT BUILDING INFERENCES

STRAIN a) DWELLING UNIT

1.
i. MALE
Table 1 shows the number of males living in high rise Table 2 shows the number of males living in low rise Tendency to develop
apartment are satisfied from their dwellings. apartment are satisfied with their dwellings. strain is more in older
AGE SATI DIS- AGE DIS-
person than the elder
75 SATIS person of high rise
GRO SFIE SATIS 80 GROU
FIED
SATIS 100 85
UP D FIED 62 P FIED
57
71 70 apartments. Male
NO. % NO. %
60
NO. % NO. % 80
38
43 elder resident is less
BELO
12 38 16 62 40
25
BELO
15 71 6 29 60 likely to develop
W 30 W 30
30-55 9 57 7 43 20 30-55 12 85 2 15 40 29 30 strain as they spent
ABOV 15 less time in their
ABOV
1 25 3 75 0
E 55
7 70 3 30 20
E 55 BELOW 30 30-55 ABOVE 55 apartment.
TOTA TOTA
34 75 11 25
0
20 43 26 57 DIS-SATISFIED % SATISFIED % L BELOW 30-55 ABOVE
L
30 56
ii. FEMALE
Table 3 shows the number of females living in high rise Table 4 shows the number of females living in low rise Females of high-rise
apartment are satisfied from their dwelling unit. apartment are satisfied with their dwelling unit. are less satisfied with
S.NO AGE DIS- their dwelling units
AGE DIS- SATIS 120
SATIS 75 100
GRO
FIED
SATIS 80 65 67 GROU
FIED
SATIS
100
and more likely to
UP FIED P FIED 82 75
60
NO. % NO. % 80
develop strain as they
NO. % NO. % 35 33
40 25 BELO 60 spent more time in
BELO 19 82 4 18
W 30
10 35 18 65 20 W 30 40 18 25 apartment than
0 30-55 15 75 5 25 20 0 males.
30-55 6 33 12 67
BELOW 30 30-55 ABOVE 55 ABOV 0
ABOV 12 100 - -
2 25 6 75 E 55 BELOW 30-55 ABOVE
E 55
DISSATISFIED % SATISFIED % TOTA 30 55
TOTA 46 83 9 17
18 33 36 67 L
L DISSATISFIED % SATISFIED %

Table 5 shows the comparison between male and Table 6 shows the comparison between male and In high rise
females that are satisfied with their dwelling unit. females that are satisfied with their dwelling unit. apartments residents
living in upper stories
DIS- 80 67 DIS- 100 83 are less satisfied with
SATIS SATIS 75
SEX SATIS 57 SEX SATIS
FIED 60 FIED their dwelling units as
FIED 43 FIED
33
NO. % NO. % 40 NO. % NO. % 50 25 compared to the
17
MALE 20 43 26 57 20 residents of lower
MALE 34 75 11 25
FEMA 0 0 floors from same
18 33 36 67 FEMA
LE MALE FEMALE 46 83 9 17 MALE FEMALE
LE apartments.
TOTA DISSATISFIED % SATISFIED % TOTA DISSATISFIED % SATISFIED %
38 38 62 62 80 80 20 20
L L

37 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

S.NO PARAMETER HIGH-RISE APARTMENT BUILDING LOW-RISE APARTMENT BUILDING INFERENCES

2. CROWDING Apartment- Sirsi Road

FLAT FLAT

The residents of apartment

building either living on upper or
Apartment-3 Jagatpura lower floor feels crowded as they
share same core area and the
doors of their dwelling units are
opposite to each other which
leads to lack in privacy.

The dwelling unit is arranged such that the mainS.NO

door faced each other.

CROWDED CROWDED
42% 43%

58% NOT 57% NOT

CROWDED CROWDED

3. SOCIAL The residents of high-rise

BEHAVIOUR CONTACTS apartments have lesser
CONTACTS WITH
31% 24% WITH contacts with their neighbour.
NEIGHBOUR
NEIGHBOUR This is due to the fact that as
NO CONTACT NO CONTACT we go up we started to feel
69%
WITH NEIGHBOUR 76% WITH
NEIGHBOUR
superior and talk less to other
people.

38 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

S.NO PARAMETER HIGH-RISE APARTMENT BUILDING LOW-RISE APARTMENT BUILDING INFERENCES

HELP
HELP NEIGHBOUR The residents of high-rise
8% NEIGHBOUR 8%
apartment building have less
PRO- SOCIAL 15% 15% DO NOT tendency to help their neighbours
4.
BEHAVIOUR HELP THEIR as many of the residents are
DO NOT NEIGHBOUR
77% HELP THEIR 77% either students or work.
NEIGHBOUR DON’T
KNOW THEIR
NEIGHBOUR

5. MENTAL HEALTH
HAVE HAVE
ENOUGH ENOUGH
38% GREEN SPACE 30% GREEN
S.NO SPACE Low-rise buildings have more
62% DO NOT HAVE DO NOT green space as they are
GREEN SPACE 70% HAVE connected to the ground than
GREEN high-rise apartments and also
SPACE
parents allow their child to play
outside which resulted in better
mental health in residents of low-
rise apartments.

CHILDREN CHILDREN
PLAY 25% PLAY
42% OUTSIDE OUTSIDE
58% DON'T DON'T PLAY
PLAY 75% OUTSIDE
OUTSIDE

39 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

 CHAPTER 8

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

40 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

CONCLUSION

Analyzing the data by the factors mentioned in the table, following points are concluded-

 The residents of apartment building either living on upper or lower floor feels
crowded as they share same core area and the doors of their dwelling units are
opposite to each other which leads to lack in privacy.

 The residents of high-rise apartments have lesser contacts with their neighbor.

 Females of high-rise are less satisfied with their dwelling units and more likely to
develop strain as they spent more time in apartment than males.

 Low-rise buildings have more green space as they are connected to the ground
than high-rise apartments and also parents allow their child to play outside which
resulted in better mental health in residents of low-rise apartments.

 As the perception of housing environments is concerned the two groups of

residents belonging to the age groups of 35-50 years, 51-60 years and above 60
years, irrespective of their genders have differed substantially. No such
difference is, however, detected in the perceptions of high rise and non high rise
dwellers of below 35 years of age.

Admittedly, vertical expansion of the cities is the only remedy to the problem of
scarcity of land space resulting from population explosion and erection of high rise
buildings is inevitable. the responsibilities of the promoters and builders should not
be restricted only in providing accommodation to people in high rise apartments but
at the same time they must ensure proper environmental facilities to the dwellers so
that they may live comfortably and peacefully without anxieties and appearance.

41 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

RECOMMENDATION –

The general implication are the architects and designers need to exercise caution in
assessing residents satisfaction with high-rise residences. Buildings or apartments
should not be judged without consideration of the living habits and expectations of the
residents. The need to consider man’s needs and behavior is also of critical importance
in the design of high-rise apartment building.

 Doors of dwelling units should not face each other while designing a floor plate.

 Apartments should have security facilities so that parents of upper floors can
allow their child to play outside.

 Apartments should have gardens etc so that people can connect with their
neighbors.

42 PSYCHOLOGY OF HUMANS IN HIGH-RISE APARTMENT

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Donald J. Conway / Human Response To Tall Building / Dowen, Hutchinson

& Ross, Inc. / United States Of America / 1977
2. Methua Chatterjee / Perception Of Housing Environment Among High Rise
Dwellers / Journal Of The Indian Academy Of Applied Psychology / 2009
3. Robert Gifford/ Consequences Of Living In High-Rise Buildings/ University Of
Sydney / 2007
4. Gary W. Evans / The Built Environment And Mental Health / Journal Of Urban
Health: Bulletin Of The New York Academy Of Medicine / 2003
5. Mir M. Ali And Kheir Al-Kodmany / Tall Buildings And Urban Habitat Of The
21st Century: A Global Perspective / School Of Architecture, University Of
Illinois At Urbana-Champaign, Usa / 2012
6. Eldemery Ibrahim / High-Rise Buildings – Needs & Impacts / Cib World
Building Congress / 2007
7. Solvig Ekblad, Finn Werne / Housing And Health In Beijing: Implications Of
High-Rise Housing On Children And The Aged / The Journal Of Sociology &
Social Welfare, Western Machighan University / 1990

viii