Academic Articles

Perception of Fear of Crime Through Environmental Design: A Microscale
Approach

This study refines the evaluation of the perception of Fear of Crime (FoC) with its (in) tangible aspects
using the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) methodology. For this, a microscale
approach based on the discipline of Environmental Psychology was built and applied in a university case
study in Quito, Ecuador. The methodology is quantitative, descriptive in scope and cross-sectional. The
non-probabilistic sample of 320 university students used a mobile participatory method and a victimization
questionnaire. From there, foundations are laid for the CPTED theoretical-practical development.

2018

Environmental Consciousness and the conduct of energy consumption in the labour context of the financial centre of Quito, Ecuador.

The construction industry has been promoting green building ratings and certification systems as an instrument of environmental sustainability. Despite this promotion, there is evidence of indifference, apathy and scepticism of saving behaviour. In this framework, alliances between psychology and architecture have contributed to the analysis of the behaviour of office workers in the workplace of Quito, Ecuador. This research verified the extent to which the environmental awareness of office workers is inherent to the green building standards. The methodology measured saving behaviours, patterns of electronic equipment usage and the level of environmental awareness through online surveys that were distributed by QR code to the participants. The surveys were based on Theory of Planned Behavior (TCP) interrelating psychosocial factors for the promotion of saving behaviours. Subsequently, the results were processed by statistical methods. Results have shown that 9 out of 10 office workers consider that saving energy is not relevant, therefore their savings levels are low. Thus, the majority do not disconnect electronic equipment in workspaces, despite this behaviour, 69% are willing to integrate ecological environmental education practices. This volitional change acquires significance by applying a sustainable and institutionalized multi-commitment vision as this research proposes.

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2016

Identifying Occupant Patterns in a Super-tall Building Through the Theory of Planned Behavior Model.

Substantial energy, water, and solid waste savings can be achieved by user behavior detection and consumption patterns. This empirical research proposes a systematic framework with the adoption of mixed methods approach. Qualitative data is based on the Theory of Planned Behavior model (TPB), which analyses personal and situational variables detecting the consumption awareness of the building occupant, as the first research objective. This research aims to provide new management to promote a positive and sustainable behavior shift. A survey was conducted to provide an “ultimate status” of the building user behavior. The survey method is considered most adequate for the building user due to the direct contact with preferences and habits. Inclusion criteria focused on men and women FTW (full time workers) in the super-tall building. Finally, the results were computed, measured, and analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings demonstrate the type and frecuency of plugging personal appliances, the building water consumption above baselines levels, the most generated solid waste in the building, and the enviornmental and consumption awareness of the user. Moreover it was possible to understand and rank the building user’s behaviors, preferences, and awareness that could modify the building consumption. Under the conclusion section it was proposed new potential strategies to be developed further as pilot projects in super-tall buildings.

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