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Research and Consulting for Better Physical Settings

Optimizing the relationship between people and environments since 1987
 


What do we do?

Optimal Environments engages in research and consulting on human interactions with built and natural environments:  

  • Facility programming
  • Post-Occupancy Evaluation
  • Recommendations
  • Basic research

Problems and issues we investigate:

The issues we study range from the influence of physical features on individual wellbeing and group behaviors, to environmental attitudes and practices, to societal issues such as housing trends and health in relation to housing.

Some important factors and themes
  • Lighting
  • Color
  • Noise
  • Temperature
  • Spatial arrangements
  • Defensible space
  • Crowding
  • Territoriality
  • Wayfinding
  • Nature and human-animal interactions
  • Conservation attitudes and behaviors
  • Environmental preferences
  • Health and environment
  • Housing satisfaction

We have worked for clients such as:

  • Space agency
  • Federal government
  • Municipal government
  • Library board
  • School board
  • Non-profit organizations

Research methods:

The Optimal Environments team offers its methodological expertise to its clients. OE's researchers are trained in both quantitative and qualitative analyses. They develop specific research tools, adapted to each issue they examine. The most recent scientific literature reviews are always part of our work.

OE's research strategies include large surveys, in-depth face-to-face interviews, focus groups, behavioral observations, environmental and plan analyses and, if requested, laboratory experiments.

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© 2006 Optimal Environments, Inc
Website:Cecile Lacombe