Psychological Impact on Design: Empirical Case Studies in City Regeneration of Post-industrial Sites

Industry restructuring are pressures faced by cities in both the East and West. Some successful Chinese examples do not consider the distinctive characteristics of local and demand for experience from people. Nowadays, people expect more than just function in their chosen environment but benefit from interaction, connection and engaging the senses. Good Human-Centred Emotional Design (HCED) generates not only happiness and but also a sense of security and safety. Empirical case study was used as a means of human-centred research, to explore the contribution of psychological factors in post-industrial sites regeneration. Applying Norman’s concept of three levels of design as a tool, this paper will examine whether the designs offered at current renovation projects satisfy visitors’ expectation, in terms of visceral appearance, experience of interaction with environment and finally the psychological satisfaction of people. Thereby, to clarify how can architectural/environmental psychology and emotional design theory enhance the design.