The Ivory Tower and the Brick & Mortar: Minding the Gap

This paper addresses the issue of the disconnect that exists between environment-behavior research and design professions, explores the reasons for the perpetual lack of connection, and suggests some practical solutions that both researchers and practitioners can adopt to bridge the gap. The discussion points out that research and practice should not be mutually exclusive and that they should work in unison. The paper suggests a few approaches towards creating this link. Although fundamental epistemological disparities separate them, the fields of inquiry and practice can be linked by the most critical aspect; the socio-psycho-cultural dimensions of design.