Application of a Methodology for Ergonomic Diagnosis of Open Spaces

The article presents a case study regarded to the studies of the ergonomics of the built environment by adopting a methodology of cognitive assessment of open spaces where evokes issues of environmental psychology that involves the system man-environment.In the course of this methodology interviews with goers of the square chosen randomly and with different ages, seeking to grasp levels of empathy and ownership with the environment were carried out.The study aims to contribute in environment-behavior studies serving as an auxiliary model in the diagnosis of environmental performance of open spaces.The methodological tool called "constellation of attributes" generates graphical models that allow visually identify qualifiers attributes in the cognitive framework.Induced questions about the imaginary environment (subjective) and real (objective) generate answers that demonstrate attributes of relevance and the resulting "psychological distance" associated with the affective functionality of habitat.The objective is to present a methodology useful to the dynamic work of architects and designers of the urban environment to allow means to focus the psychological awareness of the user by making an instrument for diagnostic analysis of the constructed environment.