Formed officially in 1981, with roots in the 1960s architectural psychology movement, IAPS is a multidisciplinary network of researchers and practitioners focused on the relationship between people and their environments. Bringing together fields such as psychology, sociology, geography, design, and planning, it serves as a platform for both discussion and collaboration.

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Its work spans topics including spatial cognition and wayfinding; human–environment interactions; evaluation of buildings and landscapes; experiences in workplaces, schools, housing and public spaces; social uses of space (e.g. privacy, crowding); place identity and attachment; environmental challenges and risks; and the impact of urban and landscape design on quality of life.