Abstract
In order to clarify man-environment interaction, the paper focuses on the mental system in which we recognize the spatial relationship of the environment. This system, which is based on our usual experience, is named 'spatial schemata' here and considered as consist of the recognized 'places' and some rules which combine these 'places'. The word 'places' was defined first, after careful consideration given to the relationships between human behavior and physical settings. A model of 'spatial schemata' was hypothesized with reference to Minsky's Frame Theory. Four frames were chosen to represent 'spatial schemata' here '. 'KOKO (here)' frame, 'ASOKO (over there)' frame, which represent mentally near and far places respectively, 'connected' frame and 'separated' frame, which represent the spatial relationship between two 'places'. Finally, an analysis on subjects' sketch-maps were made to examine validity of this model. In conclusion, the differences between each types of sketch-maps were clearly described using the four frames. As a result: of this experimental investigation the proposed model of 'spatial schemata' was proved to be an effectual system to describe man-environment interaction.
