An exploration of the psychosocial factors that influence climate action agency in architecture and allied fields

The objective of this thesis is to understand the psychosocial influences on architects' agency in enacting climate action through architectural practice. By identifying the social and emotional dimensions of climate change, the research aims to better understand the barriers and facilitators to action in architectural practice. Recognising the often-overlooked emotional and social dimensions of climate change, the research investigates barriers and facilitators to climate-responsive architectural work. Data was drawn from a national survey conducted during the 2024 Architecture Climate Futures Forum, which captured both quantitative and qualitative responses from ninety-nine participants working or studying in architecture and allied fields.

This research highlights the importance of integrating psychosocial well-being into climate-focused architectural education, practice, and policy. The findings also point towards the value of social networks and collective agency as mechanisms to foster resilience and support meaningful climate action. By addressing both barriers and facilitators to agency, combined with emotional dimensions, the study offers a more holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing architects in the Anthropocene.