What does the term “built environment” mean?

The term built environment is used when referring to those surroundings created

• for humans,
• by humans, and
• to be used for human activity.

Examples would include cities, buildings, urban spaces, walkways, roads, parks, etc.

The study of the built environment is interdisciplinary in nature and can include such disciplines as:

• visual arts
• architecture
• engineering
• urban planning
• history
• interior design
• industrial design
• geography
• environmental studies
• anthropology / sociology