Research concerned with the effects of population density on humans is inconsistent in demonstrating aversive effects of high density. The concept of ‘crowding’ is discussed in an attempt to develop a suitable definition. Crowding is said to result from physical density, a necessary antecedent condition, and a number of personal and social factors. Characteristics of the physical environment, social environment, task environment, and individual are explored in order to delineate the determinants of crowding, and the effects of density and crowding on human behavior are discussed. Several theories of crowding are critically examined, and the superiority of the interference model is argued. The interference model is translated into principles aimed at providing planners with concrete intervention strategies for dealing with the problem of overcrowding.
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