This work evolved into a larger interest in the way that the social and physical setting in which a person lives affects behaviors and attitudes. In this broader mode of inquiry, his work pioneered the idea that behaviors depend on the social and physical context. His works on neighbourhoods in Illinois, California, Missouri, and modern planned places such as Poundbury (in the UK), Seaside, Florida (USA), Kentlands, Maryland (USA), and Celebration, Florida (USA) all demonstrate that the physical setting is an important determinant of the kinds of interpersonal connections a person forms, and interpersonal connections are a strong determinant of the way the people form political views.
This research evolved into a larger focus on how social and physical environments impact behaviors and attitudes. This broader perspective highlighted that behaviors are shaped by their surroundings. His work on neighborhoods across various locations like Illinois, California, Missouri, and modern planned communities in the UK, Florida (USA), Maryland (USA), and Florida (USA) showed that the physical environment significantly influences interpersonal connections people form, which in turn strongly affects how individuals develop political views.