Designing Spaces That Shape Human Behaviour.
Architecture has a profound impact on human behaviour, emotions, and overall well-being. From the height of a ceiling to the contours of a façade, the spaces we inhabit shape how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. Recent advancements in neuroscience and psychology have uncovered the intricate ways in which design elements, like light, proportion, and circulation, affect our mental and physical states.
This growing field of study underscores the responsibility of architects and designers to craft spaces that go beyond aesthetics, creating environments that truly support human health, connection, and productivity. to affect our cognition and habits, offering fascinating insights into how sensory elements in our surroundings can encourage positive behaviours and enhance the spaces we share.
"We shape our buildings. Thereafter our buildings shape us."
In May 1940, a 65-year-old Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was thrust into the midst of a world war during his first term in parliament. Although not the popular choice among his own party, his strength of character, charisma, rhetoric, and inspirational leadership style quickly earned him the hearts, minds, and trust of the British people. Finally, in his now-famous public address stating, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat,” he roused the parliament to cheers and applause.
It was during this period of increasing support and influence that, in October 1943, following the destruction of the Commons Chamber during the Blitz on 10 and 11 May 1941, Churchill fiercely opposed a redesign of the chambers into a semi-circular or horseshoe shape, which was favoured by most legislative assemblies at the time. In an impassioned speech to the House of Lords, he requested that the exact layout of the bombed House of Commons be preserved. Churchill was resolute that the rectangular shape of the old Chamber was integral to the two-party system, which he believed held the essence of British parliamentary democracy.
Looking at the design of the chambers, few could argue with his contention. While this is a great example of the impact of buildings and interiors on behaviour, similar examples are all around us, though they most often go unnoticed. With that said, let’s examine a few architectural examples that trigger near-universal behavioural responses.
Examples of Architecture Influencing Behaviour:
Ceilings and Ceiling Heights
Most of us feel a sense of awe and even spirituality when we enter a grand cathedral. Why? These spaces were designed to evoke exactly this response. According to science and human physiology, our eyes tend to roll upwards when thinking of large spaces or distant times. Upward eye movement is also associated with intense religious experiences, meditative states, and even hallucinations. Thus, vast and majestic ceilings that draw our eyes upwards activate parts of the brain responsible for abstract thought. This is why high ceilings are essential for creative spaces, while low ceilings are better suited for task-oriented environments.
Circulation and Orientation
Why do we sometimes feel anxiety or discomfort in big public spaces? For example, the Seattle Central Library, designed by Dutch firm OMA/Rem Koolhaas, has won multiple architectural awards. Yet, it is often criticised as disorienting. One library user even remarked she left as soon as she could figure out how to exit, fearing an anxiety attack. This discomfort stems largely from poor circulation. Evolutionarily, humans are hardwired to avoid spaces where escape routes are unclear. While the library’s escalators offer an obvious way in, the lack of an intuitive exit creates unease. Clear circulation is as vital inside buildings as it is outdoors.
Shapes and Forms
Soft contours versus sharp edges: Research into psychology and aesthetics shows a near-universal preference for curved contours. Curves are perceived as safe and inviting, activating areas in the brain associated with reward and pleasure. Sharp edges, in contrast, activate fear-detection systems, signalling risk. This effect is so pronounced that studies by the University of Haifa found that people behaved more aggressively when surrounded by sharp, angular art than by soft, curved designs. A controversial architectural example is the 2007 Royal Ontario Museum extension in Toronto, designed by Daniel Libeskind, which has faced public backlash and was even voted the "ugliest building of the decade."
Façade Detail
Colin Ellard, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the University of Waterloo, studies how building facades affect people. His findings reveal that monotonous, featureless facades negatively impact mood, while visually complex facades create a positive effect. For example, while walking subjects past a long, smoked-glass frontage of a Whole Foods in Manhattan, their mood declined, and they quickened their pace. However, when walking past restaurants and stores with engaging facades, their energy levels increased.
Social and Anti-Social Spaces
Spaces designed for connection can foster community, while poorly designed spaces can isolate people. For example, the infamous Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in St. Louis failed due to its featureless facades and uninspiring open spaces. Conversely, the revamped Lawrence Public Library in Kansas became a thriving community hub by incorporating gathering spaces, sound rooms, reading nooks, and even a grassy amphitheatre connecting the library to the local pool.
Authenticity
While 86% of people claim authenticity influences their choices, studies show we value fidelity over truth. For instance, museum visitors often prefer plastic dinosaur reconstructions over authentic fossils. Similarly, faux materials like ceramic tiles designed to mimic wood are widely accepted, showing we prioritise appearance over reality.
Boring Versus Complex Spaces
Long-term exposure to bland environments can increase cortisol levels, contributing to stress, strokes, and heart disease. This highlights the importance of designing spaces with the correct level of complexity to positively affect health and wellbeing.
The profound impact of architecture on human behaviour and well-being is undeniable. From shaping our emotions to influencing our social interactions, the spaces we inhabit play a critical role in our daily lives. As advancements in neuroscience and psychology continue to shed light on these connections, architects and designers are increasingly called upon to create environments that not only look good but also feel good. By understanding and applying these principles, we have the opportunity to design spaces that enhance health, foster connection, and inspire creativity, shaping a better future for all.
Information Reference Index:
How Citrus Scents Influence Behaviour: Insights from Rob W. Holland's Research
Harnessing the Power of Scent in Interior Design
Olfactory Cues and Behavioral Outcomes: The Role of Scents in Human Psychology
Subtle Influences of Scent on Behaviour
The Scent of Cleanliness: Behavioral Effects of Clean Smells
Smells like Clean Spirit: Nonconscious Effects of Scent on Cognition and Behavior
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