The Neuroscience of Architecture

Recent studies in neuroscience show that the design of the built environment affects the way you feel and your behavior. New brain scan technology is revealing emotional reactions to color choice, rounded corners, and ceiling height.

1 minute read

May 11, 2009, 5:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"In the current issue of Scientific American Mind, Emily Anthes describes how ceiling height, colors and other design factors influence attention and creativity. Scientists are just beginning to address these questions, in part by studying changes in brain activity as subjects make their way through virtual reality rooms."

"Are we hard-wired to dislike minimal interiors? A joint study by MIT and the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health suggests that clutter increases the 'memorability' of a room and establishes a reassuring sense of place. In other words, a generous scattering of objects generates a fondness for the place."

FULL STORY: This Is Your Brain on Architecture

Thursday, May 7, 2009 in Fast Company

Architecture World Design Neuroscience

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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