Can Architecture Affect The Way You Feel?
How do you quantify a feeling? Can architecture affect the way you feel? Can it influence your wellbeing? If you ask anyone in the Architecture industry, the answer will be a resounding “Yes”. In addition to professional experience supporting this, scientific studies published by The National Library of Medicine, European Psychiatry , and Lesley University have all concluded that architecture does influence the wellbeing of its users.
Anecdotal evidence can be traced back as far as the earliest temples, cathedrals, and places of worship having the ability to evoke a sense of magnificence, serenity, and tranquility. More recently there has been a shift in focus towards how designing with safety, natural lighting, atmosphere, air quality, noise, and layout can act to reduce stress and promote healing. This is particularly prevalent in todays health care design. This focus is commonly called “Wellness Architecture” . With modern day life having most people spending a majority of their time indoors its important to focus on how our built environment can improve our lives. Biophilic design is one such way. Biophilic Design seeks to reconnect people with nature to promote physical and mental wellbeing. Biophilic design emulates various elements of nature like lighting, planting, materials, and patterns. This design method also places a particular importance on natural materials and reduction in harmful chemicals found in most common construction materials.
If you cant build a brand new house based on wellness principles don’t get discouraged!
As winter sets in here are some basics to help you in the space you’re in.
- Place a reading chair near a window with views of exterior nature.
- Take advantage of any east, west, or south facing windows to let light deep into spaces.
- Soften those 90 degree corners with plants, books, or natural fabrics.
- Hanging fabrics, wall and ceiling decorations will help noise reduction and reverberation.
- Place an item of importance in focal area.
- Don’t be afraid of natural color schemes.
If you are interested in building your new home or remodel reach out to BONSAI to begin the process today.
