How Architecture Affects Our Feelings: An In-Depth Look!

How Architecture Affects Our Feelings: An In-Depth Look!

At a time when we are increasingly concerned with the influence of our surroundings on our well-being, the interaction between architecture and psychology is becoming increasingly important. Particularly exciting is the research of Armin Mostafavi, a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell University's Institute for Human-Centered Design, who studies the phenomenon that people often feel uncomfortable in perfectly designed buildings. He works closely with the Viennese architect Armin Daneshgar, who works on the creation of “empathetic” buildings. Together they analyze how feelings can be evoked when entering spaces, especially sacred ones. Die Presse reports that they use immersive technologies and psychophysiological measurements to analyze people's behavior and perceptions in different buildings.

The goal of this fascinating line of research is to integrate neuroscientific findings into architecture and environmental psychology to promote people's well-being in the built environment. In recent decades, many architects have focused on the technical perfection of their designs, while human needs have often been neglected. Mostafavi and Daneshgar take an evidence-based approach to convincing decision-makers of the importance of human well-being. Their findings could help generate financial resources for future architectural projects and fundamentally change the direction of planning.

Empathic architecture in focus

Mostafavi and Daneshgar's research is not just theoretical. Over the last five years, they have implemented numerous projects in Austria that focus on human behavior and psychological experiences. These include a chapel in Burgenland whose design focuses on the emotional quality of light, as well as a medical center in Iraq. Particular mention should be made of the Big See Award-winning Ariana Eventhalle in Aspern, which uses spatial cues to improve orientation in urban environments.

What does this mean specifically for architecture, especially in the healthcare sector?In this context, “healing architecture” plays a particularly crucial role. The trend is for architects to design architecture that is not only functional but also health-promoting. Examples like the REHAB in Basel show how skylights can be used for neurophysiological stimulation of patients.

A look into the future

Given the challenges in modern hospital construction, it is becoming increasingly clear that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient. A rethink is necessary, away from purely needs-oriented architecture towards needs-oriented architecture. This confirms the finding that science-based architectural concepts can significantly reduce stress in patients and their families. An example of this is the Princes Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, which has developed innovative patient room typologies to meet the needs of parents and children.

The next steps in architecture could determine how we design future living spaces. An exciting landscape of evidence-based planning is currently developing, with the aim of making our built environment not only more beautiful, but also healthier. The work of Mostafavi and Daneshgar is a groundbreaking contribution.