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How Architecture Shapes Our Minds and Well-Being

  • 4 min read
  • January 19, 2024

As we navigate the spaces around us, it’s essential to recognize the silent influence of architecture on our mental states. Designers bear the responsibility not only to create visually appealing aesthetics but also to ensure that their creations are inherently functional and user-friendly. How does the power of design create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the surface? 

Case study: Pruitt-Igoe Housing Complex

Architecture goes beyond building design; it shapes environments that influence human experiences. However, history holds cautionary tales, and one such narrative is etched in the concrete blocks of the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in St. Louis, Missouri.

Initially designed for affordable housing, Pruitt-Igoe lacked crucial amenities, resulting in ill-conceived public spaces and a stark disconnect among residents. The 33 featureless blocks became synonymous with crime and social dysfunction, reflecting a broader issue in architectural planning.

The failures of Pruitt-Igoe weren’t isolated incidents but revealed a systemic problem. This prompts the question: How does the lack of proper space planning influence people’s well-being?

Benefits of nature in our well-being 

Claire Latane emphasizes that contact with nature and daylight enhances recovery, fosters belonging, and provides freedom and access to natural light. Studies have also shown that exposure to daylight activates Vitamin D in the skin, aiding calcium absorption and boosting the immune system for faster healing. Sunlight also acts as a natural disinfectant, reducing infection-causing microbes in the environment.

Architecture and Nature

This is where architecture becomes an active participant in shaping our experiences, influencing not only how we perceive the spaces we inhabit but also how we interact with others within those spaces. 
 
Ruth Dalton, a professor at Northumbria University, notes architects often overlook evidence-based guidelines for user-friendly designs. While the benefits of parks and open areas are well-established, the reality is that many cities find themselves grappling with budget constraints and limited available land. 
 
As urban areas expand and populations grow, the demand for accessible and well-designed parks becomes increasingly crucial. The tension between the well-documented advantages of these green spaces and the practical constraints faced by cities prompts us to reconsider our approach to urban planning and architectural design
 

Conclusion

By understanding the psychological nuances of design, we can advocate for spaces that promote well-being, foster connections, and contribute to a healthier and happier society. The art and science of architecture, it seems, extends far beyond the physical structures we see—it shapes the very fabric of our thoughts and emotions.

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