Emanuele Giovanetti 10.11.2024 – ©copyright2024 GIOVANETTI HOME SA
The relationship between space and well-being is complex and fascinating, and several factors contribute to why one space may make people feel good, while another may be tiring or even unpleasant. Below, we delve into these dynamics, integrating insights from neuroscience and architecture:
1. Sensory Systems and Perception of the Environment.
- Sensory Stimulation: Spaces activate our senses. An environment that offers pleasant visual, tactile and acoustic stimuli can generate positive emotions. Conversely, spaces overloaded with stimuli or with poor lighting can create discomfort and fatigue.
- Colors and Materials: Neuroscience has shown that the colors and materials used in an environment influence our mood. Warm, natural colors can promote a feeling of comfort and relaxation, while cold or harsh colors can be oppressive.
2. Natural Spaces.
- Connecting with Nature: Environments that incorporate natural elements such as plants, natural light and views of outdoor landscapes can enhance psychological well-being. This approach, known as “biophilic design,” is based on our innate desire to connect with nature.
- Return to Places: Positive experiences associated with natural spaces can stimulate memory and a desire to return to those environments. Trees, gardens and water create a sense of tranquility and belonging.
3. Functionality and Comfort
- Design to Measure: An environment designed for the activities that take place there, with a logical layout and functional spaces, facilitates interaction and comfort. Impractical or overcrowded spaces can lead to stress and frustration.
- Comfort Zones: Areas well designed for relaxation or socializing encourage people to spend more time in those spaces, creating positive memories.
4. Memory and Identity
- Meaningful Experiences: Places associated with meaningful experiences or positive emotions are remembered better. If a space evokes pleasant memories, people will be more likely to return.
- Place Identity: Spaces that reflect a strong cultural or personal identity can elicit feelings of belonging and pride, influencing return decisions.
5. Psychological and Physiological Effects
- Brain Responses: Architecture and the physical environment influence brain activity. Neurologically, well-designed spaces that provide safety and comfort can stimulate areas of the brain associated with happiness and tranquility.
- Stress and Fatigue: Stressful spaces, such as those that are crowded or cluttered, can activate negative responses in the brain, increasing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels and causing fatigue.
6. The importance of Community and Socialization
- Social Spaces: Environments that promote positive social interactions can create a sense of community and belonging. Sociability is intrinsically linked to our well-being and states of mind.
- Recognition and Interaction: Places where people feel recognized and appreciated tend to keep them coming back, creating a connection beyond the pure functionality of the space.
Conclusion
Design approaches in the spaces in which we spend most of our lives must consider not only aesthetics, but also the deep connection between environment, emotion, and human behavior. Leveraging neuroscience findings can guide architects and designers toward creating environments that not only meet practical needs but also contribute to people’s overall well-being. Awareness of what impact the environment can have on emotions and social interactions is critical to designing spaces that are truly welcoming, stimulating, and conducive to a better quality of life.
