The Impact of Architectural Designs on People
Empathetic designs have a wide range of influences on people. These can include people's physical health, cultural awareness, behavior and mood. People's feelings and wellbeing can be affected by the aesthetic value of architectural designs. This has been proven through many examples.
Psychological Effects
People's mental health can change depending on the design of a building, such as its exterior and interior surfaces. Materials used in construction can also affect people's psychological state; natural lighting and color can increase positive emotions. An example of this is the effect light has on people with anxiety or depression.
Physiological Effects
People living in buildings with a well-designed ventilation system can expect benefits such as better air quality and more comfortable body temperature. Other benefits include the ability to climb stairs with reduced muscle fatigue and the use of ramps instead of stairs for people with limited mobility.
Social Impacts
Certain architectural designs can affect how people live and work together. For example, open offices are ideal for cooperation and interaction while closed offices create more private work environments.
Cultural Impacts
People's identities are shaped by the architectural designs of a region; this is because traditional designs often come from a region's cultural background.
Environmental Impacts
The style of architecture has environmental consequences. For example, ecologically conscious designs can help people live in harmony with nature.