Psychology of space: how architecture and design impact our well-being – Online Psychologists

We humans build and design properties according to our needs, but, in a certain way, these homes also “build” us and adapt us to ourselves.

You may not know that people spend most of their lives indoors. Specifically, according to the National Human Activity Patterns Survey (NHAPS) in the United States, it is estimated that around 90% of the time is spent within four walls.

In a more practical sense, this means that by the time you are 40, you will have spent 36 of those years indoors. If you are interested in calculating the average time you have spent indoors so far, you simply need to multiply your age by 0.9.

However, we have never stopped to think about how these scenarios affect our mental and physical well-being. It is incredible how a place can generate impressions, sensations and emotions just by looking at it.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by seeing a neglected and messy space? Or, on the contrary, have you ever felt peace and tranquility when seeing a place with a good smell, well decorated and minimalist?

Most people have, at some point, participated in similar experiences, but it must be taken into account that the personal characteristics of each individual also play a role.

In this context, it is worth noting that psychology and interior design are closely related. It should also be added that psychology plays an essential role in the various environments around us, whether at home or in the office.

What is spatial psychology? What is its relationship to interior design? How does it affect our well-being? What are its benefits? How can we apply it to our environment? We will delve deeper into these aspects below.

Dave Alan Kopec, a specialist in the subject and professor at the New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego, shows that the psychology of space is “the study of human relationships and behaviors in relation to their context, in built and natural environments.”

With a direct impact on the subconscious and the contribution to the development of impressions through the representation and processing of the various geometries of space, interior design has become an essential aspect of the psychological field. However, it is not the only aspect, since interior spaces take on great weight. In this line, the architect must introduce these conditions and tools as a solution to his clients.

In recent years, the increased importance placed on the functional physiognomy of architecture has begun to produce that places tend to be the mirror of the program they encompass. According to architect and associate professor at the University of Nottingham, Dr. Sergio Altamonte, «Buildings and urban spaces must be designed, first and foremost, according to their occupants. The importance of architecture as a trigger for physical, physiological and psychological well-being is becoming a very important topic today.

While some places feed your stress, others can produce a feeling of calm without you knowing the reasons. In this way, the psychology of interior spacessometimes, is based on the study and research of the links between the environment and people.

According to Irving Weiner, professor of environmental psychology, «Some of these environmental stimuli that we cannot see or touch, however, have a direct influence on our behavior or mood»In short, the aspects that alter our behavior are not easily recognized.

If the principles regarding the environmental psychology When it comes to the design process, productive buildings can be created. On the other hand, if this knowledge is lacking, ideas are not clear, since they depend on the designer and his capacity for sensitivity, creativity, understanding and research.

This is what Professor of Design and Environmental Analysis Alan Hedge points out: “The problem is that most of the work done on the topic is purely psychological or associated with behaviour, so it is not possible to easily translate it into specific recommendations for design.”Ultimately, the design and architecture of interior spaces are quite complex aspects, just like the people who live in them.

In the interior design sector, Psychology is a derivation of environmental psychologysince it is responsible for analyzing the existing relationships between different types of environments and how these influence the behavior and mood of those who live in those places. Its purpose is to have a positive impact and make the most of the results of that relationship.

Every place we frequent and every space we visit has something to do with us, that is, it has an effect on us when we are there. This is what psychology in interior design is all about, conveying sensations. To do this, it uses colour, the arrangement of objects, as well as the choice of certain elements. This is reflected in a study carried out by the doctor in Design and Human Environment, Sibel Seda Dazkir. “Objects designed with curved and sinuous lines awaken sensations related to happiness and relaxation., while rectangular lines are associated with feelings of coldness and hostility.”

It is true that The relationship between interior design and psychology has always existedHowever, since the 19th century, it has gained relevance.

And although the relationship between psychology and interior design has always existed, it seems to have gained ground in the 19th century. But how does it affect us? Here are the keys.

As we see it, space and mood have a special relationship. That is why specialists base themselves on the personal aspects of their clients, as well as on their personality, to design the perfect space that suits their needs.

So how do spaces affect people psychologically? What emotions can they provoke in people? The most important aspects are outlined below:

However, it is essential not to generalize, since each person is different. Thus, the value lies in authenticity, since each individual feels, thinks and acts in a different way from the rest, the same will happen with the perception of spaces. In this way, a place can transmit serenity to some and stress to others.

On the other hand, to achieve a functional and peaceful space, it is vitally important to take nature into account. That is, you have to incorporate plants, flowers, etc. into the spaces in order to transmit good vibrations and sensations, while being functional.

What elements must be taken into account in order to consider a nature design in space?

The distribution of spaces, as well as the arrangement of the items that make it up and the color that is used influence our emotions and sensations. In fact, there are a series of tips from psychology in interior design to decorate a house in an appropriate way:

Finally, it is essential not to forget that, in a space, every detail is relevant, since, in one way or another, It induces people who live there or visit it to remember, which leads to awakening different emotions and sensations.

Efficient and multifunctional kitchens with islands

Islands are an element that can be beneficial in any kitchen, as long as you take into consideration components that can help combine and have better access and design in an island and kitchen. This can be achieved by incorporating stools or chairs, dishwashers, drawers or even dishwashers, ovens and microwaves.

Things to consider:

Dimensions are important for both functional and aesthetic reasons. An island that is too large in a small space would overload the kitchen, and since it is the main part of the kitchen, this would be an obstacle when moving around it. To be manageable, an island should have 120 cm of free space around it.

Before choosing the elements that will make up the kitchen, it is essential to know and take into consideration the size of the island, in order to know which elements can be incorporated. After all, space is limited. It is also important to avoid saturating the island.

From an aesthetic point of view, it is the main way to differentiate the island, since they often incorporate accent lights, pendants and other attractive pieces. In short, good lighting is a key aspect so that residents can see the food while cooking or eating.

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