Thomas Heatherwick, who believes architecture has a “nutritional value” to society, discusses how boring architecture can harm our psychological well-being. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing urban spaces by incorporating complexity and fascination to enhance concentration and overall health.
Modern buildings lacking complexity deprive the brain of necessary sensory stimulation.
Architecture should prioritize creating impactful societal backdrops to influence emotions and experiences.
Deep dives
The Psychological Impact of Boring Buildings
Designer Thomas Heatherwick criticizes the modern construction industry for producing buildings that are monotonous and psychologically depriving. Heatherwick explains that the repetitive features of modern buildings induce boredom, which he argues is harmful as it deprives the brain of necessary sensory stimulation. Heatherwick cites research by cognitive neuroscientist Colin Ellard, showing that people's mood and emotional arousal are significantly affected by uninspiring urban architecture, triggering a fight or flight response.
The Need for Complex and Fascinating Architectural Design
Heatherwick emphasizes the importance of complexity and fascination in architectural design to satisfy the brain's need for sensory stimulation. Drawing from the attention restoration theory developed by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, Heatherwick highlights the positive impact of natural environments on concentration and well-being. Heatherwick calls for a shift in architectural priorities, urging architects to consider the external appearance of buildings as crucial societal backdrops that influence people's emotions and experiences.
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Exploring the Harmful Impact of Boring Architecture and the Importance of Humanizing Urban Spaces