The Human Response to Physical Structure

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The Human Response to Physical Structure

Most of the world's inhabitants view space and structure through visual elements such as bricks, rock, vegetation and foliage, hallways, doors, windows, trims, and flooring. These elements combine to allow each individual's experience of a space. The German word gestalt means form or shape. Gestalt psychology attempts to investigate the human mind and how it conceives of or recognizes patterns. Scientists believe the human mind is wired to search for import and significance in sensory information input. This wiring may be the evolutionary result of hundreds of thousands of years of human development. “Human instinct for survival was based upon changes in color in the environment (to seek shelter upon lower light levels indicating the coming of night) or auditory input (the snap of a twig indicating the threat of a predator)” (Popow, 2000, p. 2). A central issue of environmental psychology is the manner in which different types of settings can trigger different emotional states in individuals; whether positive or negative reactions and behaviors.

Architecture is described as the design of a structure able to house people or objects. The visual appeal, the colors, the building materials, and the dimensions contribute either negatively or positively to human behavior. The most elementary and basic architectural tools may be adeptly manipulated to promote a positive and humane environment even under severe constrictions. Architecture operates as an essential tool in the restoration of positive and healthy human consciousness. Therefore, environmentally conscious architecture is a critical step toward a more progressive understanding of human health (Ouroussoff, 1999).

Research within psycho...

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.... Retrieved from http://www.architecture-student.com/sustainable-

design/importance-of-sustainable-architecture-in-21st-century/

Ouroussoff, N. (1999, Jan 30). Architecture review; designed to help healing; renowned architect

I.M. Pei overcomes projects restraints and creates an uplifting environment for UCLA

hospital. Los Angeles Times, pp. 1-1. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/421337523?accountid=35812

Popow, V. G. (2000, December). A report on psychology and architecture. Grand Lodge of

Manitoba. V.1. Retrieved from http://www.grandlodge.mb.ca/mrc_docs/Psychology%20of%20Architecture.pdf

Straub, R. O. (2007). Health psychology. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Worth.

Veitch, J. A. (2008). Investigating and Influencing How Buildings Affect Health:

Interdisciplinary Endeavours. Canadian Psychology, 49(4), 281-288.

doi:10.1037/a0013567

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