The effects of architecture on mental health have been discussed for some time now, but most discussions focus more on whether or not living in an environment with rich colors or having clear views are better for your overall wellness.

There are several theories about how different architectural features influence our moods and emotions. Some say that natural light is helpful to keep us motivated, while others believe that darker interior designs make people feel depressed.

Certain buildings or types of spaces may evoke strong emotional responses due to their shapes, decorations, or textures. These reactions can be positive or negative, making it important to learn what styles of architecture help create healthy environments.

Architecture has powerful impacts on our psychology and well-being. This article will discuss the various ways that architecture affects mental health, as well as practical tips to improve your own inner peace.

I’d like to emphasize that this topic should be considered beyond just exploring new places to spend time outside of work or learning more about aesthetics.

These concepts apply to both individuals who are already suffering from psychological disorders as well as those who are not. In fact, studying these ideas may even aid in recovery if you're struggling with depression or anxiety.

Factors that affect mental health

There are many factors outside your home environment that can have an effect on your overall mood and wellness. These include things like your job, financial situation, relationships, and more.

Other examples of environmental effects include how close you live to parks or nature, and if you feel safe in and around your neighborhood.

Overall, the better your mental health, the closer you will stick to healthy habits (sleep, exercise, diet, etc.). The worse your mental health, the less likely it is going to be improved with changes in this area!

Environmentally-focused interventions for mental health include improving community resources, increasing accessibility to green space, and reducing exposure to trauma by learning about and changing strategies to cope with stressors.

How architecture affects mental health

People have spent lots of time thinking about how nature helps us relax, reduce stress, and focus. A growing body of research now suggests that the way we live in buildings also impacts your overall wellness.

Certain features of an aesthetically pleasing environment can help regulate emotions, influence self-confidence, promote connection with others, and facilitate productive interactions within groups or societies. These effects are not limited to specific settings, types of people, or periods in life — they occur anywhere there is space for reflection and recovery.

Research shows that spending time in environments rich in natural beauty can improve emotional well-being, increase perceived control and safety, decrease anxiety, promote connectedness, and enhance quality of life. On the other hand, living in high-stress urban areas may contribute to psychological distress.

Architecture has powerful impacts on mood and psychology. If you want to feel happier, healthier, and more confident in yourself, your home, work, school, and community spaces should reflect this effect.

Examples of how architecture affects mental health

Evidence suggests that the way in which you live your life, and the surroundings you are surrounded by have an effect on your overall wellness.

Your home environment can influence your mood and stress level for better or for worse.

The quality of your living space impacts your sense of well-being. For example, research has shown that people who lived in homes with larger windows were less likely to suffer from depression than those who lived in homes with smaller windows.

Likewise, there is some evidence suggesting that people feel happier when they live in environments with more natural light.

Architecture also shapes social interactions. For instance, studies have found that people spend around half of their time indoors thinking about what kind of place they would like to live next.

This feeling originates from our instinctual need to find shelter and safety in times of threat.

However, we should be careful not to overexploit this instinctive fear of abandonment.

It’s important to recognize that while housing may contribute to psychological distress, it does not cause it.

What makes someone unhappy one day could easily make them happy the next.

Ways that architecture can improve mental health

Recent studies have shown that spending time in nature, engaging with art, learning about history and culture, and studying buildings can all contribute to your overall well-being.

Architecture is a form of art so this makes sense!

It’s also a powerful tool for exploring internal experiences, creating new connections between memories and ideas, and improving focus and attention since you are always looking at something novel and beautiful.

Many people feel disconnected from the natural world so going out into it and interacting with what you see helps restore some connection.

And while much has been made about how spending time in historical landmarks improves our understanding of humanity, there’s another area where architectural study can help – reduce stress.

Landmarks were designed to inspire awe, just like we do when we look up at the night sky or spend hours watching a sunset.

Their sheer magnificence takes away our focus only to make us admire them even more which gives us a moment to reset and reevaluate our place in the universe.

Music often accompanies these experiences making it possible to connect emotionally to the setting.

Given that music can influence mood, this feature becomes an integral part of relaxation.

Urban exploration is another activity that many find calming because they are seeking inspiration or discovery in the space.

All of these effects work by reducing arousal and tension, helping you relax and return to normal functioning.

More evidence on the effects of architecture on mental health

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing amount of research exploring how architectural features influence our mood and emotions.

Many different types of buildings have special qualities that affect the way we feel. These include things like how spacious or closed off a space is, whether it offers natural light, and if it uses materials such as glass that look into the outside world.

The buildings you pass during daily commutes may make a difference to your overall well-being.

A small study carried out in Switzerland found that people who commute by train were happier than those who had to use public transport or a car.

This seems counterintuitive given that most commuters are usually rushing somewhere after work. But being able to take time to contemplate where you’re going can help reduce stress and enjoy the journey more.

Ways that you can improve your mental health

A growing body of research confirms what many people have known for years — being surrounded by buildings with a sense of wonder and exploration is important to overall wellbeing.

A few studies even suggest that looking at lots of different types of buildings may help reduce stress, boost mood and facilitate social interaction.

This seems intuitively obvious, but it’s interesting to note that there are now several well-designed clinical trials exploring this link.

One such trial investigated whether engaging in an activity focused on building patterns would increase engagement in other areas of life.

The results? Participants who engaged in structured pattern exposure had improved attention and concentration, as well as reduced anxiety and depression compared to those who didn’t do the exercise.

There's also some evidence suggesting that walking around a city or nature area might be more effective than taking walks in nearby parks, which could be due to better visibility of landscape features.

Seek help when you need it

Over the past few decades, there has been an explosion of interest in how architectural features influence mental health. Some studies have even suggested that certain buildings or types of architecture can boost your overall mood and wellness.

Various reasons have been proposed to explain this link, but all seem to agree that spending time in nature, looking out windows, and having easy access to public transportation are important for your well-being.

Landscape architect Shoshana Keck described her experiences with the effect landscape design had on patients she worked with during her career. She said many people suffering from depression would tell her they were too busy working to enjoy their lives outside the house.

By creating more open spaces and green areas, she would give them the opportunity to do so. This also helped eliminate feeling confined, which made it easier to connect with others. By being able to relate to other people, they felt happier.

More than just helping someone feel better about themselves by letting them admire the natural world around them, it may also improve their physical health. A review conducted in 2017 found that walking in a park or forest improved symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Other studies have shown that exposure to greener environments reduces blood pressure and insulin levels, both of which contribute to healthier cholesterol. Research also shows that individuals who lived near parks were less likely to suffer from obesity than those who didn’t.

Talk to your doctor

Over the past few years, there has been growing interest in how architectural features influence mental health. Some research indicates that looking at nature or spending time in buildings with bright colors can be helpful for people’s overall wellness.

Other studies have found associations between certain types of architecture and negative psychological effects.

For example, researchers observed higher rates of symptoms of anxiety and depression among students who studied under fluorescent lighting as compared to natural light. A similar finding was reported in college dorms where some rooms had glass windows that allowed direct exposure to the outside world but also exposed residents inside the room to significant amounts of external noise and stress.

You may already know about some of these potential effects, but what if I tell you it could get worse?

Architectural features such as tall office towers or apartment complexes with large numbers of apartments can contribute to feelings of loneliness or isolation. This can make it more difficult to connect with other people and help you feel depressed or discouraged when you don’t find many friendly faces around you.

On the other hand, living near green spaces or hiking trails can reduce stress and improve mood. It makes sense — nature is known to boost endorphins (the hormones that give us happy thoughts) and exercise is linked to improved emotional well-being.

If you are concerned about the impact that the design of your home or work environment might have on your mental health, talk to your doctor.