Recent studies have shown that our environment has a significant impact on how we feel, and what kind of people we become. The field, known as environmental psychology, explores how features of the surrounding landscape affect us physically and psychologically.

Architecture is an integral part of the landscape that shapes who you are. As architects, it is important to be aware of this effect so that your work is meaningful and effective for others.

Landscape architect Victoria Thomann explains in her article Why Is Parks Outrageous? that “the natural surroundings influence human behavior and mood”.1 She goes onto say more about the importance of nature for mental health, including:

Improved overall well-being

Reduced stress and anxiety

Enhanced quality of life

Increased social interaction and connectedness

More motivation and inspiration towards personal goals

Decreased depression and suicide risk

These benefits apply not only to individuals but also to communities, cultures, and nations.2

Many governments and institutions use green space to promote wellness and productivity. For example, research shows that spending time in parks can help prevent employee burnout by lowering levels of stress.3

This article will discuss some ways that architecture impacts society, such as through effects on politics and culture. But first, let’s look at why designing buildings with respect to the natural world is essential.

Who is an architect?

As we have seen, being an architect comes with several prerequisites, but beyond that there are few universal qualities that define the profession. This article will go into more detail about who is an architect by defining different types of architects and what it takes to be considered professional.

Undergraduate programs in architecture typically offer three major areas of study: design, business, and construction management. More advanced studies often focus even further down these three areas or mix them all together.

A lot of students choose to specialize early on, which can limit their opportunities later if they want to become generalists. Business people may enter into the field as professionals, while others decide to stay closer to home and work in construction.

Architects must maintain certain educational requirements and be registered with either The Royal Australian College of Architects (RACoA) or The Institution of Structural Engineers (ISE), for example. Technically speaking, only those members who are professionally qualified should use the term ‘architect’.

Famous architects

Some famous architectural styles are so well known, they have inspired many other designers to create their own versions of them. These designs often stick very closely to what was originally done in the style, but are slightly tweaked to make it more unique.

The Art Deco style is a good example of this. Originally designed in the 1920s, it featured geometric shapes, sleek curves, and bright colors. It also emphasized large windows and steel or glass structures.

This design became popular during the Great Depression due to its elegant look that appealed to both wealthy and middle class people. A few examples you will see variations of Art Deco include the Chrysler Corporate Headquarters, the Empire State Building, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Modern architecture is another style that has influenced others. This includes styles such as Post-and-beam (where beams run under the floor and up through the ceiling) and flat roofs with exposed structural members.

These two features were used together in the work of Le Corbusier. He built several houses and apartment buildings throughout his career that feature his signature shape — a roof with only one gable wall.

He called these types of roofs “gabled” because they have only one peak instead of two. The inspiration for this came from looking at the mountains in France and Switzerland where there are sometimes just one high mountain ridge in the area.

The impact of architecture on society

Over time, certain styles of building develop into examples that influence how people live their lives. Buildings that promote social cohesion are more likely to be lived in than buildings that create conflict.

This is because individuals subconsciously associate such spaces with other groups of people who believe similarly about what makes life worth living.

These beliefs can range from different religions, to interests like football or yoga, to simply having friends that you meet in common.

Architectural settings that encourage sharing space give rise to these types of groupings. This is why some apartment complexes have very lively communities, while others remain relatively isolated.

Other architectural features, like large windows or outdoor terraces, help people enjoy nature or connect with the surrounding area.

As we all know, natural light brings out warmth in interior spaces, and is also motivating for those who work outside.

It’s no wonder then that many office skyscrapers feature lots of glass and generous rooftop green areas.

Another important element of socially cohesive environments is consistency. For example, whether it’s patterns used in furniture design, colors or textures, or general layouts.

Such qualities make for easy “fit” and feel-like-I-have-already-been-here experiences. This helps people get along, since they perceive things as familiar.

The environment and nature

We as humans thrive in environments that are rich in natural beauty, plants, water, and other such resources. These resources play an integral part in our health and wellness, helping to fulfill our need for tranquility and relaxation.

Natural spaces aid in stress relief by reducing anxiety and creating more balance in your life. This helps you focus on what needs to be done next while also giving you motivation to do things because they're simply enjoyable experiences.

We spend a large amount of time indoors, so making changes to improve the quality of the space is important. A few examples of this include using glass or plastic instead of wood paneling, replacing the carpet with hardwood floors, and adding green touches (plants, etc.).

Environmental psychology examines how features of the built environment influence human behavior. For example, research has shown that people who work outdoors are happier than those who don’t, and being outside fosters mental clarity and productivity.

Architects have many opportunities to design into their projects environmental amenities like balconies, windows, plantlife, and outdoor seating areas. They can use these tools to enhance the home’s usability and appeal and contribute to the overall feeling of wellbeing it creates.

Running out of inspiration? You aren't alone. But looking beyond the usual suspects - beaches, mountains, and city skylines - there's another way to add some lush greenery to your daily look.

The art of architecture

What makes an excellent building is not just its looks, but what it represents about who built it and why they chose to build that particular structure.

We can talk about this concept for hours – even years! It’s like talking about music or literature. Different people will have different ideas about what qualities make something worthy of praise as “music” or “literature,” but there are some universal traits that apply.

In his book _Beauty in Truth_, British philosopher John Keats said that beauty is derived from clarity, consistency, proportion, and harmony. These ideals also describe many beautiful buildings!

Clarity — We know exactly what you mean when we read your writing or look at your painting.

Consistency — Your handwriting changes, but your style does not. Or if it does, you keep refining it.

Proportion — A tree has leaves and branches, and humans have limbs and muscles. Buildings do too!

Harmony — Like trees, humans need air to breathe, and buildings should be no exception. In fact, a house with a solid roof could potentially trap heat, which would negatively affect indoor temperature and health.

All of these things take time, effort, and money to achieve, making them special. But unfortunately, not everyone has access to spend all those resources on creating their dream home.

That’s where government comes into play.

Organization of architecture

Another significant influence that architects have is their organization. Who your team members are, what kind of leadership you provide, and how well you work with others all make a large impact on how society functions.

We’ve discussed before the importance of having an organized workflow, but this applies to much more than just creating new documents and moving materials around.

It also includes things like keeping up-to-date notes and files, organizing projects and assignments by topic or person, using efficient communication tools, etc.

All of these things contribute to the formation and stability of social structures. For example, people who know you can rely on you being present for meetings, projects, and conversations.

This helps them plan events, activities, and responsibilities in advance, which creates consistency and efficiency. It also helps them avoid wasting time trying to contact or meet you where they could be waiting hours!

Architecture has many different departments and teams that handle various tasks. This way, each individual knows exactly who to go to when something needs doing.

Overall, architectural organizations promote trust, consistency, and efficiency which are important qualities in any good system.

Now that you know some ways that architecture shapes our lives, keep exploring! Try looking at other areas of life through an architect’s lens if you want to find more insights.

The future of architecture

In our present state, we can say that architecture has become more democratic. Anybody with an interest in it can learn how to create beautiful spaces or even make their own space seem incredible.

This is not always the case. A few decades ago, people who wanted to be architects had to go through rigorous education programs that took years to complete. Only then would they get to work as an architect, which mostly means being given very little money and having limited access to resources and materials.

Nowadays, anyone can pick up a book about designing anything from kitchens to bedrooms to office spaces. You no longer have to be professionally trained to put your thoughts into practice.

There are many ways in which this shift towards greater accessibility impacts society. It gives average individuals the chance to design and construct things for themselves or for others to use.

Architects today must deal with users of their designs much more than ever before. This includes people with no formal training in interior decoration or lifestyle changes that include moving into one’s new home room by room.

Architecture and fashion

As we have seen, buildings play an integral part in shaping our society and culture. They influence how people interact with each other, what kind of social structures are formed, and what messages individuals get about life.

Architecture also shapes individual self-image or internalized beliefs about who you are as a person. Your personal style is influenced by your lifestyle and surroundings, but some themes keep recurring.

Certain types of houses and apartments seem to epitomize certain personality traits and lifestyles. For example, there are many tall skyscraper silhouettes that emphasize strength and confidence.

And then there are homes with lots of windows and doors, which create a sense of openness and exposure. These qualities can be very attractive if you feel like you’re hiding something.

Running water is another feature that reminds us that we are not completely isolated from the world. It gives us more of a feeling of control, however limited it may be.

When these features come together, they form a theme that speaks to the person looking at them. And for others, such decorations convey a message – either positive or negative.

It could say “I value strong leadership” or “I want to know I am being controlled by someone else” – depending on whether you put those things into effect yourself or not.

This article will talk more about this concept, including examples and tips.