A research team at the University of Toronto at Scarborough worked with several European designers to see what sort of spaces pleases our brains more.
Fast Company reports that the team, led by psychologist Oshin Vartanian, found that people are “far more likely to call a room beautiful when its design is round instead of linear.”
Hence, when Philip Johnson first visited the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by the curve-master Frank Gehry, the tears he reportedly shed were caused by the building’s design tapping into some primordial human emotional network.
To conduct the study, the team slid people into a brain imaging machine and showed them pictures of rooms and buildings. They found that oblong couches, oval rugs, and looping floor patterns were universally seen as beautiful by all men and women who participated.
One of the many conclusions Vartanian and his team found was that human brains associate sharp lines (and sharp objects in general) with a threat, so curves signal a lack of threat, or safety.
Learn more about the research at Fast Company.
Related Stories
| Apr 3, 2012
Product Solutions
Two new PV systems; a lighter shelf; and fire alarm/emergency communication system.
| Apr 3, 2012
Blaine Brownell on innovative materials applications in architecture
Brownell, who was named a BD+C 40 Under 40 in 2006, provides insight regarding emerging material trends and the creative implementation of materials.
| Apr 3, 2012
AGC Glass to reopen shuttered plant
Shuttered since 2008, the plant produces clear and tinted float glass serving architectural glass markets.
| Apr 3, 2012
Luxury hotel 'groundscraper' planned in abandoned quarry
Would you spend $300 a night to sleep underground? You might, once you see the designs for China's latest hotel project.
| Apr 3, 2012
SSOE acquires MEP Firm CRS Engineering & Design Consultants
The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.
| Apr 3, 2012
Suffolk completes phase one of Baystate Medical Center expansion
Construction management firm awarded emergency department project for successful build of $296 million MassMutual Wing and Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center.
| Apr 3, 2012
Meyer receives RCMA's Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award
The Martin A. Davis Industry Leadership Award is presented annually to an individual, selected by his or her peers, who has exemplified outstanding service and made significant contributions to the roof coatings industry.
| Apr 3, 2012
Johns Manville publishes 2011 Sustainability Report
Report covers JM’s long-time sustainability focus and progress towards goals.
| Apr 3, 2012
Educational facilities see long-term benefits of fiber cement cladding
Illumination Series panels made for a trouble-free, quick installation at a cost-effective price. The design for Red Hawk Elementary School stems from the desire to create a vibrant place for kids to learn. In an effort to achieve this design, RB+B Architects selected Nichiha USA to provide a durable yet modern, contemporary exterior finish.
