ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture

Psychology of Space: How Architectural Elements Affect People's Behavior and Emotional

Well-Being

Submitted By:

Binuya, Eugene Raphael

Hererra, Stephen Blair S.

Magpusao, John Khervie

Mulato, Rocky Jhon

Sanchez, Contessa Mica G.

Tadifa, Kenneth

December 10, 2024

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture

Introduction

Architecture is a powerful and multifaceted discipline that shapes the physical

environment we inhabit. Beyond its utilitarian function of providing shelter, architecture has a

profound impact on human behavior and psychological well-being. The design of spaces

influences our mood, emotions, productivity, and overall quality of life. The careful selection of

colors, the balance of open and closed spaces, and the incorporation of cultural symbols can

significantly influence people's emotional well-being and psychological response to architectural

environments. The influence of architecture on human behavior and psychological well-being,

evident in its impact on emotions, cognition, and social dynamics, underscores the importance of

designing spaces that enhance our quality of life. Perri, N. (2023). (Thesis Statement)

Architectural design profoundly impacts human behavior and emotional well-being, and by

prioritizing elements such as natural light, color elements, and functional spatial layouts,

architects and designers can actively foster mental health, productivity, and social connectivity,

challenging the notion that aesthetics alone should drive the construction of our environments.

According to Harrouk, C. (2020), the built environment significantly impacts our

psychological well-being. The design of spaces, including the use of color, lighting, and spatial

arrangement, can evoke a range of emotions and influence our behavior. For instance, warm

colors can stimulate energy, while cool colors can promote relaxation. Open spaces can foster a

sense of freedom and creativity, while closed spaces may induce feelings of confinement.
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture

Furthermore, the symbolic elements within architectural design can evoke cultural and emotional

responses. By understanding these psychological implications, architects can create spaces that

enhance our overall quality of life. However, translating psychological research into tangible

design solutions remains a challenge. While designers can incorporate principles like balance,

proportion, and color psychology, the specific application often relies on their creativity and

sensitivity to the intended use of the space.

Cognitive processes like attention, memory, and perception play a crucial role in how we

experience architecture. By understanding these processes, architects can design spaces that

enhance cognitive performance. For instance, incorporating elements that spark curiosity and

mental stimulation can boost creativity and productivity. Additionally, tailoring designs to

accommodate diverse cognitive abilities can create spaces that support optimal functioning for

various user groups. Scientific research has revealed that specific architectural features can

significantly impact human behavior. Studies have shown how certain spatial configurations can

influence social interactions and emotional states. By understanding the neurological basis of

these effects, architects can intentionally design spaces that promote positive behaviors, social

cohesion, and overall well-being. As cited in Canter and Canter's "The Psychology of Place"

delves into how people perceive and respond to urban environments. Their research highlights the

importance of mental representations of cities, showing how these mental images influence our

emotions, behaviors, and decision-making. For instance, a bustling city street might evoke
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture

excitement and energy for some, while a tranquil park might induce feelings of peace and

relaxation. By understanding the psychological impact of urban spaces, we can design

environments that promote well-being and positive experiences. Chotkangwarn, G., et al. (2023).

According to Nasir, O. (2024)., Color psychology can significantly impact our emotions

and behavior. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can energize and stimulate, making them

suitable for spaces like dining rooms or recreational areas. On the other hand, cool colors like

blue, green, and purple can promote relaxation and tranquility, making them ideal for bedrooms or

meditation spaces.
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture

References

Perri, N. (2023). The Psychology of Space: How Architecture Affects Human

Behavior. Unraveling Archi. https://www.unravelingarchitecture.com/post/the-psychology-of-

space-how-architecture-affects-human-behavior.

Harrouk, C. (2020, March 20). Psychology of Space: How Interiors Impact our Behavior? |

ArchDaily. Archdaily. Retrieved December 09, 2024 from

https://www.archdaily.com/936027/psychology-of-space-how-interiors-impact-our-behavior

Chotkangwarn, G., et al. (2023). Architecture's Influence on Psychology and Human

Behavior. Danuda Chotkangwarn. Retrieved December 09, 2024 from

https://www.academia.edu/102275042/THE_IMPACT_OF_ARCHITECTURE ON

PSYCHOLOGY : EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BUILT

ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN BEHAVIOR

Nasir, O. (2024). Psychology of Space: How Architecture Impacts Human

Behavior. (2024). Parametric Architecture. https://parametric-architecture.com/how-

architecture-impactshuman-behavior/.
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture
 ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

ANGELES CITY, PHILIPPINES

Department of Architecture
College of Engineering and Architecture