Architecture’s Impact on Creativity
Via The 99%, via Ouno Design, I found a fascinating Scientific American/Mind article which explains the link between Architecture and various type of thinking.
Architects have long intuited that the places we inhabit can affect our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. But now, … behavioral scientists are giving these hunches an empirical basis. They are unearthing tantalizing clues about how to design spaces that promote creativity, keep students focused and alert, and lead to relaxation and social intimacy.
Of particular note to Creative Businesses, are the following findings:
- Higher ceilings – even the perception of them – promote freer and more abstract thinking
- Rooms with views of nature assist mental focus
- Exposure to sunlight assists learning and boosts cognition
- Dim lighting can foster relaxation and social intimacy
- Furniture arrangement can be used to encourage either independent work or group participation
- Carpeting encourages social interaction
The more I read about the impact of workplace environments on creativity, the more I realize the importance of having a variety of settings within a workspace. Areas to create, to interact spontaneously, to encourage conversation and to perform detail-oriented work are all necessary. Bringing nature and sunlight into our workspaces, even if this means projected images and artificially produced daytime light, also make a positive impact. Perhaps simple changes can be made in our businesses. Perhaps we should encourage certain tasks to be performed outside of the workplace if the conditions are less than ideal. Let’s keep these factors in mind as we guide our teams.
