flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Study explores why high ceilings are popular

Architects

Study explores why high ceilings are popular

High ceilings give us a sense of freedom, new research finds


By BD+C Staff | March 9, 2015
Study finds out why most people like high ceilings

Interior view of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Photo courtesy Jean_Christophe Benoist/Wikimedia Commons

Real-estate listings usually include high ceilings as an amenity. This makes sense, as research has shown that home buyers tend to prefer homes above the standard eight-foot ceiling.

A recent study done by a team from the University of Toronto-Scarborough (UTS), who revealed to us recently why the human brain prefers curvy buildings, also explored why high ceilings are desirable.

Led by psychologist Oshin Vartanian of the UTS found that our brains tie high ceilings to a psychological sense of freedom, Fast Company reports.

In addition, the team also looked at the brain activity of research subjects who were placed under a neuroimaging scanner as they reviewed pictures of interiors. They found that the majority of respondents labeled a space with high ceilings as “beautiful.”

“Such rooms promote visuospatial exploration,” Vartanian told Fast Company. “At the same time they prompt us to think more freely. This could be a rather potent combination for inducing positive feelings.”

Fast Company has the full report.

Related Stories

Architects | Oct 2, 2018

Gensler, in latest report, highlights where resilient design could make the greatest impact on the built environment

The firm showcases its own recent projects as demonstrations for what can work in six areas.

Architects | Sep 24, 2018

Assembly (and rigorous planning) required: Managing the pros and cons of modular construction

While offering efficiency and flexibility, modular construction requires extensive planning and collaboration to avoid potential challenges.

Architects | Sep 19, 2018

Back it up: Parking lot trends

There are two shifts that we are seeing in parking lot planning and design – and these shifts are rooted in parking’s place at the intersection of environment, transportation, and market behavior.

Architects | Sep 14, 2018

We’ve entered the golden age of brain science. What does it mean for AEC firms?

New research from the SMPS Foundation explores the known principles and most recent research surrounding the human brain and behavioral science. The goal: to discover connections between the science and the AEC business. 

Architects | Sep 6, 2018

S/L/A/M Collaborative completes merger with L.A.-based firm

The healthcare sector is one of Frank Webb Architects’ strengths.

Giants 400 | Sep 6, 2018

What's happening at 89 design firms

The latest developments at 89 of the nation's largest architecture and architecture/engineering (AE) firms.

Architects | Sep 6, 2018

Little details, big questions: Occupancy planning 101 for healthcare facilities

Transitioning into a new hospital is no easy feat and daily tasks can have a huge impact.

Architects | Aug 14, 2018

AIA takes a firmer stand on making schools safer with better design

The Institute urges the formation of a federal clearinghouse for best practices, and wants security-related design to be eligible for grants.

Architects | Aug 9, 2018

The convergence of product design and architecture

Great design is born out of simplicity, purity, timelessness, unobtrusiveness and intuitiveness.

Architects | Aug 1, 2018

Client experience as competitive advantage for AEC firms

Clients are looking for solutions to their business problems from collaborative advisors. They’ve come to expect a higher level of service and detail than what was provided in the past.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



Urban Planning

The magic of L.A.’s Melrose Mile

Great streets are generally not initially curated or willed into being. Rather, they emerge organically from unintentional synergies of commercial, business, cultural and economic drivers. L.A.’s Melrose Avenue is a prime example. 


Curtain Wall

7 steps to investigating curtain wall leaks

It is common for significant curtain wall leakage to involve multiple variables. Therefore, a comprehensive multi-faceted investigation is required to determine the origin of leakage, according to building enclosure consultants Richard Aeck and John A. Rudisill with Rimkus. 

halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021