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 | Feb 24, 2017

14 architects selected to receive the 2017 Young Architects Award

Young Architects are defined as professionals who have been licensed 10 years or fewer regardless of their age.

Architects | Feb 20, 2017

Take an architecture class taught by Frank Gehry

The starchitect will be teaching a course for MasterClass, an online education platform.

Architects | Feb 16, 2017

16 design trends from Gensler’s 2017 Design Forecast

Gensler examines how design will shape the human experience in the next year and beyond.

Architects | Feb 14, 2017

NCARB streamlines path to certification for architects

Architects without a degree from an accredited program can pursue NCARB certification through a new path.

Designers | Feb 1, 2017

Netflix design documentary series to feature Bjarke Ingels

Abstract: The Art of Design will delve into the artistic processes of various influential designers.

Architects | Jan 27, 2017

The Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship and Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA, honored with the 2017 Collaborative Achievement Award

Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA and the Enterprise Rose Architectural Fellowship receive the 2017 Collaborative Acievement Award.

Architects | Jan 26, 2017

Alan Greenberger, FAIA, honored with the 2017 AIA Thomas Jefferson Award

The award honors significant contributions to public architecture.

Architects | Jan 24, 2017

Politicians use architectural renderings in bid to sell Chicago’s Thompson Center

The renderings are meant to show the potential of the site located in the heart of the Chicago Loop.

Architects | Jan 23, 2017

Why corporate branded environments matter

A branded environment has the potential to create a long-lasting impression for your intended audiences.

Architects | Jan 19, 2017

Harley Ellis Devereaux merges with Deems Lewis McKinley

The combination is expected to bolster HED’s presence in northern California and the K-12 sector.

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