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

Healthcare Facilities | Jul 6, 2015

The main noisemakers in healthcare facilities: behavior and technology

Over the past few decades, numerous research studies have concluded that noise in hospitals can have a deleterious effect on patient care and recovery.

BIM and Information Technology | Jul 6, 2015

New documentary shows Legos as touchstones of creativity

The film's narrator, actor Jason Bateman, says it’s a story “about a simple toy and how its unique properties ushered in a new era of creativity for a whole generation.” 

Contractors | Jul 1, 2015

ABC: Nonresidential construction spending continues growth with stellar May

Through the first five months of 2015, nonresidential construction spending is having its second best year since the Census Bureau began tracking the metric in 2002, according to ABC. 

Architects | Jun 29, 2015

Getty Foundation announces second series of ‘Keeping It Modern’ grants to conserve 20th century architecture

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple and Erich Mendelsohn’s Einstein Tower are among the 14 projects added to the Keeping It Modern grant program.

Architects | Jun 29, 2015

9 top picks for continuing education from BD+C University

A roundup of top AIA/CES Discovery courses from BD+C University.

Industrial Facilities | Jun 24, 2015

5 trends that will shape the future of scientific labs

Scientific research is increasingly focusing on data collection and analytical analysis of that data, meaning the "lab of the future" will more closely resemble contemporary tech spaces, writes Gensler’s Erik Lustgarten.

Architects | Jun 23, 2015

Architecture Billings Index back to positive territory for May 2015

The American Institute of Architects reported the May ABI score was 51.9, up from a mark of 48.8 in April.

Architects | Jun 23, 2015

If film directors designed homes, what would they look like?

From Burton to Bergman, Gondry to Greenway, artist Federico Babina illustrates what buildings would look like if designed by the world’s greatest directors.

High-rise Construction | Jun 23, 2015

The world's best new skyscrapers for 2015

One World Trade Center and Abu Dhabi's Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Tower are among the four towers named Best Tall Buildings by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

Museums | Jun 23, 2015

Moreau Kusunoki's 'art in the city' scheme wins Guggenheim Helsinki design competition

The firm’s design concept makes use of the museum’s site, turning it into a bustling, well-connected waterfront hub.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category


Museums

The Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a $110 million expansion

In Tampa, Fla., the Tampa Museum of Art will soon undergo a 77,904-sf Centennial Expansion project. The museum plans to reach its $110 million fundraising goal by late 2024 or early 2025 and then break ground. Designed by Weiss/Manfredi, and with construction manager The Beck Group, the expansion will redefine the museum’s surrounding site.



Reconstruction & Renovation

Movement to protect historic buildings raises sharp criticism

While the movement to preserve historic buildings has widespread support, it also has some sharp critics with well-funded opposition groups springing up in recent years. Some opponents are linked to the Stand Together Foundation, founded and bankrolled by the Koch family’s conservative philanthropic organization, according to a column in Governing magazine.

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